Paper and Paperboard in India

The recycled paper and paperboard rate in India shows the exclusive capabilities of recovering waste paper and paperboard.

75% of Indian paper mills rely on recovered fiber for their production. The domestic fiber consumed in India is also nearly 30% domestically sourced with the remaining 70% from imports.

Around 12 million tons of old corrugated containers (OCC) were imported into India and other paper grades annually. In July 2023, as per CIF, India, imported recovered paper prices were at $173 per ton, with a 7.4% decline as compared to the previous month. (INDEXBOX)

According to CareEdge, the packaging market for the Indian paper and paperboard market is projected to experience an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2027 with a value of USD 15.59 billion by 2027.

Latest trends in the paper waste industry

According to care edge,

• The Indian paper industry in FY23 observed an impressive improvement in operating margins based on market capitalization.
• Higher volumes were experienced in the industry with a notable surge in net realization, leading to a sharp improvement in operating margins.
• The industry also showed important signs of stabilization in Q4FY23.
• 6.6% CAGR is projected during 2023-2027, reaching a value of USD 15.59 billion by 2027.

Raw material sources

According to papermart,

• 3.1 million tons of paper & paperboard are contributed from the Forest-based raw materials.
• 2.2 million tons of agro-based raw materials are contributed.
• 4.72 million tons of recycled fiber/waste paper were contributed.
• Indian mills are heavy on importing waste paper to meet the raw material requirements.
• The import bill for waste paper has significantly increased over the years from $5.1 million in 1980 to $1 billion in 2011.
• 4 million tons of waste paper were imported in 2011 in India from other countries.

According to experts and research reports, a 1% increase in waste paper recovery leads to savings of 0.2 million tons of raw material, 0.16 million tons of coal, 2750 MW of power, and 7.7 million m³ of water. It led to a reduction of 0.02 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

By 2025, the shared growth rate of recycled fiber/waste paper (RCF/WP)- based industry contributed an average production of around 11.7 million tons in total paper and paperboard.

Sources:- papermart, ippta, unece, careedge ratings, indexbox, recycling today, 6wresearch, the pulp and paper times