This factory in Vapi recycles imported wastepaper. Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE
Waste

Sustainability in action at a Vapi paper factory

Wastepaper import helps India meet its domestic demand, while also maintaining sustainability and contributes to a circular economy

Vikas Choudhary

This factory in south Gujarat’s Vapi recycles wastepaper.

India is the world’s third-largest paper producer. However, it continues to rely heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.

India produces a lot of paper. But it is deficient in raw materials like wood fibres.

According to a recent report by Down To Earth, paper demand in India is growing at 6-7 per cent annually.

India produces an estimated 23 million tonnes of paper a year but remains fibre-deficient, facing chronic shortages of raw materials.

Imported wastepaper thus not helps meet domestic demand but also helps maintain sustainability.

While wastepaper import thus helps India meet its domestic demand, it also does something more important. It helps maintain sustainability and contributes to a circular economy where waste is transformed into new products.