Paper and paperboard waste market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The paper and paperboard waste market in India stood at 12.8 million tons in 2018, supported by a paper industry where 47% of production relied on recycled fibers. Demand for packaging from organized retail, e-commerce, and FMCG sectors provided a steady base for waste collection and consumption. The market volume grew steadily through 2019 and 2020, reaching 13.3 million tons.

A significant acceleration occurred in 2021, with the market expanding by over 7% to 14.3 million tons. This surge was primarily driven by the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules introduced that year, which aimed to reduce single-use plastic and boosted demand for paper-based packaging as an eco-friendly alternative. Growing consumer preference for sustainable and high-quality packaging further incentivized manufacturers. The upward trend continued into 2022, with the market reaching 14.9 million tons.

Growth persisted in 2023 as the market volume climbed to 15.6 million tons. Bans on single-use plastic in several states and the robust expansion of e-commerce, which demands substantial cardboard packaging, were key drivers. Paper mills operated at near-full capacity to meet demand. Looking at 2024, regulatory easing for importers—specifically the removal of end-use certificate requirements for waste paper—facilitated trade, while geopolitical tensions in West Asia introduced volatility for exports and imports of recovered fiber.

Production paper and paperboard waste in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, India ranked as the 8th largest producer of paper and paperboard waste between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

India's production of paper and paperboard waste grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 7 309 K t, marking a substantial increase of 13.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 97.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 25.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports paper and paperboard waste from India

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a low in 2017 and a high in 2019, showing an 8.4-fold difference. In 2020, India exported 0.1 K t of paper and paperboard waste, a sharp decline of 86.7% compared to 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 558.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India's exports of paper and paperboard waste were distributed across numerous partner countries. The United Arab Emirates (18.0% of exports in kind), China (15.9%), and the Netherlands (15.5%) collectively accounted for 49.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Export values varied widely, with a low in 2020 and a high in 2018, reflecting a 4.4-fold difference. In 2020, India exported 0.1 M $ US of paper and paperboard waste, down by 66.5% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.3 M $ US, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018, with a rise of 280.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The partner structure for exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. The United Arab Emirates (17.7% of exports in value terms), China (12.7%), and Tanzania (11.8%) together made up only 42.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports paper and paperboard waste to India

Imports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a two-fold difference. In 2020, India imported 5 994 K t of paper and paperboard waste, an 8.5% decrease from 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 552 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 95.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States (38.8% of imports in kind), the United Kingdom (13.0%), and Canada (6.0%) were the main sources for India's imports of paper and paperboard waste, together accounting for 57.8% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

India's imports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 964 M $ US, a significant drop of 22.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 326 M $ US, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018, with a rise of 66.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (39.9% of imports in value terms), the United Kingdom (10.9%), and the United Arab Emirates (6.2%) served as the primary suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to India, jointly representing 56.9% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020