In a significant step towards strengthening India’s specialty paper segment, Naini Papers has partnered with PrimeFiber Global Paper Solutions to develop Packaging Grade Specialty Papers aimed at replacing certain imported grades with locally manufactured alternatives.

The collaboration seeks to provide innovative paper solutions to meet the evolving requirements of packaging converters, companies, and brand owners. Zaheer Abbas of PrimeFiber Global Paper Solutions said, “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.”

Naini Papers brings to the partnership its cutting-edge infrastructure, including one of the country’s most technologically advanced hardwood pulp mills and a state-of-the-art specialty paper machine supplied by Valmet. Over the last few years, the company’s older machines have also been upgraded by leading global suppliers such as Voith, Valmet, and Bellmer, ensuring high production efficiency and quality output.

Pawan Agarwal, chairman and managing director of Naini Group, who also serves as the president of the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), has been vocal about driving innovation and sustainability within the Indian paper industry. Under his leadership, the company has focused on aligning its manufacturing capabilities with the growing demand for fibre-based packaging products.

The new machine, PM3, has been designed to cater to the needs of brand owners – both Indian and multinational – who are actively seeking sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. With increasing emphasis on eco-friendly materials, this initiative is expected to not only reduce dependence on imported papers but also support the broader goal of advancing India’s domestic paper manufacturing ecosystem.