List of Profitable Paper Products and Paper Products Manufacturing Companies in India

The paper industry in India is becoming more promising because domestic demand is growing. Factors like the increasing population, higher literacy rates, GDP growth, better manufacturing and improving lifestyles are driving this growth. 

Many companies are expanding their production to meet the rising demand. The industry is also focusing more on eco-friendly products and new technology.

Paper Products Manufacturing in India

India ranks 15th among the world's paper-producing countries. The average paper use per person in India is about 11 kg which is much lower than the global average of 56 kg and the Asian average of 40 kg. India produces about 2.6% of the world's paper. 

The paper industry in India is made up of many small units with over 750 paper mills. However, only 50 of these mills have a production capacity of 50,000 tons per year or more. Currently, the industry is using 89% of its total production capacity.

About 70% of India’s total paper production capacity is in Gujarat, West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Another 25% comes from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Kerala, Bihar, and Assam combined.

The paper industry is important for India’s social and economic strength because paper use shows cultural growth, especially in learning and sharing knowledge. Better supply chains and logistics often depend on good paper packaging, which supports economic growth.

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India, with about 80% literacy and fast economic growth, is expected to need much more paper in the future. However, currently in india only consumes about 3% of the world’s paper production with an average person using about 10 kg of paper per year. This is low compared to countries like Indonesia (33 kg) and Japan (over 220 kg).

Globally, the demand for paper and paperboard is 402 million tonnes per year and is expected to grow to 521 million tonnes in 2021. In India, the current demand for paper, including newsprint, is about 11.15 million tonnes per year with a per capita use of roughly 10.5 kg.

Read more - different types of companies in India.

Growth in Paper Industry in India

India's paper industry is growing strongly due to fast economic expansion and rising demand. Factors like higher income, more spending per person, quick urbanization, and many people earning money are driving this growth. 

The paper industry in India has great potential. According to CARE Ratings, the overall paper demand is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 47% and reach 31.96 million tonnes by 2024-25.

Types of Indian Paper Industry

The Indian paper industry has three main segments:

Printing & Writing (P&W): This segment serves office stationery, textbooks, copier papers, notebooks, and similar products. It makes up about 31% of the paper industry in India.

Packaging & Paperboard: This segment provides paper and board for packaging in industries like FMCG, food, pharmaceuticals and textiles. It accounts for around 47% of the industry and is the fastest growing segment due to urbanization, organized retail growth and higher demand in FMCG and pharmaceutical sectors.

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Newsprint: This segment serves newspapers and magazines and forms about 18% of the paper industry in India.

Additionally, there is a big increase in demand for paper cups, which are widely used for serving beverages like tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water. Growing demand in urban and semi-urban areas, new international food chains, and acceptance of eco-friendly products are helping the paper cup industry grow. 

The demand for paper cups in India was expected to rise by 8% annually through 2019.

Raw Materials for paper manufacturing

The paper industry uses different raw materials like softwood, hardwood, and bamboo. In India, bamboo is mainly used because it is widely available. Other raw materials include:

• Forest resources like bamboo and eucalyptus
• Agricultural residues such as bagasse, rice stalks, wheat stalks, and cotton stalks
• Waste paper from recycling

Paper Manufacturing Process

The raw materials go through several steps to become paper. These steps include: wood preparation, cooking the pulp, washing the pulp, screening, bleaching, and finally making the paper. Different types of paper require some variations in the process, but the basic steps are similar. Machines used include pulp digesters, disc filters, blow tanks, vacuum drums, and roll presses.

Types of Papers

The paper industry produces many types of paper for different uses, such as:

• Tissue paper
• Craft paper
• Stone paper
• Thermal paper
• Butter paper
• Art paper
• Synthetic paper
• Seed paper
• Notebooks
• Paper cups

Starting a Paper-Making Business

Although use of paper has decreased slightly due to smartphones, paper is still widely used, especially in offices and schools for printing books and documents. A good business plan can help you start a successful paper manufacturing company.

Investment Needed

Starting a paper mill requires capital, especially for buying machinery and equipment. If you already own land for the mill, that will reduce costs. Other expenses include setting up the mill, hiring labor and transportation. The investment size depends on the scale of the mill you want to build.

List of Profitable Paper Products for Startup

Starting a paper products business can be highly profitable due to rising demand for eco-friendly, disposable and recyclable items. From packaging solutions to daily-use products, the paper industry offers diverse opportunities for startups. Below is a list of profitable paper products for startup ventures that cater to both consumer and commercial needs.

• Paper Plates with Silver Lamination: Disposable paper crockery like cups, saucers, napkins, and plates are widely used in parties and gatherings in India.
  
• Tissue Paper: Used for hygiene and cosmetics, wet face freshener tissues are portable and economical.
  
• Paper Shopping Bags: Made from strong kraft paper, these bags are replacing plastic bags in India.
  
• Banana Plant Paper: Made from banana plant shoots, it is sturdy, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
  
• Paper from Wood Chips & Pulp: Paper-based packaging items like sacks and bags are made from renewable tree sources.
  
• Paper Mill & Recycling: Paper recycling turns waste paper into new products. Waste paper from pre- and post-consumer sources is used.
  
• Pulp and Paper from Bamboo: Bamboo is widely used to make paper and specialty papers like cardboard and brown paper.
  
• Kraft Paper: Strong paper made from wood pulp or agricultural waste like bagasse and waste carton boxes. Used mostly in packaging.
  
• Corrugated Sheet Board & Boxes: Paper is important in packaging for making boxes, bags, tubes, and cushioning materials.
  
• Printed Paper Envelopes: Used as stationery for correspondence, made from white or brown paper.
  
• Paper Cups: Disposable cups made from food-grade paper lined with plastic or wax to hold hot and cold liquids.
  
• Paper Board: Used mainly for packaging in different grades like container board and folding box board.
  
• Exercise Notebooks, Registers, Pads, and Files: Widely used educational and office paper products.
• Card and Gray Board: Important paperboard grades for packaging and business style packaging.
  
• Paper Napkins, Toilet Rolls, and Facial Paper: Hygiene products made from tissue paper.
  
• Disposable Paper Plates: Eco friendly disposable plates made from wood pulp or biomass.
  
• Paper Bags from Waste: Increasingly replacing plastic bags due to environmental concerns.
  
• Baby Wet Wipes and Facial Wet Tissue: Hygiene products made from tissue paper.
  
• Paper from Hemp: Versatile paper made from hemp with multiple uses.
  
• Decorative Laminated Sheets (Sunmica): Industrial and decorative laminated sheets made using phenolic resins.
  
• Paper Bags for White Cement: Economical and moisture resistant packaging for cement.
  
• Copier Paper (A4 size): Widely used printing and writing paper.
  
• Honeycomb Paper Products: Used in structural panels and packaging applications.
  
• Carton Boxes: Popular packaging material for various goods.
  
• Soap Coated Paper: Handy, cheap, and portable paper product used during travel.
  
• Duplex Paper: Special packaging paper made by combining bleached and unbleached papers.
  
• Handmade Paper: Traditional paper known for strength, texture, and artistic qualities.
  
• Paper Cones & Tubes: Used mainly in textile and adhesive tape industries for packaging.
  
• Toilet Paper Roll: Tissue paper used in hygiene products and industrial applications.
  
• ECG Paper, Fax Paper, ATM Slip: Coated paper made for commercial printing and special uses.
  
• Defoaming Agent for Paper Industry: Chemicals used in paper manufacturing to reduce foam.

List of Top Paper Companies in India

India’s paper industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, driven by increasing demand for packaging, printing and eco-friendly products. Several established companies play a key role in shaping this market with strong manufacturing capabilities and innovative solutions. Below is a list of top paper and paper products listed companies in India that have a significant presence in the industry.

1. JK Paper Ltd.
2. West Coast Paper Mills Ltd.
3. String Metaverse Ltd.
4. Seshasayee Paper and Boards Ltd.
5. Andhra Paper Ltd.
6. Pudumjee Paper Products Ltd.
7. Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Papers Ltd.
8. Kuantum Papers Ltd.Satia Industries Ltd.
9. Pakka Ltd.
10. NR Agarwal Industries Ltd.
11. Orient Paper & Industries Ltd.
12. Emami Paper Mills Ltd.
13. Genus Paper & Boards Ltd.
14. Shree Rama Newsprint Ltd.
15. Ruchira Papers Ltd.
16. B&B Triplewall Containers Ltd.
17. Shreyans Industries Ltd.
18. Nikita Papers Ltd.
19. Star Paper Mills Ltd.
20. Star Paper Mills Ltd.

Conclusion - Paper industry

Paper industry in India holds immense growth despite its current low per capita consumption compared to global averages. With rising literacy, rapid urbanization and increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, Paper sector is set to expand significantly in coming years. From traditional printing and writing paper to innovative products like tissue, kraft paper, corrugated boards and recycled paper, opportunities for both large manufacturers and startups are vast.

As demand accelerates in FMCG, e-commerce, education and hygiene segments.  Paper industry in India not only support economic development but also contribute to sustainability through recycling and renewable raw materials. For entrepreneurs and investors this sector offers a profitable path by making paper and paper products one of the most promising industries in India’s growth story.

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