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The history of paper dates back to mediaeval times, which started with birch bark, palm leaves, clothes, and ultimately the development of technology for the production of paper. The paper manufacturing industry in India and the use of paper for writing started only after the 11th century, which has gradually evolved with time. Most of the paper manufactured in India is from wood fibre. Even on a global level, the dominant fibre for the pulp and paper industry is wood and recovered paper. However, with a focus on sustainability, the paper manufacturing companies in India are adapting to the process of paper recycling. The topic gives an overview of paper production in India, raw materials used, and a brief history.
Brief History of the Indian Paper Industry
The first machine-made paper in India was manufactured in the year 1812. Due to newspapers and the development of printing papers, softwood was used as the primary material. However, with growing demand, wood fibre is the dominant choice now.
The first paper manufacturing industry in India was established in Kashmir in 1417-67 AD by Sultan Zainul Abedin. The ruler was held hostage in Samarkand, and on returning to Kashmir, he brought along artisans skilled at making paper.
India’s first paper mill was established in Serampore (West Bengal) in 1812. However, due to the low demand for paper, it did not succeed.
Gradually, paper manufacturing companies in India started to grow. Zafarabad in Uttar Pradesh was known as Kaghdi Shahar (paper city) during old times. It manufactured fine, glossy papers from bamboo.
During the Mughal Period, the two most important centres for the Indian paper industry were Daulatabad and Aurangabad.
The papermaking centres established by Tipu Sultan in Mysore were used to make papers for royal purposes.
Size of the Indian Paper Industry
Many established paper manufacturing industries in India use advanced technology to make a variety of papers. The paper industry in India primarily consists of over 157 paper-producing divisions across India. One of the biggest centres for paper production in Western India is Sanganer Village.
India’s paper and paperboard industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% in 5 years, from 2021 to 2026.
According to the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association, the total market size of the paper manufacturing industry in India is 16.1 million tonnes in 2019. However, the need for paper production has increased due to a 200% increase in demand for packaging.
The paper manufacturing companies in India have a huge turnover due to high demand. It accounts for nearly 1.6% of the world’s paper and paperboard production. It has an estimated turnover of more than USD 5.95 billion.
Manufacturing Process of Paper
The increase in the demand for paper has led to the dominance of the wood-based pulp and paper industry. The majority of the paper manufacturing industry in India uses wood fibre to produce paper. Even non-wood fibres like agricultural residues are used for papermaking.
Wood fibres are cellulosic elements extracted from trees and used to produce papers. The paper manufacturing industry in India obtains pulp from wood fibre with additives. This breaks down the fibres and creates wood pulp, a spongy mass.
The pulp is processed and pressed flat to make paper. It involves two processes:
Chemical pulping: It is the process that involves the breakdown of wide lignin chemicals like sodium sulphate and sodium hydroxide. The breakdown of the fibre produces the spongy mass called the pulp.
Mechanical pulping: During this, the first step involves feeding the wood fibre into a refiner that converts it into fibre bundles. It consists of steam and heat; it produces unbleached products with short fibre. This, in turn, makes pulp, which provides a higher yield.
After the pulp production, the water is removed from the fibre solution. The paper manufacturing companies in India follow the dilution process to produce thin, uniform paper.
As the whiteness of the paper is important, once removed from the water, it is bleached, refined, and coloured. Beating and refining the pulp increases the surface area of the fibre, improving its mechanical properties.
As the pulp mat is passed through nip rollers, it squeezes out the remaining water due to pressure. The paper manufacturing industry in India uses advanced machines that automate the process. After sizing, paper is passed through heated drying cylinders to dry and lose the remaining water.
After manufacturing the paper sheets, it is passed through smooth rollers that give them a smooth and glossy appearance.
Conclusion
Most of the paper manufacturing companies in India use advanced and high-tech machines to produce paper. However, the history of production and use of paper dates back to the 12th century. The first machine-based paper manufacturing was set up in the 18th century.
The standard and primary raw material used by the paper manufacturing industry in India is wood fibres. However, in the olden times, bamboo and plant barks were used to produce paper. The article gives an insight into how the wood fibre is processed and converted into white-coloured, fine paper sheets.
