Barrier paper to catalyze US$4B growth in Indian packaging sector by 2030 – Ashraf Nathani

INDIA – At a recent seminar organized by the Indian Pulp & Paper Technical Association (IPPTA), Ashraf Nathani, Managing Director of Mehali Paper Mill, forecasted that the barrier paper market in India could unlock a staggering US$4 billion in value by 2030.

According to Nathani, the Indian consumer’s preference for fresh, hot food, coupled with environmental concerns and regulatory pressure, is creating the perfect storm for growth.

He emphasized that the move to paper-based alternatives is no longer a matter of choice, but of urgent necessity.

Barrier paper, which uses coatings to resist moisture, grease, oxygen, and odours, is emerging as a viable replacement for plastic and aluminium foil, particularly in the food and industrial packaging sectors.

Globally, the market is valued between US$12–14 billion and is growing at a healthy CAGR of 5%. Europe and North America currently lead the shift, driven by strict environmental regulations, but India is rapidly catching up.

India’s ban on single-use plastic and the rise of food delivery giants like Swiggy and Zomato are accelerating the need for compostable and recyclable packaging.

“From samosas and curries to frozen foods and chips, barrier-coated paper can maintain freshness, prevent sogginess, and eliminate plastic contamination,” Nathani stated.

Beyond food, the potential extends to industrial applications. Companies like Coreek are using barrier paper for corrosion-resistant packaging of auto parts and engineering goods, replacing poly wraps with biodegradable alternatives.

Nathani also highlighted cost and quality as key challenges. Barrier-coated paper remains more expensive than traditional polyethylene-coated materials.

Additionally, improvements in Indian paper quality, such as smoothness and pinhole resistance, are essential for achieving reliable barrier performance. However, with scale and innovation, stakeholders are optimistic these barriers can be overcome.

Echoing similar global trends, Indian firms like Yash Pakka and JK Paper are also exploring barrier technologies.

In 2022, ITC introduced Mother Earth, its home-grown sustainable packaging brand focusing on compostable and recyclable barrier-coated papers for spices and snacks.

Nathani called for greater collaboration between converters, paper mills, FMCG brands, and policymakers.

“We need to promote paper not just as recyclable, but as renewable and biodegradable,” he urged. “It’s time we stop blaming paper and start celebrating its potential.”

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