Chandigarh, February 28 – Industry leaders, engineers, suppliers, and researchers have come together to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance efficiency and quality in India's pulp and paper manufacturing sector. The Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA) is hosting its annual general meeting and seminar on "Improving Productivity and Quality Through Emerging AI Technologies" in Mohali.
The two-day event, which began on Friday, has gathered over 400 technologists, industrialists, engineers, machinery suppliers, and research institutions from India and abroad. Their primary focus is on leveraging AI-driven solutions to optimize processes, improve product quality, and drive sustainability in the industry.
“In the next 5 to 7 years, as experienced domain experts retire, upskilling will become critical,” Ranjan said. “The paper industry must embrace AI and digitalization to drive sustainable solutions and product innovation. This is not just an opportunity; it’s a necessity.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Juergen Abraham, President of Voith Digital Business and Products & Services, highlighted the transformative power of AI. “By adopting AI, we can unlock efficiency, drive innovation, and reap the benefits of cost savings,” he remarked.
“The integration of AI in the pulp and paper sector will lead to greater process consistency and improved quality at reduced costs. It will also generate employment for skilled professionals. We anticipate a 5-10% increase in production capacity with AI deployment,” Khaitan said.
AI-driven innovations are expected to help meet the rising demand for paper products, fueled by increased government emphasis on education, the need for sustainable packaging, and the rapid growth of e-commerce. As the industry shifts towards eco-friendly solutions, AI integration is set to play a crucial role in streamlining production, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
With industry leaders championing AI adoption, the seminar aims to pave the way for a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible future for India's paper manufacturing sector.
The two-day event, which began on Friday, has gathered over 400 technologists, industrialists, engineers, machinery suppliers, and research institutions from India and abroad. Their primary focus is on leveraging AI-driven solutions to optimize processes, improve product quality, and drive sustainability in the industry.
AI: A Game-Changer for the Paper Industry
Ashish Ranjan, Chief Digital Officer at National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NBC Bearings), emphasized AI’s impact across industries. He noted that since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, gaining 100 million users in just two months, AI has proven to be more than a tool—it is a revolutionary force shaping businesses worldwide.“In the next 5 to 7 years, as experienced domain experts retire, upskilling will become critical,” Ranjan said. “The paper industry must embrace AI and digitalization to drive sustainable solutions and product innovation. This is not just an opportunity; it’s a necessity.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Juergen Abraham, President of Voith Digital Business and Products & Services, highlighted the transformative power of AI. “By adopting AI, we can unlock efficiency, drive innovation, and reap the benefits of cost savings,” he remarked.
Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Waste
Pavan Khaitan, President of IPPTA and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Kuantum Papers Ltd., Punjab, underlined AI’s potential in improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring higher product quality.“The integration of AI in the pulp and paper sector will lead to greater process consistency and improved quality at reduced costs. It will also generate employment for skilled professionals. We anticipate a 5-10% increase in production capacity with AI deployment,” Khaitan said.
The Indian Paper Industry’s Growth Trajectory
India's paper industry, comprising over 850 paper mills, produces more than 25 million tonnes of paper annually. With a turnover of approximately ₹80,000 crore, the sector is a significant contributor to the economy.AI-driven innovations are expected to help meet the rising demand for paper products, fueled by increased government emphasis on education, the need for sustainable packaging, and the rapid growth of e-commerce. As the industry shifts towards eco-friendly solutions, AI integration is set to play a crucial role in streamlining production, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
With industry leaders championing AI adoption, the seminar aims to pave the way for a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally responsible future for India's paper manufacturing sector.
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