Paperex 2013 to span 14 halls at Pragati Maidan

informed Gagan Sahni, senior manager marketing, International Trade and Exhibitions India Pvt Ltd (ITEI). Here, he shares more about the upcoming Paparex 2013, to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from October 24-27, 2013. Excerpts.

The industry statistics…

Indian paper industry has been showing a phenomenal growth and is expected to grow at a rate of ~6.4% CAGR to 15.5-16Mt up to FY17. “India, the 15th largest paper manufacturer, is the world’s fastest growing paper market; producing however, only ~2.6% of its total output. The per capita consumption in India stands at only 9.3 kg as against 42 kg in China, 22 kg in Indonesia, 25 kg in Malaysia and 312 kg in the US,” shared Gagan Sahni, senior manager marketing, International Trade and Exhibitions India Pvt Ltd (ITEI), and the prime architect of the brand Paperex.

“The Indian paper industry is classified into three main segments–paperboard and industrial packaging (paperboard) comprising ~45% of the industry, followed by printing and writing paper (p&w), accounting for ~35% and newsprint segment (newsprint) covering ~20% of the domestic paper production,” he added.

Challenges in the paper industry…

On asking about the challenges in the Indian paper industry, Gagan replied, “There are quite a few challenges to the Indian paper industry. These include: weakening of Rupee against Dollar affecting the imports, thus affecting the competitiveness of the Indian paper industry. While, the increase in raw material, energy and financing cost has put enormous pressure on the cost of production and at the same time, lack of power supply to the paper manufacturing units affecting the paper production.”

He also pointed out the fact that though India has a large available pool of unskilled and skilled workforce and the advantage of very low manpower costs; the outdated labor laws, however, (some predating India’s independence) are not conducive to a sound operating environment.

Paperless office: how is it affecting the paper industry?

The world is moving towards paperless offices and print runs are decreasing, so is it a threat for the paper industry? “The need for paper cannot be undermined. The paper requirement is growing phenomenally in packaging and speciality paper segment. The demand for paper may be decreasing in offices but surely increasing in the household segments. Government is giving special emphasis to education in the country which has resulted in increase in demand of paper as well,” replied the enthusiastic Gagan.

On Paperex 2013, New Delhi…

Paperex is now in its 11th edition and the number of exhibitors and the exhibition space has been surpassing its own past performances. “This year Paperex will be held in 14 exhibition halls covering 22,500 sq m exhibition area. As of now we have over 400 confirmed exhibitors, while our target is over 500 exhibitor for this year’s Paperex. A special thrust has been put on inviting international participation for Paperex and there will be group participation from China, France, Germany and Taiwan,” informed Gagan proudly.

“This year exhibition will be organized on a mega scale. Prior to the exhibition, we plan to organize a press meet and road shows to promote this leading business event. Besides, the exhibition is being promoted at industry platform meets and in trade media. Moreover, various activities during the exhibition are planned to ensure the quality audience at the event. This will include a three day international concurrent conference on “Global Pulp and Paper Industry: Problems and Prospects”, to be organized by Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association,” he added.

On asking about the support from other trade associations, Gagan replied, “We have support from all the major trade associations in India and abroad who are promoting this event. The event is being promoted by worldwide network of ITE Group Plc. Regular direct mailers and e-mailers are also being sent to promote the event.”

As a matter of fact, leading industry associations like the following have given their support to Paperex: AIAI (All India Associations of Industries, India); IARPMA (Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association, India); IPPTA (Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association, India); CPPRI (Central Pulp & paper Research Institute, India); FPTA (Federation of Paper Traders Association of India); APPITA (Technical association for the pulp and paper industry of Australia and New Zealand); ABTCP (Brazilian Paper and Pulp Technical Association, Brazil); PI (Paper Engineers Association, Finland); ZELLCHEMING (German Pulp and Paper Chemists & Engineers Association, Germany); TAPPSA (Technical Association of Pulp & Paper Industry of South Africa); TAPPI (Technical Association of the pulp and paper Industry), USA; UPMA (U.P paper Merchant Association, India); and WASME (World Association for small and Medium Enterprises, India).

On a concluding note…

“The best in the paper industry will be showcased at Paperex 2013. This business event would add tremendous value to the knowledge of all those who visit Paperex,” concluded Gagan.

ExpoPrint 2014, Latin America

In Latin America, ExpoPrint is the most important printing event and in 2014, it will be held at the TransAmérica Expo Center from July 16 – 22, very soon after the Soccer World Cup. According to figures presented at Drupa 2012 by Werner Dornscheidt, the CEO and president of Messe Düsseldorf, ExpoPrint Latin America ranks as the 5th largest printing fair in the world. “Latin America is no longer an adjunct, it has become a hub for attracting investments, a solution for the directing of trade that, previously, was concentrated in the First World which is now stagnant. The ExpoPrint numbers confirm the growing curve of the importance of Brazil and Latin America and this will certainly increase in 2014”, said Sandra Keese, director of APS Feiras e Eventos which is the organizer of ExpoPrint Latin America 2014.In 2014 the event will feature two additional pavilions, making a total of 7 pavilion halls for the exhibition in São Paulo which is the industrial and commercial heart of Brazil.”