23 - 25|NOVEMBER 2022Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, INDIA

a Hyve event

09 - 12|JANUARY 2022India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi- NCR, India

June 01, 2021

INDEX

INDUSTRY NEWS..............................................................................

#IndiaFightsCorona ..........................................................................

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9 - 13

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INDUSTRY UPDATES.........................................................................

NEW TECHNOLOGIES.........................................................................

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES........................................................

MEDIA SPEAK....................................................................................

CSR ACTIVITY.....................................................................................

PAPEREX 2022..................................................................................

SOME LEADING COMPANIES AT THE EVENT....................................

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National Covid recovery rate improves to 90%; steady decline in number of daily new cases: Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry has said that the country is witnessing a steady decline in number of daily new reported cases of COVID -19 from the past 20 days after reaching a peak on 7th May. Addressing the media on Thursday, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Aggarwal said that on 7th May over 4 lakh 14 thousand cases were reported which has now come down to about 2 lakh 11 thousand. Mr Aggarwal said, in the last three weeks, the number of districts reporting more than 100 cases on a daily basis has also come down from 531 to 359 districts. He also informed that number of Active cases has now come down to 8.84 per cent from the level of 17.13 per cent while the recovery rate has improved to 90 per cent from the level of 81.8 per cent on 3rd May. He informed that in the last 17 days, the country has reported a decline of around 13 lakh active cases and now it stood at the level of 24 lakh 19 thousand. Mr Aggarwal also added that there are 24 States in the country which are reporting a decline in number of active cases in the last one week.

On testing of COVID samples, the Joint Secretary said that for early identification, the government has increased the number of testing in the past 15 weeks, and it is increased by 3.1 times across the country. He said, the country has recorded the highest ever more than 22 lakh 17 thousand tests for COVID 19 yesterday. In reply to a question, Mr Aggarwal clarified that the media report on an estimate of COVID cases and deaths is totally baseless and is absolutely false. He said, the estimate is not supported by evidence. He said, we have a robust system for reporting and registration of deaths. During the briefing, NITI Aayog Member Dr V K Paul said that the second wave of the pandemic is stabilising in most parts of the country. He said, the number of active cases and positivity rate is declining. On Vaccination, Dr Paul said that the pace of vaccination has picked up to some extent and the government is making very significant efforts to ramp up the production of Make In India Vaccine. He said, by the end of July , there will be the availability of 51.6 crore doses of vaccine.He informed that Bharat Biotech which started with around 90 lakh doses per month production capacity is expected to be able to ramp it up to around 10 Crore doses per month by September and October. He said, Serum Institute is also ramping up from 6.5 crore doses per month to around 11 crore or more in coming months. Dr Paul said, the government is also reaching out to international manufacturers like Pfizer

to make available vaccine. On the issue of reported cases of being given second dose of other vaccine than the first dose, Dr Paul said, the protocol is clear that the first and second dose should be of the same vaccine. He, however said that there should be perhaps no adverse effect if second dose is of different vaccine. Dr Paul appealed to the healthcare workers to keep in mind that both doses of the same vaccine are provided to the beneficiaries.

– All India Radio News

#IndiaFightsCorona

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approved for use in India - Covishield, Covaxin or Sputnik V - have been given such protection. Pfizer has insisted on this, which it has been given by other countries that use the drug, including the United States and several European nations.According to PTI, sources told the Indian government it should "rely on the 44 authorisations, including WHO approval (to) facilitate emergency use authorisation..."The company, however, is open toconsidering surveillance of the first 100subjects to get its vaccine.Pfizer, sources told PTI, has shared the most recent data points regarding trials, efficacy rates and approvals from various countries and by the World Health Organization (WHO).These include data from the UK's Public Health England, which said an observational study concluded the Pfizer vaccine offered 87.9 per cent protection against the B.1.617.2 variant reported in India. 26 per cent of study participants were of "Indian or British Indian" ethnicity.Other issues key to accelerating approval for the Pfizer vaccine are procurement through a central government pathway and regulatory requirement for post-approval bridging studies.Pfizer (and Moderna, another US pharma giant with a Covid vaccine) was last week approached by the Delhi government, which was looking to buy vaccines directly from them. The offer was rejected; Pfizer cited company policy to say it would only deal with the centre.Moderna cited similar policies to refuse the Punjab government.

India has administered over 20 crore vaccine doses so far, but is still a long way short of vaccinating a significant-enough proportion of its 130-crore population.A shortage of vaccine doses is believed to be one of the primary reasons for the recent slowdown, with several states flagging low stocks and being forced to suspend vaccination for the 18-44 age group.At present India has Covishield(manufactured by the Serum Institute) and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.A third vaccine - Russian-made Sputnik V - is to be rolled out soon.None of these have been cleared for those below 18, although Covaxin is expected to begin trials for the 2-18 age group by the month's end.Children and young adults - who some experts fear could be the target of the third wave accounted for fewer than 10 per cent of new cases this month but weekly numbers did show a steady increase.

– NDTV

Pfizer has told the government its Covid vaccine shows "high effectiveness" against the India-dominant variant of the virus experts believe is behind the devastating second wave of infections and deaths in the country, sources told news agency PTI Wednesday.Sources said Pfizer also told the government its vaccine had been proven suitable for everyone over the age of 12 and, crucially, can be safely stored for a month in cold storage facilities with a temperature range between two and eight degrees Celsius.The American pharma giant is in talks with the government fast-track approval and roll out five crore doses between July and October - if it receives significant regulatory relaxations, including indemnification, or protection from compensation claims in case of adverse events.The two sides have held a series of meetings over the past few weeks, some of which also involved Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla, to resolve issues, including grant of legal indemnity.None of the three vaccines currently

Vaccine Works on Strain Found In India, Says Pfizer, Insists On Indemnity

Delhi sees lowest daily addition in Covid cases since March 27; positivity rate at 2.52%Delhi recorded 1,550 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, while the positivity rate rose to 2.52% after it was 2.42% on Sunday.After recording less then 200 deaths on the trot, the number of people succumbing to the disease rose to 207 in the last 24 hours, according to the health bulletin.Delhi had recorded 2,260 cases on Saturday, 3,009 on Friday, 3,231 on Thursday and 3,846 on Wednesday.The positivity rate was 5.8 per cent on Wednesday, 5.5 per cent on Thursday, 4.76 per

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cent on Friday and 3.6 per cent on Saturday.The city recorded 235 deaths on Wednesday, 232 on Thursday, 252 on Friday and 182 on Saturday.The new COVID-19 fatalities pushed the death toll in the national capital to 23,409 on Monday.The number of cumulative cases on Sunday stood at 14,18,418. Over 13.7 lakh patients have recovered from the virus.This is the lowest number of daily cases recorded since March 27 (1,558 cases) and the count has gone below the 2,000-mark for the second consecutive day.The number of active cases decreased to 24,578 on Monday from 27,610 a day before.The number of people under home isolation dipped to 13,806 from 15,844 on Monday while the number of containment zones dropped to 45,483 from 46,570 a day before, the bulletin said.In an online briefing, Kejriwal earlier said, "Now the cases are reducing significantly. For the country, this is the second wave but for Delhi, this is the fourth wave, and this time, in the last week of April around 28,000 cases were recorded but now they have come down to 1500." The infection rate had also reached 36 per cent in the last week of April, coming down to around 2.5 per cent now, he said."It seems that this wave is subsiding but there has been no laxity in the efforts by the Delhi government. We have already star ted preparing for the next, what is being called the third wave," the chief minister said.Amid escalating cases of black fungus in the national capital, Delhi Health Minister Jain on Saturday had asked people to be watchful and not resort to self-medication, particularly steroids, and said about 15 hospitals in the city are treating patients of mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis or black fungus is more common among people whose immunity has got lowered due to Covid, diabetes, kidney disease, liver or cardiac disorders, age-related issues, or those on medication for auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.On May 15, Kejriwal had said, "The virus is reducing in Delhi slowly and steadily, and I hope it diminishes completely and does not rise again. However, we are not going to become negligent in any way." Delhi has been reeling under a brutal second wave of the pandemic that is sweeping the country, claiming a massive number of lives daily, with the oxygen supply shortage issue at various hospitals adding to the woes.Since April 19, both daily cases and single-day deaths count had been spiralling up, with over 28,000 cases and 277 deaths recorded on April 20; rising to 306 fatalities on April 22. On May 2, the city registered a record 407 deaths, according to the official data.A total of 61,506 tests, including 44,342 RT-PCR tests and 17,164 rapid antigen tests, were conducted a day ago, according to the health bulletin on Monday.

- Mint

'Sputnik V' Production Begins in India, Delhi Firm Panacea Biotec Set to Produce 100 Mn Doses a Year

Giving a boost to the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination drive in India, one of the country’s leading vaccine and pharmaceutical firms joined hands with Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and launched the production of Sputnik V in India on Monday.The Russian Direct Investment Fund in collaboration with Delhi’s Panacea Biotec will

produce 100 million doses of Sputnik V, the world’s first registered vaccine against coronavirus, every year, RDIF said in a statement.The first batch produced by Panacea Biotec’s facilities at Baddi will be shipped to the Gamaleya, the Moscow institute which developed the vaccine, for quality check. The Indian manufacturer’s facilities comply with GMP standards and are prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO), read RDIF’s statement.The Sputnik V vaccine was given an approval for emergency use in India on April 12 this year and vaccination against coronavirus with the Russian vaccine started on May 14.“Launch of production in India in partnership with Panacea Biotec marks an important step in helping the country fight the pandemic. Production of Sputnik V supports efforts of India’s authorities to leave behind the acute phase of coronavirus as soon as possible while the vaccine will also be exported at a later stage to help prevent the spread of the virus in other countries around the world," RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said.“This marks a significant step as we initiate production of Sputnik V. Together with RDIF, we hope to help bring a sense of normalcy back to people across the country and around the world," Panacea Biotec MD, Dr Rajesh Jain, said.So far, Sputnik V has been registered in 66 countries across the world with a total population of over 3.2 billion people. Efficacy of the vaccine is stated to be 97.6%, according to a data on the Covid-19 infection rate among those in Russia vaccinated with both components of Sputnik V.

– News 18

India is preparing a stimulus package for sectors worst affected by a deadlycoronavirus wave, aiming to support an economy struggling with a slew of localized lockdowns, people familiar with the matter said.The finance ministry is working on proposals to bolster the tourism, aviation andospitality industries, along with small and medium-sized companies, the people said, asking not to be identified as thedeliberations are private. The discussions are at an early stage and no timeline for an announcement has been decided, they said. A finance ministry spokesman declined to comment.The latest wave of Covid-19 infections has made India the global hotspot for the pandemic and has decimated travel since the second wave picked up in March even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to implement a strict nationwide lockdown. With nearly 200,000 daily cases daily many local governments, including India’s most industrialized states -- have imposed curbs against the spread of the virus.That’s prompted many economists to cut their forecasts for the financial year that began April 1, as rising unemployment and dwindling savings among consumers dim the chances for double-digit growth. While the International Monetary Fund expects

India’s economy to expand 12.5% this year to March -- and will be revisiting the forecast in July -- the country’s central bank projects 10.5% growth.Modi’s administration doesn’t have enough fiscal room to maneuver even though it received about $14 billion from the Reserve Bank of India as dividend.That will mean, stimulus will most likely be in the form of tax breaks, according to Teresa John, economist at Nirmal Bang Equities Pvt.“The government doesn’t have too much leeway, although the recent RBI dividend provides some cushion,” said John. “The stimulus may be mostly additionalguarantees and tax concessions, maybe demand boosting measures once opening up starts. All these may not involve a large government spending.”Flagging growth prospects put the onus on policy makers to support activity, especially once the virus caseload eases. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said last month she’s monitoring the economy in a “very detailed fashion,” has held discussions with economists in recent days about a stimulus package, the people said.“We expect the government to stick to its overall budgeted spending, while shifting its expenditure composition more in favor of health services and food subsidies,” said Bloomberg Economics’ Abhishek Gupta.The proposals are being drawn up at time when the rupee has emerged as Asia’s top-performing currency from its worst on signs that India’s virus crisis may be easing after infection numbers hit a record 414,118 on

May 7 due to localized lockdowns. India’s stock benchmark is also approaching a record-high close reached in February.In April, the finance ministry eased rules for cap i ta l expendi ture by government departments to try to boost spending in the economy. It also decided to allocate five kilograms of free food to the poor per month as the lockdowns saw millions of migrant laborers flee urban areas and back to their rural homes.But Sitharaman’s hands are restrained given India aims to lower its budget gap to 6.8% of gross domestic product in the financial year to March 2022, from an estimated 9.5% last year, signaling little legroom for New Delhi to ease purse strings in a significant manner.Pressure also is building on the central bank -- which serves as the banking sector regulator -- to ease loan repayment rules, especially for sectors badly hit by this virus wave.

– Business Standard

Finance Ministry plans stimulus package to support economic growth: Report

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INDUSTRY NEWS

We are compelled to write to you and divert your attention from more important matters prevailing in the country. Our members of travel and tourism trade at large is affected phenomenonly since over 14 months. We highlight a few points which require your immediate attention.Travel and Tourism employs over 11% of the total work force in the country.We generated 10% of the National GDP.The largest in services sector contributing to USD 234 billion in 2018 and Foreign Exchange earning over USD 30 billion in 2019.From 2015-19 there were 14.62 million additional jobs that were created.1. Livelihood / Survival of Our Trade:Our member entrepreneurs; travel agents and tour operators and their employees; have not even been able to do a business of more than 5% as compared to the

financial institutions have blacklisted Travel and Tourism organisations being non-revenue generators since April’20. Even the existing limits, if any have been reduced.We seek your attention in providing immediate support to all engaged in travel and tourism:a. Moratorium for atleast 2 years from all loan EMIs for our staff and members.b. Grant of Rs 10,000/- per month per employee for the next one year until normalcy resumes. This shall be paid back, free of interest to the Government in installments over 24 months thereafter or deducted at 15% of their salary and paid back to the exchequer.c. Fresh co-lateral free loans/overdraft faciltities to our member organisations and personnel be provided at rebated interest for a period of atleast 5 years until things are restored back to normalcy. This shall give support to them to meet their administrative overheads and promote travel and tourism effectively. The same could be computed on last 3 years average.d. Income Tax Holiday for next 5 years for member Travel Agents and Tour Operators.e. Rebates on Digital payments: The Credit Card companies / Banks are charging between 2% to 3.5% for payments received through credit card or wallets. This is hindering the purpose, revenue and ease of doing business. In todays Digital India, which was initiated by your goodself, has lost its steam for people making payments to us by debit/credit cards. Further the airlines too are not accepting digital payments from us vide

pre-lockdown/pre-pandemic times since the last 14+ months.Basic Survival has become a challenge. While our members tried their level best to sustain their staff for a few months, however with the global scenario undergoing the second and third wave, are compelled to reach out to you for guidance, assistance and encouragement so as to take care of the livelihood of the personnel working in the trade.The worst hit are our junior and mid level teams, who are unable to survive ever for basic needs. They include, frontline counter staff , t icket ing staff , tour planners, accountants, the airport representatives, porters, drivers, guides, sales and marketing staff, administrative team etc. The middle and senior members, including the owners are affected too.Bad debts from clients, interest on bank loans/ overdrafts, EMI’s, increased insurance premiums for staff etc.Further, with no respite whatsoever in statutory complainces l ike PF, ESIC, Professional Tax, GST, Income Tax, TDS etc. and with the introduction of the New Irrational Tax like TCS ensures that our establishments are forced to close down.Although respite through MSME loans was given by the Hon. Finance Minister, to existing loan/overdraft holders, who had obtained them prior to February’20. However, there has been no consideration for our members who were working on their own finances, to obtain new co-lateral free loans/overdraft and rebated interest thereon. Many banks and

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TAAI appeals for the revival of the industry

Weekly e-news Alert Program - ‘Market News & Views’

This is a regular program which will cover Industry Updates, Launch of New Technologies, Partnership

Opportunities, Industry Views & CSR activities. The purpose of this program is to keep customers up to date with

developments in the Industry.

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creditcards or wallets, due to the same reason of higher percentage of deductions by the banks. This should be brough down to 0.5%.f. In the current scenario where many small establishments, like our members, are trying to work from home. With zero income, they have cutdown on their lease rentals. Work from Home should be considered as an establishment for registered travel agents/ tour operators, as many authroities are not permitting official addresses at residences. This should be directed through your good offices so as to safe guard health and safety.g. May we also urge you to direct the States to consider waiver and reduction of electricity charges / water taxes / property taxes / stamp duty / commercial licence fees / other local taxes for another 3 years.

This shall help and support the trade to survive.h. Syncronisation of all employee benefits like ESIC, Professional Tax, PF, Gratutity etc. under one head so as to ease compliances and do business effectively, smoothly and motivate us to generate more revenue for the country.

– Exhibition Showcase

convention halls, auditoriums, plenary halls, business centres, meeting halls etc.As of now, the major projects under way in the sector are backed by the government – the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centres at Dwarka as well as Pragati Maidan in the capital. The infrastructure tag no longer involves significant tax breaks but would help such projects get easierfinancing from banks, said experts.However, restrictions on size may be a dampener for some ventures.

– Exhibition Showcase

A finance ministry notification saidconvention and exhibition centres had been included in the harmonised master list of infrastructure sub-sectors under the social and commercial infrastructure sub-sector.“Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre is included in the Harmonised Master List of Infrastructure Sub-sectors by insertion of a new item in the category of Social and Commercial Infrastructure,” it said.The benefits available as ‘infrastructure’ projects would only be available for projects with a minimum built-up floor area of 1,00,000 square metres of exclusive exhibition space or convention space or both combined. This includes primary facilities such as exhibition centres,

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Finance Ministry grants ‘infrastructure’ status to convention centres

INDUSTRY UPDATES

JK Paper Ltd, one of India’s largest Paper Companies, on standalone basis recorded a turnover of Rs.979.03 Cr quarter ended March, 2021. Profit after Tax (PAT) stood at Rs.128.78 Cr as against Rs. 91.36 Cr, higher by 41 % over the same period last year. For the full year i.e. F.Y. 2020-21 (12 months), the Company clocked turnover of Rs. Rs. 2,991.37 Cr, and PAT of Rs. 322.19 Cr.Commenting on the results, Shri Harsh Pati Singhania, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, said “Higher production and sales volume coupled with improved net sales realisations resulted in better performance in Q4. Revival of demand which started in 3rd quarter, continued to gather momentum.

JK Paper: Impact of 2nd wave yet to come; disruptions in the coming months, records PAT Rs. 128 Cr in Q4

Dunn Paper Launches Sustainable Coated Paper Technology

While the impact from the ongoing 2nd wave of Covid-19 is yet to be fully seen, we expect some disruptions in the coming months.”He added, “for F.Y. 2020/21 as a whole (12 months), the Company’s performance can be considered satisfactory as it comes in the backdrop of national and local lockdowns in the early part of the year, continued closure of schools, educational institutions andreduction in demand for various paper grades including office paper due to only partial re-opening of businesses and Government establishments. During the year, theCompany focused on reducing cost,enriching product mix and serving itscustomers better. It was also able to bring down its finance cost emanating from better working capital management and reduction in the Company’s interest rate. Our people performed commendably despite personal and professional challenges emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic.” The Company’s performance onconsolidated basis was also better in current quarter due to improved operationalperformance of The Sirpur Paper Mills, a step down subsidiary which became profitable during this period. The Packaging Board project at Unit CPM continues to progress well, despite constraints of supplies and manpower due to pandemic. The Company continued its plantation activities in order to procure adequate raw material at economical cost which has resulted in a steady reduction in input cost.

– The Pulp and Paper Times

North American paper manufacturer and supplier Dunn Paper has launched a sustainable coated paper technology to act as an alternative to plastic packaging.Named BiOrigin, the fluorocarbon-free product platform uses barrier andcontainment technology that contains no chromium or styrene.The product has been launched after several years of development.The company used bio-based coatings for the technology to meet renewability, recyclability and compostabilityrequirements for certification.Dunn uses bio-based polymers as a sealing agent to enhance product freshness while shielding products from external elements. BiOrigin paper is printable and can be customised with clients’ preferred branding and designs.According to Dunn, the paper also offers enhanced functionality to improve safety and sustainability. BiOrigin technology complies with the US Food and Drug dministration’s (FDA) food contactregulations and is certified by other third parties, including the US Department of Agriculture and the Biodegradable Products Institute.

– Paper Mart

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India has initiated a sunset reviewinvestigation on anti-dumping duty onuncoated copier paper imported from Indonesia and Singapore.According to report in a leading daily — JK Paper Limited has claimed the likelihood of recurrence of dumping if the extant antidumping duty comes to an end and requested for review and continuation of the levy. Anti-dumping duty was first imposed in 2018.“There is prima facie evidence regarding the likelihood of dumping from Indonesia and Singapore and consequent injury to the domestic industry in the event of cessation of anti-dumping duty,” Directorate General

of Trade Remedies (DGTR) said in a notification.As per the notification, JK Paper said that though the domestic industry has not suffered continued injury, it is likely to suffer injury in the event of cessation ofantidumping duty.Factors such as decline in imports post imposition of duty, likely dumping margins should duties cease, declining demand of the product in Indonesia, significant production capacities in Indonesia, declining global demand of the subject goods, duties imposed by Australia (on Thailand and Indonesia), facts found by the Australian authorities with regard to the Indonesian Market, cost advantage with exporters in Indonesia, dumping margins in respect of third country exports “suggest the possibility of continuation of dumping and recurrence of injury”.The application has been supported by West Coast Paper Mills Ltd. and Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Ltd.Alleging the existence of a particular market situation in Indonesia, JK Paper submitted that the costs are required to be adjusted for international price of major input.“The applicant has submitted that the government of Indonesia, vide various policies and actions, has influenced and artificially lowered the prices of input materials (wood pulp),” DGTR said, adding that the claim will be examined during the course of the investigation.

– Paper Mart

ANDRITZ has received an order from Shanying Paper (Guangdong) to supply the approach flow-, fiber recovery, and broke handling systems for two board production lines to its mill in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, China.ANDRITZ’ scope of supply features the following technological highlights:ModuScreen HBE screens with proven inflow design for highly efficient and pulsation-free headbox screening at low energyconsumptionModuScreen F screens with advanced rotor and screen basket design enabling high screening efficiency in the broke handlingNewly developed PrimeFilter D saveall disc filters with Conical Cell bagless sectors providing excellent filtrate quality and minimum maintenance efforts in the fiber recoveryZhaoqing mill’s production lines PM52 and PM53 feature a total capacity of 3,300 t/d and process OCC as raw material producing linerboard and testliner as final product.Shanying Paper (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. is part of Shanying International Holdings Co., which is a leading enterprise producing various paper products like culture paper, kraft papers, various packaging paper boards, and corrugated cardboard boxes.

– Paper Mart

India Begins Sunset Review Probe on Uncoated Copier Paper Imports From Indonesia and Singapore

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ANDRITZ to Supply Approach Flow Equipment for Two Board Machines to Shanying Paper in China

Nine Dragons Paper, the biggestmanufacturer of packaging paper in China, has commissioned Voith to build and deliver three XcelLine paper machines for the production of high performance testliner and white top testliner.The three lines will further strengthen the paper manufacturer’s leading position in the packaging paper segment.The planned daily production volume of the three identical paper machines is especially high: approximately 2,400 metric tons each, at production speeds of 1,400 m/min. In order to meet these requirements, the components must be extremely high-performing and robust. The elaborate former design of the machines, which are equipped with a DuoFormer DII E, allows for the required speed with high basis weights at the same time.The press sections each feature a Triple NipcoFlex press, which ensures excellent surface smoothness of the white top liner. Due to the double unwind configuration and a fully automated full reel change, the high-performance TwinDrive winder enables fast and efficient winding and thereby ensures a winder capacity that is up to 20 percent higher than conventional unwinding systems.

– Paper Mart

The new investment over five years includes the creation of a new breakthrough technologies hub in the UK, new materials development to replace plastics and a pilot to gauge G-force shock in home delivery packaging.DS Smith chief executive Miles Roberts said: “How we live our lives is changing fast due to many factors and how we all take care of the environment is a top priority. We are now investing more than previous years to ensure that we are leading this change and can offer customers packaging that has less impact on the environment.“DS Smith makes sustainable packaging that is fibre-based and fully recyclable. We continue to focus on reducing our impact of our operations on the environment but importantly, we are able to contribute to wider society by providing circular packaging solutions and supporting our customers in transitioning to a circular economy.”The R&D programme includes the following projects: Accelerated investment in new materials

deve lopment inc lud ing new fu l l y

recyclable, translucent packaging to replace plastic windows in sandwich and ready meals packs, and new research into alternative natural fibres.

Expansion of its barrier technologies such as its recent piloting of ‘Touchguard’, a packaging coating that resists the transmission of viruses.

Applying science to fibre: In depth analysis of different fibres in recycled paper and corrugated to optimise its strength, resilience and recyclable properties.

Real world analysis of e-commerce home del ivery supply chains , inc luding measurement of G-force impacts on packages in transit, to reduce wastage and prevent damaged parcels.

New trials on strengthening natural paper fibres to optimise materials in box design and manufacturing. The new technology enables excess fibre to be removed from the packaging whilst improving its overall strength and resilience.

700 DS Smith designers trained in Circular design, in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, so all customers have access to circular packaging and services.

The creation of ‘Unit 17’, a new prototyping and testing facility in the UK, to develop breakthrough innovations. This new facility will fast-track next generation technology and works in partnership with the Group’s 50 innovation centres and R&D partners.

– Packaging News

Nine Dragons Orders Three XcelLine paper machines from Voith

Nine Dragons Orders Three XcelLine paper machines from Voith

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three paperboard substrates. The highly integrated model we have built enables us to serve a broad set of global customers with new and innovative packaging solutions, positioning us to achieve the ambitious growth and return goals established in Vision 2025. Through the combination with International Paper’s consumer packaging business, along with our other organic and inorganic growth initiatives, we have built scale across all three paperboard substrates, and have unique flexibility to quickly meet changing demand patterns for sustainable packaging solutions and deliver value for all stakeholders.”Doss added, “I want to thank Mark Sutton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the entire International Paper team for their contributions in building a platform to service and grow with new customers in attractive markets. The partnership was mutually beneficial and provided returns for both companies.”Graphic Packaging completed thecombination with International Paper’s North America Consumer Packaging Business in January 2018. Graphic Packaging owned 79.5% of the partnership and was sole manager, while International Paper owned 20.5%. As part of the final transaction, 22,773,072 membership units wereexchanged for an equivalent number of shares of Graphic Packaging common stock. The total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding following the transaction is roughly 306.9 million shares.

– Papnews

A two-side coated paper, UPMsays that its new solution provides multiple advantages as a recyclable monomaterial – including a basis for high-quality visuals, advanced grease resistance, good moisture resistance, and mineral oil barrier properties that keep products safe.Tommi Heinonen, head of sales EMEA at UPM Specialty Papers, says: “We provide sustainable, premium quality products to replace conventional plastic packaging and increase the share of renewable packaging solutions.“UPM Asendo Pro is a cost-effective, durable and safe-to-use recyclable barrier paper that supports even demanding packaging requirements, helps companies reach their sustainability goals and matches regulatory demands.”The solution is reportedly suitable for dry, greasy and frozen foods, as well as wrappings where print properties are vital. End-use purposes vary from non-food wrapping to food end-uses, and can be further converted for additional barrier properties and sealability to open up more demanding end-uses.Over the development period of the product, UPM says that it worked closely with converters, packaging line manufacturers and brand owners to test the product’s features and to receive input and feedback. The collaborative development process also included optimization of the product’s print performance.

Graphic Packaging announced theconclusion of its successful partnership with International Paper. The final tranche of the membership interests held by International Paper in Graphic Packaging International Partners were exchanged for an equivalent number of shares of Graphic Packaging common stock. As a result , Graphic Packaging now owns 100% of thePartnership.Michael Doss, the Company’s President and CEO, said, “The partnership withInternational Paper played an important role as we established our leadership position in fiber-based consumer packaging across all

Graphic Packaging Holding Company concludes successful partnership with International Paper

UPM Specialty Papers Presents New Multifunctional Barrier Paper

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Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the 61st Paper Indust r y Capac i ty and F iber Consumption Report. According to the report, the U.S. containerboard capacity has expanded in 2020, continuing a decade-long trend and reaching a record high of 40.4 million tons. Additionally, the tissue paper capacity has also shown an upward trend, increasing for the past five years.It also presents that the U.S. millconsumption of recovered fiber has reached the second-highest level in the past decade. The increase was driven by mill consumption of corrugated, the largest grade of recovered fiber, reaching a high of 22.8 million tons in 2020. However, the overall U.S. paper and paperboard capacity had declined by 1.6 percent in 2020, compared with the average decline of 1.1 percent per year since 2011.In fact, boxboard was the only packaging grade to decline last year. However, the survey responses that formed the report have indicated a slight rebound in 2021, according to the report. Also, newsprint and printing-writing papers had decreased in 2020, with the capacity for both grades declining in the past decade. The report stated that this is because of the continued decline from displacement by electronic communication. Some companies are repurposing machines that produced printing/writing papers to producecontainerboard and packaging paper to increase profits.

AF&PA’s report is based on a survey the association put out to suppliers leading up to the release of the report. The survey responses indicated that the total paper and paperboard capacity will remain flat, decreasing less than one-half of 1 percent in 2021.The survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for 2020 and 2021 for all major grades of paper, paperboard, and pulp, as well as fiber consumption, based on acomprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Survey data includes responses from companies representing more than 86 percent of U.S. paper and paperboard industry capacity, with estimates completing the data set.

– Paper Mart

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“Collaboration is at the heart of UPM and has also been a key element during this process. The feedback we received from our co-operative partners when developing this new barrier paper was extremely valuable,” comments Janne Varvemaa, director of products and technology at UPM Specialty Papers.“UPM Asendo Pro is specifically created together with our partners and customers. By listening closely to their wishes and aiming to answer their needs – both functionally and visually – we bring added value to the entire value chain and offer a competitive edge.”

– Paper Mart

AF&PA Releases 61st Paper industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Report

Parason Machinery India Pvt Ltd

Introducing Parason SharpEdge Drum Pulper!

Developed for effective Fiber TreatmentThe newly developed Parason SharpEdge Drum Pulper follows an effective pulping process. The recovered fibers are subjected to careful & gentle pulping for obtaining the highest quality of pulp for papermaking. Parason SharpEdge Drum Pulper is a machine developed for stock consistencies up to 15% – 18% for effective separation of fibers and contaminants in a gentle way.Principles of Parason SharpEdge Drum PulperParason SharpEdge Drum Pulper uses the concept of a washing machine for its working. The HiTech Bar Knives Metallurgy is adopted for the first time in the world. It is a superb combination at a lower cost and reduced power in the Refining process. The pulp & the water are mixed and the concept of the Drum Screen is used. The Drum Pulper

consists of two zones: SlushingZone and Screening Zone. For writing printing paper, the slushing zone is divided into two parts and the screening zone is one part with one chest. For Kraft paper, the slushing zone is one part, the slushing zone + screening zone is the second part, and the screening zone is the third part. It is supported by two chests.

Technical Specifications:

Advantages:· Maintenance-free girth gear drive· Elimination of tyres for the drive· Replaceable refiner plate bars with Parason ERP'” for slushing the pulp· Manufacturing up to 1500 TPD of SharpEdge Drum Pulper· Used for Writing Printing, News Print, Kraft Paper, Low BF 14, 16,18 BF of paper

Low maintenance cost

SharpEdge Drum Pulper Reject with efficient removal of contaminants and minimum fiber loss

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

14

Features of Newly Modified Design: Standard diameter At this diameter, the pulp falling

stock between 11 O'clock to 11.30 so that the maximum height is achieved

The length of the Parason SharpEdge Drum Pulper varies as per the capacity

Raw material flexibility: Slush highly contaminated recycled paper

Gentle processing: Removal of an easy-to-slush fine fraction as soon as possible

Operation with low net energy consumption between 15-25 kWh/t

Low fiber loss due to non-shredding of contaminants

Reduced power Parason newly developed Eccentric Pulper is designed with a combination of double-coned bottom and baffle where the baffle guides the pulp towards the rotor for achieving efficient and extensive slushing. Intensive turbulence is generated on the part of the rotor, whereas low-level turbulence is generated at the baffle which causes the stock to rotate repeatedly thus obtaining excellent quality pulp. The trouble-free ragger operation provides reliable operating conditions across large throughput. The combination of double-cone bottom & baffle pushes the core contaminants towards reject discharge.

Key Benefits:

Eccentric pulping process generates stable and uniform fiber quality

Improved throughput Double cone bottom provides

excellent slushing Reliable ragger opera�on and low

maintenance costs Improved removal of coarse rejects Special ly developed rotor shape

achieves power­efficient pulping Low maintenance

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Parason Molded Fiber Production Line

Parason Molded Fiber Production Line

Sustainable development is the future and

we are ready for it!Parason semi-automatic molded fiber p r o d u c t i o n m a c h i n e i s a h y b r i d technological solution for the most popular machine types. It is based on self-contained technology for forming and drying products. Forming machine is controlled by a PLC system and the effusion method of pulp inlet technology that helps you to ensure accurate pouring of pulp into the mold. With this feature, you obtain a uniform formation of products. Machine customization is available according to your requirements for different platen sizes and shapes.

Advantages & Features: Suitable for manual and robotic

operations In-mold drying of products Machine body, pulp, and water

contact parts are of SS304

Safety curtain for the safety of the operator

Four pillar guided molds with precise locking mechanism

Economical setup to start with lower capacity

Dual drive ensures stable platen movement at a higher speed

16

Parason Edge Trimming Machine

Parason Edge Trimming Machine gives your molded fiber products a fine edge finish with dimensional accuracy. This heavy-duty machine is specifically designed for longer duration operation, compatible for wide range of tableware products and a stand-alone application. Parason Edge Trimming Machine is customizable according to the requirements of different platen sizes and shapes.

Advantages & Features:

Sensor for stroke counting and height adjustment depending upon the product requirements

Compact and sturdy design to withstand high pressure Precisely set molds and blades High pressure enables single-shot and quick cutting of multiple products Safety curtain for the safety of the operator Heavy-duty motor, cylinder, bushes, molds, and blades Easy operation

Main Specifications:

17

Line O Matic Graphic Industries

CUT SIZE SHEETER• Terra RR130 | Terra RR130 S

Terra RR130 / 130 S consist of shaftless unwinding three twin reel stations with automatic track & trolley systems, de-curling unit, slitting unit, synchro rotary cutting unit, conveyor unit, collating unit, robot unit, ream wrapping unit and centralized control panel (PLC).Ideal For:Paper Mills & Paper Converters Needing

High quality end products High level of automation

Advantages: Precise cutting accuracy Low production cost Minimum manpower Consistent performance Excellent wrapping quality Higher profitability & longer life Easy to operate & low in maintenance

REC. Add-ons: Splice Detection Unit Digital Batch Code Printer Digital Synchro Unit for Multiple Size

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONTECHNICAL

18

There are many different ways of benefitting from the Paperex exhibition.You can increase your company's exposure by becoming a Partner of the show, advertising in the exhibition's promotional materials, or simply visiting the show and gaining first-hand information about the new developments in the market and latest technology advancements. Branding gives an excellent opportunity to stand out from the crowd, reinforce, enhance and establish corporate visibility amongst the targeted audience. Branding is a great way to reinforce your brand message with benefits including:

Enhance your leadership status Educate and inspire a targeted audience

with your products and services Raise brand awareness and create

preference to a targeted audience Build leadership status in the industry Create positive PR and raise awareness

of the organisation as a whole Bui ld b rand pos i t ion ing th rough

associative imagery Create internal emotional commitment to

the brand Provide innovative solutions to the

industry Provide revenue generating ideas

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

19

As U.S. consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of the products they use every day, there remains a wide gap between perception and reality when it comes to the sustainability of paper products. This according to a new survey commissioned by Two Sides North America and conducted by global research firm Toluna. The survey, “Paper’s Place in a Post-Pandemic World,” sought to explore and better understand consumer perceptions, behaviors, and preferences related to the sustainability of paper products.“More and more consumers are factoring environmental impacts into their purchasing decisions, but all too often those decisions are based on pop culture myths and

sensational, headline-driven journalism rather than fact,” says Two Sides North America President Kathi Rowzie. “As attention turns to developing a more sustainable, circular economy, the paper and paper-based packaging industry has a great, fact-based environmental story to tell: Paper is one the few products that can already claim to have a truly circular life cycle.”What’s happening to the size of U.S. forest area?Paper use is often blamed for forest loss, and 60% of those surveyed believe U.S. forests are shrinking. The fact: U.S. forest area grew by 18 million acres between 1990 and 2020, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2020 Global Forest Resources Assessment. That’s an area equivalent to 1,200 NFL football fields every day. Contrary to the popular belief that manufacturing and using paper destroys forests, the demand for sustainably sourced paper and paper-based packaging creates a powerful financial incentive for landowners not only to manage and harvest their land responsibly, but also to keep it forested rather than converting it to non-forest uses, one of the real documented causes of forest loss.What percentage of paper is recycled?Paper recycling in the United States is a hands-down environmental success story. But according to the survey, only 11% of consumers believe the U.S. recycling rate exceeds 60% and nearly a quarter believe it’s less than 20%. The fact: More than two-thirds of all paper and paper-based packaging in the U.S. is recycled, and more than 90% of corrugated cardboard boxes are recycled

according to the American Forest and Paper A s s o c i a t i o n . I n a d d i t i o n , t h e U . S . Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that paper is the most recycled material in the country, compared to plastics at 8.4%, glass at 26.6%, and metals at 33.3%.I s e l e c t ro n i c c o m m u n i c a t i o n m o re environmentally friendly than paper-based communication?As the pandemic forced meetings, events, a n d d a y - to - d a y b u s i n e s s to o n l i n e communication and consumers increasingly rel ied on the internet for news and information, 67% of those surveyed believe that electronic communication is more environmentally friendly than paper-based communication. While consumers enjoy the convenience and the ability to work from home that electronic communication affords, they overlook the environmental impact of digital communication.The facts: The EPA reports that the pulp and paper industry accounts for only 1.2% of U.S. industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and only 0.5% of total U.S. GHG emissions – which shouldn’t be surprising since two-thirds of the energy used to power U.S. paper industry operations is generated using renewable, carbon-neutral biomass. In contrast, the energy consumption required for digital technologies is increasing 9% each year, and the share of digital technology in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could rise to 8% by 2025 according to The Shift Project, a carbon transition think tank. And compared to paper’s recycling success s to r y, t h e Un i t e d S t a t e s g e n e ra t e s approximately 7 million metric tons of e-

MEDIA SPEAK

What Consumers Don’t Know About the Sustainability of Paper Products

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Established in Sweden, BTG Group has spent the past century dedicated to its founding principles of quality first, technology and manufacturing innovation, global reach and people development. Through the years, the Company’s continued investment in core capabilities and strategic acquisitions have played a major role in strengthening its position in the pulp and paper industry.To commemorate the occasion of reaching the 100 year-milestone, BTG has launched a campaign re-emphasizing the values that have guided and that will continue to guide the company forward: innovation and customer-focus.Excerpts from the interview:Paper Mar t : To begin with , what an accomplishment to be around after 100 years! As 2021 marks a century of serving the pulp and paper industry with innovative tools, products and solutions, please describe some of the biggest highlights in BTG’s history?Keith Waters: We are very proud to have reached the milestone of a century serving the pulp and paper industry with innovative

solutions.BTG has its origins in Sweden in 1921, when Torsten Källe, the inventor of a “regulator” to automate the control of temperature and load in a local sulfite mill, launched the Källe Regulator Company. Over the course of the next several decades, the company invented and developed a range of pulp consistency transmitters, steam conditioning valves and specialty pulp and paper analyzers before becoming Eur-Control in the 1960s.After merging with coater manufacturer AB Inventing in 1985, BTG (Bonnier Technology Group) was formed, and the development of high-performance coating and creping blades soon followed. In 2001, BTG acquired Mütek, with its comprehensive range of inline and laboratory analyzers for the paper industry. In 2016, Capstone Technology, a leading provider of software for process control optimization and decision support analytics across several processing industries was acquired and in 2019, BTG became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Voith Group.Fast forward to 2021 — BTG is a pulp and paper technology focused company with a unique capability to craft solutions that deliver sustainable gains in our customer’s business performance.Fast forward to 2021 — BTG is a pulp and paper technology focused company with a unique capability to craft solutions that deliver sustainable gains in our customer’s business performance.PM: Since the Voith Group had acquired the Company around a year and a half ago, we would l ike you to touch upon – the

BTG Celebrates 100 Years

21

waste annually, but only 15% of that waste is recycled, according to the 2020 Global E-waste Monitor.“The life cycle of paper products is circular by nature,” Rowzie explains. “The raw material used to make it is perpetually regrown, the energy used to manufacture it is generated using mostly carbon-neutral biofuel, and the circle is completed as used paper is recycled into new products at a higher rate than any other material. Even so, our survey shows that misconceptions about the sustainability of paper products are commonplace. It’s just these types of misconceptions that Two Sides was created to correct. We believe consumers have the right to make purchasing choices based on data and hard facts, free from pop mythology andmisinformation.”

– Paper Mart

22

synerg ist ic re lat ionship of the two companies and the combined vision for further growth in the pulp and paper industry.KW: Voith Paper and BTG have both been committed to delivering technological innovation to the pulp and paper industry for decades. As a full-line supplier, Voith Paper provides customer-centric solutions from a single source for an efficient and sustainable papermaking process. The BTG portfolio and competencies are highly complementary with those of Voith Paper.Knowledge and experience are being shared both within our respective technology centres and in the field across to ensure that the combined capability is available to our customers. To ensure focus on our respective areas of expertise, BTG operates as an entity with Voith Paper and our sales and service teams remain engaged in delivery of pulp and paper solutions.Together, we focus on making the world better with paper.PM: In 2020, BTG had introduced SMART Monitor ing as i ts first Industry 4 .0 solution/service; could you please elaborate on the same and take us through your plans with regard to introducing more solutions with Industry 4.0 as its foundational principle/model?KW: SMART Monitoring was developed consistent with BTG’s guiding principle to deliver innovative, value adding, and customer-focused solutions. With SMART Monitoring, our engineers can be connected to BTG sensors at mill in real time, 24 hours a day/7 day a week, to assist in ensuring optimal performance. This enables teams to

intervene faster, ensuring even greater reliability and availability.The global drive to digitalization is at the centre of BTG’s technology development pathway that includes the MACS suite of Advanced Controls and dataPARC, an industry leading data visualization and analytics platform.SMART Monitoring is a step along that journey and is one of the many advanced digital solutions offered by BTG for the Industry 4.0 enabled paper mill.PM: What is your viewpoint on the Indian pulp and paper market with respect to – the potential and the opportunities for the Company? What is your current market presence in India and expansion plans?KW: The Indian pulp and paper market is rapidly expanding with a particular focus on packaging grades and achieving optimal yields from limited fibre resources. BTG has well developed competencies in these process areas, with local resources in place, and we are actively engaged in projects with our valued Indian customers. Our sales and service teams are based in both Gurgaon and Hyderabad, where we also have a service centre.The Indian pulp and paper industry is an exciting place to be, and we are fully committed as it continues to develop and grow.Voith Paper and BTG have both been committed to delivering technological innovation to the pulp and paper industry for decades.PM: Also, the Company had introduced – Pulp 4.0 – an integrated solution to improve

overall Fiberline performance, a while ago; could you please talk about the market-acceptance of the same and the advantages with regard to finance (production cost) and efficiency?KW: Pulp 4.0 is about optimizing pulp quality and cost across the entire fiberline. It combines process measurements with our MACS advanced process control suite and strong domain expertise. MACScook and MACSbleach address digester and bleach plant optimization respectively and there has been significant interest from Indian mills.The current state operations and savings potential are comprehensively assessed at the outset of a project providing a pathway to a sustainable return on investment. Typically, the savings are in the range USD 2 to USD 10 per ton.PM: As BTG is now at a very significant juncture in its business journey – having completed 100 years and growing, what are the future goals of the Company? Also, what do you think are the aspects which have helped the Company in growing through the century?KW: A commitment to quality, service and the delivery of solutions that assist our customers in achieving significant and sustainable gains in business performance has been a common focus for BTG for a century now. This remains central to our strategy as we start our next century.The paper industry and technological environment of 2021 is very different to that of 1921. We wil l continue to adapt, developing our consumables, automation technologies, software, and process

Q. As a president of FPTA, what are your old objectives which have been achieved and what are new objectives which have to be achieved in the coming time. FPTA is the August body of the Paper Traders of India. It is represented by 35 Affiliated Associations and has a total member strength of approximately 6000 +. Together the trade has a turnover of approx. 60000 to 65000 Crores. The trade has been facing quite a few challenges like long unsecured credits, wafer thin margins and low growth. The nature of the paper trade in India is quite fragmented unlike some of the overseas market where limited number of Traders cater to the requirements of the entire market. Hence, keeping this in mind, the margins are not adequate enough to cover the cost of operations and also to cover the risk of long unsecured credits that the trade extends to its customers. It is about time that the Trade, the Industry and the Consumers recognize this pain point of the Paper Trade as it is essential for the entire chain that we Traders remain healthy and profitable in order to re-invest to cater to the growing needs of the market.Q: Recently, The government of India has come out with norms for the enforcement of 'rules of origin' provisions for allowing the preferential rate of customs duties on products impor ted under free trade agreements. The primary aim of such a policy is to stop the unauthorized benefits

and claims of Customs benefit under the respective Trade Agreements like FTA / PTA / CECA / CEPA). How do you evaluate this kind of imposition particularly for paper trade? Will this rule be beneficial to the paper industry and paper trading business?This “Rules of Origin” provision by the Government of India is kind of a Non-Tariff barrier to check the unauthorized imports into India. This is definitely good for Industry and Trade in the long run as the 0% Import Duty Rule should not be misused and create unnecessary distortion in the Indian Market.This Rule has been imposed by the Government for lot of Industries where probably misuse was rampant. But in the Paper Products, such instances have been very less. But what this has done is that it has created lot of hassles in the import clearing procedure which is leading to cons iderab le de lay in c lear ing the consignment from the ports and thereby increasing the cost of imported goods. I feel the Government should ensure that the imports should be hassle-free and not lead to any hardship and cost escalation for the importers. This rule is definitely good for the long term but there would be some short-term pain for the Traders who are importing from FTA Countries.Q: What is the future of global paper trade under COVID-19?The demand for Paper and Paper Board took a beating during the Covid-19 pandemic break out and it is estimated that the drop in demand globally will be approximately 12 – 15% in 2020. But since then with the drop in Covid-19 cases and introduction of vaccines

23

expertise to deliver high quality, productivity enhancing solutions that reflect a state-of-the-art approach. This is what has made us successful for the last 100 years!PM: Any concluding thoughts that you wish to add to the interview?’KW: Reaching the 100 Year milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees over many years. People make the difference. We also thank our valued pulp and paper customers to be a part of this memorable journey and will continue to remain in their business endeavor.Thank you for the opportunity to share the 100 Year milestone with our friends in the Indian pulp and paper industry.

– Paper Mart

Paper mills will not resort to making Kraft Paper as it is a lower realization product: FPTA

24

in most parts of the world, it is expected that the Paper demand will bounce back sharply in 2021 by more than 15% globally thereby making up for the losses and more of the year 2020. As we speak, there is a V-shape recovery both in the demand as well as prices and in the next few years looks extremely strong especially for India since we are one of the fastest growing countries in the world where our paper demand is projected to grow by 5 – 6% annually over next few years. One of the reasons of sustained growth in India is our Per-Capita consumption is only 12 Kgs against the global average of approximately 45 Kgs.Q: Covid pandemic has dropped the import of paper drastically, Do you think this an advantage or not? And how a paper trader is handling this situation?Import of paper came down drastically during the Covid period as the demand shrinked drastically in April and May as consumers were uncertain about the situation. This event was a one in hundred years kind of an event. Prices crashed significantly by as much as 25 – 30% and importers lost lot of money due to this. This situation in my opinion is temporary and the imports will go up again as we do not have adequate capacity in the domestic market to cater to the needs of the domestic demand. For example – in Coated Papers, the demand is close to one million tons / annum and the production is only about 4 lakh tons / annum. Hence when the demand normalizes, imports have to come to bridge the demand supply gap. Similar is the situation in the Uncoated Papers. The import trader has

borne the brunt of this crash in demand and prices and it has impacted his confidence to a large extent. Some of them have tried to buy locally produced goods and service their customers in order to maintain continuity. But my feeling is once demand normalizes, the imports will be back to pre-Covid levels and the stronger and bigger importers will come back to the usual level of business.Q: In terms of Quality and Price, how do you differentiate between imported paper and Indian made paper?In terms of quality, definitely the quality of most grades of imported paper is superior primarily due to better quality of fiber that is used by the international Mills especially those from the West. On certain grades of paper, a few mills in India are on par with some of the international Mills in terms of quality. In terms of prices in the current context , impor ted mater ia l is more expensive due to sharp uptick in prices in international markets which is a result of a V shaped recovery in demand and also due to rise in pulp prices.Q: With the ban on imported waste paper in China effective from January 2021, How world is going to be affected by this major shift?China has imposed a complete ban on mixed waste paper with effect from January 2021 in order to control the pollution levels created by the mixed waste grades of paper. China is one of the largest buyers of waste paper from the world and this will definitely have far reaching consequences. One on the prices of mixed waste paper and secondly how the world (they buy 40-50% of waste paper and

market pulp of the world) will dispose this waste as most countries including India will eventually follow suite of banning import of mixed waste to avoid such poor quality consignment coming into their country.This will definitely lead to a surge in demand for pulp based products and will eventually lead to surge in prices of virgin grade Paper and Paper Board. This will lead to short term benefits for countries like India who will probably get this mixed waste grades at cheaper prices and will also have increased demand of finished products made out of mixed waste from countries like China. This is already happening as we are seeing large scale exports of Kraft and Duplex Board from India to China.Q: Do you think Ready-made Pulp market will emerge in India? And more and more Paper mills will engage in pulp manufacturing exporting it to China? How long will this trend survive?By ready-made pulp, I am assuming you are referring to recycled pulp. Lot of Indian Mills based on recycled fiber have started exporting recycled pulp from India to China especially from the west part of India that is Vapi, Morbi etc. since China cannot import mixed waste directly. These mills import the mixed waste, convert it into ready-made pulp rolls and export the same to China for conversion in their paper mills. This trend will continue as long as Indian Government allows mixed waste to be imported into India. Small to medium mills will engage in this activity to make pulp and export the same. Large mills would prefer to make the finished products and export it to China as

China is moving to Nett Importer of Paper from Nett Exporter of Paper.Q: Indian paper industry is suffering major losses on account of Writing & Printing, Big paper mills are shifting their production line to kraft paper manufacturing. How do you evaluate this scenario? Indian Paper Industry suffered huge losses both on account of demand destruction and price destruction during the Covid period. Due to closure of the educational institutions (They are the biggest consumers of the writing and printing paper), there was no demand for writing and printing paper especially for the uncoated papers. To beat the slow down during this period, mills converted their facilities from writing and printing grades to that of kraft paper as the demand for packaging grades during this period was intact and did not suffer much. Also, during this period, the demand for News Print Paper collapsed by 30 – 40% and the mills did not have the option of making News Print either. But this scenario is temporary as the demand has started coming back and the indication is that the schools and colleges will re-open from the next academic year and the demand for writing and printing paper will come back to pre-covid levels very very shortly. Further, we are also seeing V-shape recovery in the prices of writing and printing paper. Hence, mills will not resort to making Kraft Paper as it is a lower realization product. Also, there is a huge surge in prices of paper in international markets. In case in the short term demand does not recover in India, Mills will take the export route to cover their

machines.Q: Anti-Chinese sentiment across the globe will generate a vacuum for the Non-China made Printing & Publishing Paper. Globally customers are willing to look at paper products from other Countries even if it means at a slightly higher premium, How Indian paper industry explores this opportunity?Post Covid – 19 episode, there was an anti-China sentiment across the globe for any product that was manufactured by China especially by countries in the West. Lot of Companies based in US and Europe who had manufacturing bases in China are seriously re-thinking on their policy of having too much of production capacity in China. Lot of paper mills in China are also planning to set up bases in India for the Indian market as well as to make the production capacity over here as their export hub to other parts of the world. This will lead to a huge opportunity for India to attract this investment and make India as one of the large production base for paper and paper board. At present, India contributes to only to 4.5% of the global pulp and paper market in-spite of having close to 16% of world population.Q: What demand projection do you see in WP, Coated & food free uncoated paper and Packaging paper in next two years?The total demand for paper and paper boards is approximately 18.2 million tons in India and the break-up for the same is as under :Kraft Paper – 7.5 Million TonsPackaging Board – 3.5 Million TonsWriting and Printing Paper – 5.1 Million Tons

Newsprint – 1.6 Million TonsSpecialties – 0.5 Million TonsOn average, the Indian Paper and Paper Board market is expected to grow by 5 – 6% per annum over next few years. The growth rates for Packaging Segments is expected to be around 7.5 – 8% and for the Uncoated Writing and Printing Segment it is expected at 3 – 4%. For the Coated Wood Free Paper, it is estimated at 6 – 7% per annum.Q: In the recent past, we see the backward integration of some paper trade houses, they have set up paper mills. What factors do you evaluate a hidden continuous demand or a larger margin to play?As explained earlier, lot of paper traders have been under pressure due to long credits, wafer-thin margins etc. which has lead them to think about diversifying their business from paper trading into setting up a paper mill. These traders have in-depth knowledge of their markets in which they operate. Some paper traders have got into the paper manufacturing side mainly into Re-cycled varieties like Kraft Paper, Duplex Board etc. wherein they have set up the mills in their area of operation and are able to sell the same also in and around their main core markets. None of the traders have ventured into large integrated mills as that requires a definite skill set, large-scale investment which the traders have not been able to generate.

– The Pulp and Paper Times

25

CSR ACTIVITIES

we have handed over 4 toilets, 2 bathrooms and 1 washing room with borewell, costing Rs.4.50 lakhs to the Slum Dwellers of Shanmugam street, Ward no: 124, Mylapore, Chennai. This project was sponsored by our Sri R.P. Krishnamachari, Managing Director of TEX Biosciences (P) Ltd, Chennai.Below are the photos of corona relief materials given at Mappedu and surrounding villages by our Sri AravindhaKrishnamachari, Director of TEX Biosciences (P) Ltd, Chennai.

TEX Biosciences (P) Ltd.

26

BUSINESS FESTIVAL OFPAPER INDUSTRY

Paperex is the largest paper industry event

in the world and it takes place in New Delhi,

India.

It is a “A Unified Business Platform for Paper

Industry” for new business opportunities,

joint ventures, investments and technology

transfer in paper and allied industries.

Paperex is always very well attended by

large gathering of Paper Manufacturers to

explore the New Technology., Machinery &

Equipment and Raw Material for Paper &

Board Manufacturing.

And the mass audience of Paper Traders,

Printers, Publisher, Converter and Paper

Packaging Companies to explore the variety

of papers at the show

A sneak Preview:

Meet 250+ exhibitors who will display latest

products & services from 18 countries

Learn new trends by attending technical

conference by IARPMA

Network with industry leaders at “Global Paper

Technology Supplier” pavilion

Delegation program to host international

buyers

5000+ trade visitors from 20+ countries

including 142 paper mills across India

Visit “Paper Manufacturer” networking pavilion

Engage with the leaders at “Exclusive Paper

Mills CEO/MD Conclave”

Business Connect Program

Market News & Views, a weekly e news alert

program covering Industry Updates , Launch of

New Technologies , Partnership Opportunities ,

Industry Views, CSR activities

International Business Networking Program

(IBNP) a monthly webinar covering key industry

across Indian as well as some neighboring

countries including China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, etc

Open Seminars during the event, a unique

opportunity to have face to face interaction with

industry leader and knowledge transfer

a Hyve event

23-25 November 2022Chennai Trade Centre, India

Contact Us Hyve India Private Limited

(CIN. U92490DL2004PTC124343)

Innov8 , 2nd Floor, 44, Regal Building

(Above Madame Tussauds Wax Museum)

Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001, INDIA

Email: ed.india@hyve.group

Website: india.hyve.group, www.hyve.group

09-12|JANUARY 2022India Expo Centre,

Greater Noida, Delhi- NCR, India

27

SOME LEADING COMPANIES

AT THE EVENT

Established in the year 2018, “Vrinda Automation” is a distinguished Manufacturer and Wholesale Trader of a wide array of Delta PLC, AC Motor

Drive, Panel Fan, etc. We established by a group of very experienced Engineers from Automation Industry to give Automation answers for different Industrial segments with a push in Metals, Power part, Pulp and Paper, Sugar, Cement, Printing andPackaging and so on. The organization has developed from Strength to quality and reliably centers on item and solutions improvement to keep pace with the requesting and evolving markets. As for driving the assembling of a wide assortment of electrical controls boards, we have more than 10 years of experience.The Team – experienced automation specialists, process engineers, site technicians and programmers make a strong bond where in the task is toa) Evaluateb) Brainstormc) Designd) Teste) Installf) RunThe capability – it's not just team of one company but the team of several nations working together for same cause i.e. Industrial Automation, connected to one

Vrinda Automation

another in a loop so fast and strong that achieving anything is possible.The product line exhaustive in nature and durable in properties is the best backup which any team can have.The Motivation – early stage challenges and past teasers which have trained our entire team makes us invincible in our own minds, as well as at customer sites where process throws a new challenge every moment.The backup – the most import part of every struggle is the support towards which everyone turns at times when guidance is needed, and thus we have not one but many support teams in form of collaborators, principals, and our co-vendors.

ABIRAMI ENGINEERINGCOMPANY is in the Field ofPump Manufacturing for more than a decade. We manufacture Centrifugal

Pumps for water, Chemical, Pulp Stock, Slurry, Petrochemicals etc., The Pumps are marketed in the name of “ABIRAMI PUMPS”.Company is having a completeinfrastructure duly supported by qualified Technical Experts for Design, Material Handling, Process, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Testing, Finishing, Pre despatch activities & for the Service after Sales.All the Company Members Minds & Hands are in a same vision of 100% customer satisfaction in ABIRAMI product & service. A long satisfied customer list yields us a new Customer regularly.OUR EXPERIENCEOffering Services - 12 yearsInsights & Strategy - 10 yearsResearch & Development - 8 yearsLeader in Market - 7 yearsA WORD FROM USCompany is having a complete infrastructure duly supported by qualified Technical Experts for Design, Material Handling, Process, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Testing, Finishing, Pre dispatch activities & for the Service after Sales.All the Company Members Minds & Hands are in a same vision of 100% customer satisfaction in ABIRAMI product & service. A long satisfied customer list yields us a new Customer regularly.KL NARAYANANManaging Director, Abirami Pumps

Abirami Engineering Company

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SOME GLOBAL LEADERS OF PAPER INDUSTRY

SOME GLOBAL LEADERS FOR PAPER INDUSTRY

...and many more29

SOME LEADING EXHIBITORS

...and many more

30

USE FACE MASK CLEAN AND DISINFECT WASH YOUR HANDSFREQUENTLY

KEEP DISTANCE FROM OTHERS

AVOID TOUCHINGEYES, NOSE OR MOUTH

STAY AT HOMEWHEN YOU ARE SICK

COMBATING Basic

Protective

Measures