India’s paper industry is turning a new page of development: Bonafide Research

Despite predictions that the digital revolution would render paper obsolete, it continues to play a crucial role in daily life. The habit of reading newspapers is expected to persist and even increase, despite the growing availability of digital media. In India, an average of 100 million newspaper copies are sold daily, driven by the country's high literacy rate. Unlike other markets with advanced digital ecosystems, India's newspaper revenue streams have yet to face a significant threat from digital content channels.

Paper has a long history, dating back to 105 A.D., when it was first invented in China. Over the centuries, it has become an essential part of human life. According to the report India Paper Market Outlook, 2027-28 published by Bonafide Research, the Indian paper market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% during the forecast period. The market consists of paperboard and industrial packaging paper, paper stationery, newspaper print, and specialty paper. Rising disposable incomes are leading individuals to spend more on various products, including paper-based goods. Additionally, India's anti-plastic movement is promoting paper packaging as an eco-friendly alternative. The expansion of modern retail channels, such as departmental stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms, further supports the use of paper for packaging and storage, contributing to market growth.

Advertising is a key driver of brand awareness and new product launches. In India, print media, including newspapers and magazines, plays a significant role in advertising. Marketers prefer newspapers as an advertising platform due to their extensive reach across all regions of the country, making them a crucial medium for promoting products and services.

Major companies operating in the Indian paper market include ITC Limited, Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL), J K Paper Limited, Ballarpur Industries Limited, Century Pulp and Paper Limited, The West Coast Paper Mills Limited, International Paper APPM Limited, Seshasayee Paper & Boards Limited (SPB), Emami Paper Mills Limited, and N R Agarwal Industries Limited (NRAIL).