Kashipur, Uttarakhand-based Naini Papers, a manufacturer of writing and printing paper, is partnering with PrimeFiber Global Paper Solutions to develop packaging-grade specialty papers for the food and pharmaceutical sectors.Â
Led by industry veteran Zaheer Abbas, the Gurugram-headquartered PrimeFiber Global Paper Solutions offers customized packaging solutions and optimization services. It leverages extensive experience in global sourcing of packaging paper and paperboards for specialized applications and the ecosystem will include global speciality paper suppliers and Naini Papers.
“We will target systematically some segments of packaging where we will work with converters, packaging companies, and brand owners, in some cases, to develop an Indian specialty paper,” Abbas told Packaging South Asia.
Started in 1995, Naini Papers is one of the few premier paper manufacturing facilities in India offering high-quality writing and printing papers with improved physical and optical properties. Naini is a market leader in producing single-layer cup stock and saturating kraft for making laminates.
Naini Papers has one of the most technologically advanced hardwood pulp mills in India and an advanced specialty paper machine from Valmet. Over the past several years, its older paper machines have also been upgraded by Voith, Valmet, and Bellmer. Pawan Agarwal, CMD of Naini Group, is an active industry modernization advocate as the president of the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) of which the IPP Group has also recently become a member.
With the company’s focus on the environment and sustainability, Naini’s new PM3 machine, is designed to produce fiber-based packaging products that can in several cases, be engineered to replace flexible plastic. Given the right barrier, coating and machinability characteristics, there is increasing demand from global and Indian brands owner for these options as the paper waste and recyclability streams are already established in the country.Â
Industry veteran Abbas has great experience and knowledge of food, pharma and other FMCG application segments and an understanding of the leading brand owners who are looking for efficiency in the raw material supply chain, together with high performance paper substrates in achieving optimum and consistent shelf–impact for their brands. He is is committed to helping brands and converters in creating a sustainable ecosystem in their creative and efficient use of fiber based raw materials.
Given that the unique possibilities of paper based packaging especially for food and pharmaceuticals are not widely understood, the packaging industry is looking for speciality paper suppliers that can realize these solutions efficiently, and hence competitively. Abbas’ PrimeFiber company and its collaboration with Naini Papers address this opportunity.
