Ajay Dayal, Haldwani. In March last year, ITC Limited acquired Century Pulp and Paper based in Lalkuan (Uttarakhand) under Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited. This deal is worth approximately Rs 3,500 crore. Has been done However, the formalities of the acquisition are in the process of being completed by next month. ITC’s existing four paper units are in South India (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) and West Bengal. Now through Lalkuan Mill, their direct access and hold in the North Indian market will be strengthened. Naresh Chandra, Vice President of Century Paper Lalkuan, has been serving here for almost 32 years. Last year itself, he got promotion and became the Vice President. Before promotion, Naresh Chandra, as Senior General Manager, was handling departments like social forestry, environment, water management and social responsibility of the mill. Had a long ‘Read’ conversation with him regarding Century’s strategy, current situation, challenges and future. Here are some excerpts from this conversation–
Question: Plastic is said to be the biggest threat to the environment. Despite this, it is being used at all levels and businesses. Does the paper industry have this option?
answer: Currently, we are preparing to meet India’s demand for green packaging. As far as the use of single used plastic is concerned, every citizen will have to take the initiative to curb it. There are strict laws and fines in some countries, so that this situation does not happen, we will have to change our behavior.
Question: Doesn’t it seem that we don’t have a cheap alternative like polythene especially, hence despite being illegal it is still in practice?
answer: Yes, it can be said that right now we do not have a cheap environment friendly option like polythene. But why can’t we make it a habit to carry a bag in our hands just like walking with a mobile phone in our hands?
Question: Then what is meant by green packaging?
answer: Demand for paper-based sustainable packaging is increasing due to environmental regulations and bans on single-use plastics. We are focusing on eco-friendly packaging solutions for sectors like e-commerce, pharma, and food delivery. This will be under our ITC Next strategy.
Question: Has any target been set for this?
answer: The company aims to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or compostable by 2028. Also, the intention is not to retreat from the paper and paperboard business but to expand rapidly.
Question: On one hand paper less culture is being promoted and on the other hand there is a plan to boost the paper industry, how is this possible?
answer: Century Pulp & Paper mainly manufactures writing-printing paper, copier paper, tissue paper and packaging boards. In the times to come, we will further strengthen our leadership position in the paperboard and specialty paper sector in India.
Question: What is the biggest challenge facing this industry?
answer: Naturally, other wood based industries are a challenge before us. For example, in both paper and readymade furniture industries, there is a demand for raw material i.e. used trees (wood). The paper industry mainly depends on trees. Direct purchase of these woods by the furniture industry has created many problems for paper mills.
Question: You are making better use of bagasse (sugarcane bagasse), but is the stubble also being utilized properly?
answer: We tried but could not get results from the stubble. There was a shortage of gum, which is most useful in making paper.
Question: What is the future of Century Paper’s business?
answer : Our intention is not to retreat from the paper and paperboard business, but to expand rapidly. We will further strengthen our leadership position in India’s paperboard and specialty paper sector.
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