New Delhi:
To celebrate the World Environment Day, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) urged the people to make eco-friendly choices as a part of their lives. Paper is an effective and eco-friendly alternative and can help users contribute to environment conservation”, said A S Mehta, President, IPMA.
According to IPMA, the complexion of the Paper Industry has changed over the years. Today the industry is far more innovative and able to provide a wide variety of products and solutions which find application in e-commerce, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, food packaging etc.
Incorporation of new technologies have ensured that the paper being produced today is far more superior and customized to meet the specific demands of retail and institutional customers who wish to make an eco-friendly choice.
Paper is one of the most environmentally sustainable products. Paper is biodegradable, recyclable and is produced from sources which are renewable and sustainable. Use of paper and paperboard in education, packaging, e-commerce and sanitation is much more environment-friendly, and needs to be promoted vigorously.
“It’s a fallacy that the Paper Industry is using forests. On the contrary, the Paper Industry is helping increase the tree cover in the country through raising pulpwood plantations. So far over 12 lakh hectares of land has been brought under pulpwood plantation by Paper Industry in the country”, said Rohit Pandit, Secretary General, IPMA.
Extensive R&D has been undertaken by the Paper Industry to produce disease and drought resistant trees which can be grown in different agro climatic conditions. Growing and harvesting trees for making paper is providing jobs for lakhs of farmers in rural areas. About 5 lakh farmers are productively employed in this agro / farm forestry initiative. Agro / farm forestry by the Paper Industry is enhancing the country’s green cover, leading to carbon sequestration and mitigating the harmful effects of climate change. Usage of paper is thus good for the environment, states IPMA.
