Mohali – The Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA) is hosting its Annual General Meeting and seminar on “Improving Productivity and Quality Through Emerging AI Technologies” at Hotel Radisson RED, Mohali.
The two-day event, taking place on 28th February & 1st March 2025, has brought together over 400 eminent technologists, paper industrialists, engineers, machinery suppliers, and research institutions from India and abroad to explore how AI-driven solutions can revolutionise efficiency and quality in the pulp and paper manufacturing sector.
The seminar serves as a platform for discussions on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the pulp and paper manufacturing process, enhancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The event marks a significant milestone by bringing together various stakeholders—paper mills, suppliers, and end users—on a common platform fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Chief Guest Shri Ashish Ranjan, Chief Digital Officer at National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NBC Bearings) highlighted the importance of AI in the industry, stating, “We are in the age of artificial intelligence. Since OpenAI released ChatGPT on 30th November 2022, attracting 100 million users in just two months, it has become clear that AI is not just a tool—it’s a game-changer. It has touched our personal lives and is now shaping industries, including ours.”
“As manufacturers, we stand at a crossroads: either embrace technology or struggle with the skill gap. In the next 5 to 7 years, domain experts will retire, making upskilling more critical than ever. The future depends on how fast we learn and adapt. AI and human intelligence will work together to drive efficiency, unlock productivity, and reshape how we innovate. The paper industry, like many others, must leverage digitalisation and AI to build sustainable solutions and redefine product innovation. This is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity,” he added.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Juergen Abraham, President, Voith Digital Business and Products & Services, stated that, “AI is happening now, and AI is happening everywhere. It is revolutionising manufacturing worldwide, and the paper industry is no exception. This is the right time for the paper industry to embrace AI, helping us navigate challenges, find the right path, and take the first steps on our digital journey. By adopting AI, we can unlock efficiency, drive innovation, and enjoy the savings and rewards it brings.”
Pavan Khaitan, President, IPPTA & Vice Chairman and MD, Kuantum Papers Ltd., Punjab emphasised the significance of AI in shaping the industry’s future, “AI has the potential to transform the paper industry by improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing product quality. Through this seminar, we aim to bring together industry leaders, technologists, and researchers to deliberate on the latest AI advancements and how they can be leveraged to drive sustainable growth in the sector.”
“The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the pulp and paper manufacturing industry will help in achieving greater consistency in processes and improved quality at reduced costs while also generating employment for skilled and technical workforce. We also anticipate a capacity increase of around 5-10% in production with the deployment of AI in operations,” he added.
The Indian paper industry, comprising over 850 paper mills, produces more than 25 million tonnes of paper annually. With an annual turnover of ₹80,000 crores and a significant contribution to the economy, the industry is now looking towards AI-driven solutions to meet the increasing demand for paper products driven by the increased thrust on education by the Government, the need for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging and the rapid growth of e-commerce.
SVR Krishnan, Vice President, IPPTA & Executive Director, Khanna Paper Mills, Amritsar, also emphasised AI’s growing importance in the industry, stating, “The pulp and paper sector grows in tandem with the GDP, maintaining a 6% growth rate. This increasing demand for sustainable packaging, coupled with the rapid expansion of e-commerce, is accelerating AI adoption in the pulp and paper business. AI enables manufacturers to enhance production speed, optimise efficiency, and minimise environmental impact.”
He further emphasised that the paper industry is one the most sustainable industries, saying “80% of paper comes from recycled material, 7-8% from wheat straw. We don’t cut trees—we harvest them under Social Farm Forestry programmes driven by the paper mills.”
Addressing concerns about unemployment, he stated, “AI in the paper industry will create new job opportunities. With advancing technology, literacy rates are rising, creating a more skilled workforce. Jobs will now go to skilled professionals.”
The pulp and paper industry contributes approximately Rs. 8,000 crores to the national exchequer and provides direct employment to around 5 lakh people and indirect employment to approximately 15 lakh individuals, further underlining its socio-economic significance.
During the two-day seminar, renowned technologists, paper industry leaders, engineers, machinery suppliers and research institutions will present papers and discuss key topics, including the latest advancements and challenges in the paper and pulp industry, as well as the transformative potential of AI technology in improving manufacturing efficiency.
The event features distinguished speakers and industry leaders, including Chief Guest Shri Ashish Ranjan and keynote speaker Dr. Juergen Abraham, President, Voith Digital Business and Products & Services.
The event is also witnessing the participation of key industry leaders including Shri Pavan Khaitan (President, IPPTA & Vice Chairman & MD, Kuantum Papers Ltd., Punjab), Shri S V R Krishnan (Vice President, IPPTA & Executive Director, Khanna Paper Mills Ltd., Amritsar), Shri M. K. Goyal (Honorary Secretary General, IPPTA), and Shri Chirag Satia (Programme Chairman & Director, Satia Industries Ltd.).