Mr. Devesh K. Singhal, Director, CEO (Technical), Chandpur Paper
India’s food sector is witnessing a swift evolution with growing urbanization, shifting eating habits, and the surge in e-grocery and food delivery services. The Indian food packaging market is expected to reach INR 248,000 crore by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of close to 7%, as per IMARC Group. As this expansion gains speed, the discussion is no longer just about convenience and price but now includes safety, sustainability, and innovation, and paper-based packaging is at the epicenter of this change.
The Transition from Paper to Plastic
For years, plastic has ruled Indian food packaging because it is not that costly and is adaptable. However, growing concerns about harming the environment, along with changing regulatory frameworks like India’s prohibition on single-use plastic (2022), have opened the door to greener substitutes. Today consumers are also demanding products based on eco-friendly options. A latest survey conducted by Deloitte discovered that 61% of Indian consumers prefer brands with sustainable packaging.
Paper, as a renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable source, is becoming the most promising substitute, especially in the packaging of food and FMCG. Paper-based solutions are such that, unlike plastic, they decompose naturally, thus minimizing landfill waste and marine pollution.
Safety and Hygiene as Non-Negotiables
The post-COVID world has increased consumer attention towards hygiene and food safety. Paper-based food packaging options, particularly MG Poster Paper and Chromo (C1S) Paper, have become popular due to their capacity to deliver top-notch printability, barrier coating, and food safety norm complacency.
At Chandpur Paper, we have always witnessed demand increase from the FMCG and QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) segments, where the paper is being utilized for food wraps and takeaway boxes as much as labels and outer cartons. It is not an urban phenomenon, though, as it is spreading in a big way to tier-2 and tier-3 cities too.
Smart and Sustainable Packaging: The Next Frontier
While sustainability is the core, the future depends on smart packaging that ensures longer shelf life, traceability, and more brand communication. Paper, in combination with advanced coating technologies, can offer moisture and grease resistance, which is critical for the food and bakery categories. The market for smart packaging globally will grow at 8% CAGR till 2030, and India stands to be a major part of this revolution.
Chandpur Paper has been putting money into R&D to study barrier-coated papers that address functional and environmental requirements. For example, lightweight papers that conserve material use but not strength are being adopted more and more by FMCG players who want to strike a balance between cost and performance.
Creating a Sustainable Manufacturing Ecosystem
To produce green products, make sure the manufacturing itself is green. We at Chandpur Paper are progressively converting to green manufacturing. Presently, more than 25% of our energy needs are fulfilled through sustainable sources like biomass and solar power, with the goal of being 50% self-sufficient by 2030. We have also implemented closed-loop water recycling and energy-efficient production to keep our footprint minimal.
With 500+ employees and over 25+ years of experience in the industry, we continue to deliver precision-based, environmentally friendly paper solutions that enable our customers to stay ahead of consumer and regulatory expectations.
Looking Ahead
The future of food packaging in India is undeniably paper-focused. While brands abandon plastics, paper provides the ideal mix of safety, sustainability, and smart adaptability. From quick-service restaurants to big FMCG players, demand for paper-based packaging will keep increasing on the basis of consumer preference as well as compliance regulations.
Our vision at Chandpur Paper is to be a top player in green packaging paper solutions, not only in India but internationally, too. Integrating excellence in quality, technology innovation, and green practices, we aim to shape the packaging world of the future, one that matches the ideals of a new-age, environmentally conscious consumer. The food industry has always been a reflection of shifting consumer trends. Today, we see those trends as safe food, zero waste, and responsible brands. Paper packaging no longer stands as a choice, as it is the future and we feel honored to be working toward that change.
