Indian paper industry seeks urgent allocation of coal

CHENNAI: The coal availability for the captive power plants of the pulp and paper industry continues to be precarious for several months. As a result, production processes are severely disrupted at several paper mills while others are on the verge of shutting down operations, the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) has written in an SOS message to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The industry has sought priority allocation of coal and railway rakes for captive power plants of the pulp and paper industry. Paper and paperboard touches all aspects of life and its production is vital for education, packaging and several other sectors of the economy.
“Paperboard / packaging is crucial for almost all goods, especially all kinds of essential goods, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, food products, soaps, milk cartons, hygiene products and others. Tissue paper helps in improving the hygienic conditions and is used in all health-conscious institutions / areas like hospitals, etc. Similarly, writing & printing paper is essential for labels, pharmaceutical inserts and others, apart for all educational institutes”, the IPMA stated.