IPPTA: Barrier-coated paper to replace single-use plastic

The seminar organised by the Indian Pulp and Paper Technical Association (IPPTA) provided a forum for members to jointly investigate and adopt solutions that can lessen reliance on single-use plastics and enhance India’s circular economy. 

SVR Krishnan, vice president of IPPTA, stated, “Barrier-coated paper represents a major leap in sustainable packaging.” 

By 2030, the global market for barrier-coated papers — including board and packaging — is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% to reach around USD 11-billion. 

Pavan Khaitan, president of IPPTA, stated that nearly 10% of the demand for barrier-coated packaging would come from India, a nation with a sizable population and an aspirational youth demographic, spanning industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and eCommerce. Additionally, he stated that environmental impact can be lessened and a circular economy can be created by investing in sustainable materials such as barrier-coated papers.

According to Pawan Agarwal, president of the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) and managing director of Naini Papers, the demand for barrier-coated packaging paper and paperboard, a sustainable substitute for single-use plastic, is expected to increase by double digits over the next ten years. 

Industry data indicates that, of the 23-million metric tonnes of domestic paper sold, 15-million metric tonnes are made up of packaging paper and board, which has grown by 8–9% over the past few years.

Agarwal continued, “A lot of demand is coming from leading brand owners across FMCG, pharma and food and beverages to switch from single-use plastic to paper packaging. However, for widening its usage across segments, effective barrier coating of paper is imperative.”

The annual manufacturing of plastics worldwide has surpassed 500-million metric tons. Of these, an estimated 240-million metric tons are wasted, contributing to environmental pollution (approximately 30-kilogrammes per person globally on average). Because barrier-coated papers are recyclable and biodegradable, they provide packaging options that are secure, practical, and environmentally friendly. 

It is crucial for industry, research institutions, academics, experts, and policymakers to work together, as it takes coordinated research and development efforts to create high-performance, reasonably priced barrier coatings.

MK Goyal, secretary general of IPPTA, stated that by providing a forum for a highly beneficial and educational exchange of knowledge, IPPTA is leading the industry in cooperative efforts. This is the first technical conference in the paper industry, with over 175 professionals from across the globe taking part.