Dear Readers,

The Indian Paper Industry is more than a century old. The size and the product-mix of the paper mills have undergone a sea change since the first mill was established in India. With the spread of education and literacy and also the introduction of computers, the demand for paper has effected a perceptible change. While the captains of the industry have been estimating the demand based on current productions and projections, there has been no study conducted to precisely estimate the demand.

Inpaper International which is an international publication being brought out for the first time from India on the pulp and paper industry published by the Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association (IARPMA) has commissioned a multi client study along with Protech India Ltd. to collect precise data not only to assess the production but also to estimate demand based on current level of consumption to enable the industry to charter its course of action. The globalisation and the removal of trade barriers have enabled the international players to have foothold in Indian markets and have been successfully competing with the Indian Industry. The Indian market for paper particularly for different varieties and applications have not been studied earlier and it is in this context the Association has taken upon itself the task of conducting a study of this nature which could be useful not only to the Indian paper industry but also those who are willing to establish trade linkages in the pulp and paper industry in India. 

The gigantic task of collection of data of production and consumption was undertaken by the team of Protech, a specialised market research agency, a partner in this study, to exactly assess the consumption, as well as the shift in the consumer preferences from one variety to another. The report is first of its kind for the paper industry in the country and I am sure this would be a right sources of reference book for all those involved in the pulp and paper industry in India and abroad. 

I would like to thank the team of Protech for conducting the study and bringing out the information, as factual, as possible to enable the industry to plan its programme.  Efforts have been made to give factual information on capacities and production and if  there is any difference it may be construed either as a non-submission  of report by the mill or the same has been mentioned inadvertently. 

I am sure the report  would be of immense help to the financial institutions and all other agencies connected with the pulp and paper industry. 

The suggestions and observations would undoubtedly help the publishers in bringing out appropriate corrections in the subsequent editions of the report. 

Looking forward to the acceptance and comments on the report from the industry, and others who would like to use this report in furthering their business prospects.

PARMOD JAIN

PRESIDENT

INDIAN AGRO & RECYCLED PAPER MILLS ASSOCIATION