JK Paper Group showcased its range of paper-based packaging products for the FMCG and pharma industries, at the Paperex exhibition held in Greater Noida. The company feels the ban on select single-use plastic items in India is an opportunity for paper-based converters and aims to fill that space as a leading provider. The company has also launched a sheeting center in Bengaluru to provide customers with smaller volumes.
Akhilesh Sharma, senior manager of sales of the packaging board business, told Packaging South Asia that JK launched paperboard-based packaging from 2006-2008 with a capacity of 1 lakh tons, which went up to 3 lakh tons in 2023. The company is focused on sustainable projects to provide enhanced barrier-based solutions and is expecting collaborations with FMCG and pharma industries to push sales at an optimized price.
According to Sharma, the Indian paper-based packaging industry is growing at 12-15% CAGR. “We at JK Paper develop products according to industry standards, which can meet and sustain customer requirements at an optimum pricing. We have managed to maintain our market share by growing our customer base, which keeps the flow of our orders. Our sheeting center in Bengaluru was pivotal in enhancing customer engagement, especially for clients who ask for smaller volumes. We are expecting collaborations with brand owners in the FMCG segment to capture a bigger market size, which is one of our objectives for participating in Paperex.”
Sharma believes the Indian paper industry has grown several-fold by leveraging on the latest technology. “Visitors at the exhibition were keen to explore our paper-based packaging products as the paper industry has seen significant growth in recent years. Technology is among the biggest facilitators,” he said.
Packaging design is an enticing element. The more attractive the packaging, the more attention it draws. However, consumer behavior has shifted toward sustainable packaging. “Keeping sustainability in mind, our packaging is moving towards aquas-based barrier-coated and BioPPS (bio-based polybutylene succinate). These materials enhance the barrier properties of paper products such as paper bowls or paper straws, enabling them to hold liquid items without leakage. Ice cream and soft drink companies are major buyers of these products,” Sharma said.
