Large Scale Use of Jute/Mesta-Only Solution for Raw Material Problem Facing the Indian Pulp & Paper Industry, 1991 Pulping Conference Proceedings

India is one of the developing countries in the world which are not fortunate to have adequate supplies of wood. However, large quantities of fibrous agricultural residues and other non wood plant fibres are available in plenty which can be the raw material source for pulp & paper industry.

Their value has become increasingly recognized in India for manufacture of pulp & paper in view of the concern expressed for environmental protection.

This paper gives an insight into the demand projections for the next 25 years and the raw materials scenario for manufacture of writing and printing paper and newsprint in India.

The author strongly recommends that from now on the Indian pulp & paper industry should start making use of all non wood fibres proven techno-commercially suitable for manufacture of pulp & paper. Utilization of Jute/Mesta assumes greater significance and importance in view of the great demand for paper/ Newsprint and also due to constraints in availability of other non wood fibres. There is no other alternative except to make a start in a big way for utilization of Jute/Mesta.