Say yes to paper insist captains of the Indian paper industry; enumerates the advantages of paper over plastic

"Say yes to paper," insisted Sanjeev Batra, Director of Hyve India. 

According to Batra, technological changes now make paper a reliable substitute for single use plastic, and can help save the environment through recycling.

Participants at the fair deliberated on environmental issues especially relating to single use plastic vis-à-vis packing paper.

According to Saurabh Bangur, CEO, International Papers APPM Ltd, "Paper is perhaps the only material that is biodegradable, renewable, recyclable and sustainable.  The paper industry, by encouraging farmers to grow trees on a continual ever-increasing basis not only helps in enhancing the country’s green cover but also helps in mitigating the harmful effects of climate change."

According to Batra, "A myth was being reinforced that the use of paper implies denuding forests. The paper industry in India is not cutting forests. India’s paper industry plants more trees than it uses. Scientifically, it is a proven fact that younger trees absorb more carbon dioxide than older ones. Due to the fundamental and technological revolution, 100 per cent paper produced in India today is recyclable and biodegradable. Paperex 2019 emphasis the common man to save the environment and how this essential commodity use in our everyday life can reduce pollution and promote recycling.

He said, "Today, the use of paper is not only being considered for its impact on the environment, but the usage of paper in education is also being re-valued. It is being appreciated and well accepted by the fact that retention levels are much higher when studied from the paper, instead of the digital medium."

Said Bangur, "Even the transportation of paper is easy and costs less due to volume benefit. The paper industry is reducing the pollution by 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) principle.  The paper industry is going through the transformation phase. The paper industry uses less power and water due to technological changes.  Cost of production of recycled paper is at least 30 to 40 per cent cheaper depending upon the location than recycled plastic."

He said, "With the increase in the living standard, global media and literacy rate, the requirement of better quality packaging products and the demand for other paper products, such as tissue paper, filter paper, tea bags, cardboard etc. are expected to drive the paper & paper products market in India in the coming years."

According to Saurabh Bangur, "The center of the paper industry is also shifting towards more eco-friendly goods and technology. There is a big opportunity for paper industry as single-use plastic market in India is close to approximately Rs 80,000 crore. Moreover, as the global competitiveness of the paper industry growing, stable raw material prices along with innovation in new products that are more glossy and strong will influence entrepreneurs to invest more in this 100 per cent recyclable future commodity."

Batra reiterated the sentiment saying, "Responsible and informed corporates in FMCG, food delivery and Ecommerce companies are also making best efforts to increase the use of recycling paper and eliminate the use of single-use plastic from their regular packing requirements, especially in metro cities, like Kolkata, which are close to River Ganga. In Paperex 2019, we have seen maximum traction from trade visitors in this segment from West Bengal. We have also observed the interest of the common consumer who wants to learn and experience the new products, which are sturdy like plastic and better substitute for plastic being used in the food segment."

Image Credit: Paperex website