Greening the Paper Trail: JK Paper Leads Sustainable Practices in the Indian Paper Industry

It is a pressing need of the hour for individuals and businesses alike to take responsibility for the state of our planet. It is time to make sustainable choices in our lives to help save our planet before the damage becomes irreparable. One small step that everyone can take is to switch to paper-based sustainable alternatives like paper straws, carry bags, food wrapping paper, and paper-based packaging solutions.

When people think of how paper is made, the first thing that often comes to mind is deforestation. However, JK Paper, a leading paper manufacturer in India, is committed to being eco-friendly and taking care of the environment. They do not cut a single natural forest tree to make their paper. Instead, they have pioneered a revolutionary approach called Agro/Social Farm Forestry.

The Agro/Social Farm Forestry Initiative

In 1991, JK Paper launched its Agro/Social Farm Forestry program, a groundbreaking initiative that has set it apart in the Indian paper industry. Through this program, they grow and harvest special varieties of trees, such as Subabul, Casuarina, and Eucalyptus, on farmland, treating them as agricultural crops. These trees are then harvested and used to produce paper.

This program has had a positive impact on JK Paper’s operations and the environment. Not only does it help make the Earth greener, but it also provides livelihood opportunities for farmers and marginal communities. In the last ten years, the Agro/Social Farm Forestry program has helped create livelihood opportunities for over 75,000 farmers, empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable development.

Research and Development for Higher Yields

In addition to their innovative forestry initiatives, JK Paper’s commitment to sustainability is further strengthened by their research and development efforts. They have developed a large number of improved varieties of tree saplings. These diversifications enable farmers to achieve yields that are two to three times higher compared to traditional seed route plantations, further enhancing the economic and environmental benefits of the Agro/Social Farm Forestry program.

Continuous Green Cover Enrichment

JK Paper’s pursuit of enriching the green cover through its Social Farm Forestry drive is relentless. To date, they have planted trees on more than 500,000 acres of land, spanning across the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. On average, JK Paper adds 35,000 acres annually to its plantation drive by distributing over 60 million saplings to farmers.

In the year 2020–21 alone, the company planted about 32,700 acres, with approximately 74% of the area planted using highly high-productive clones. JK Paper distributes an impressive 43.8 million saplings to farmers every year, contributing significantly to the greening of the Indian landscape.

How Paper is Made Sustainably

The process of making paper at JK Paper is a sustainable one. After growing and harvesting the trees from their Agro/Social Farm Forestry program, the wood is transported to their mills. Here, the wood is chipped and cooked in a chemical solution to break down the tough fibres. These fibres are then washed, screened, and refined to create a pulp.

The pulp is then spread out on a large, flat surface to dry, forming a continuous sheet of paper. This sheet is then pressed, dried, and rolled into large rolls of paper. Depending on the desired end product, the paper may undergo further processing, such as coating or cutting, before being packaged and distributed to customers.

Throughout this process, JK Paper employs eco-friendly practices, including recycling, reusing, and minimising waste-water discharge. They also incorporate better technology and process innovations to reduce freshwater consumption and effluent generation per metric ton of paper produced.

Emission Reduction and Water Conservation

JK Paper’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its forestry and production initiatives. They have signed an Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA) with the BioCarbon Fund of the World Bank. This agreement covers 4,000 acres mainly owned by small and marginal farmers associated with JK Paper’s plantation program. Not only does this program provide additional income for participating farmers, but it also contributes to reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming.

Furthermore, JK Paper has incorporated better technology, process innovation, recycling, reuse, and minimising waste-water discharge strategies. These efforts have helped significantly reduce freshwater consumption and effluent generation per metric ton of paper in recent years, further demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Paper Solutions

Through their innovative Agro/Social Farm Forestry program, research and development efforts, continuous green cover enrichment initiatives, emission reduction strategies, and water conservation measures, JK Paper has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable practices in the Indian paper industry. By adopting these eco-friendly approaches, they provide sustainable paper solutions to meet the needs of consumers and businesses alike.

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of manufacturing processes, JK Paper’s commitment to sustainability sets an example for other paper manufacturers to follow. By greening the paper trail, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand.

Let’s turn things around and make way for a better tomorrow for all of us by choosing sustainable paper solutions like those offered by JK Paper.