IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – March 07, 2025: The Department of Paper Technology (DPT), IIT Roorkee, Saharanpur Campus, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi, hosted a workshop on ‘Recent Developments and Innovations in the Paper Industry’ to explore next-generation manufacturing processes, sustainability solutions, and industry standards shaping the sector’s future. Alongside the workshop, BIS meetings of Chemical Division CHD 15 and CHD 16 were held at DPT, fostering discussions on advancements and standardization in the sector.
The workshop was graced by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the transformation of the paper industry through sustainability, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing technologies. He emphasized the role of waste minimization, circular economy practices, and carbon footprint reduction in shaping the future of paper production.
“The paper industry is at a pivotal moment, where technological advancements and sustainability must go hand in hand. Innovations in raw materials, energy-efficient processes, and AI-driven automation are critical for the sector’s future. IIT Roorkee remains committed to pioneering research and fostering industry-academia collaborations to drive impactful innovations in this domain,” said Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.
Professor Dharm Dutt, Department of Paper Technology, IIT Roorkee, highlighted the department’s focus on cutting-edge research, noting that DPT houses 11 state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to advancing paper technology. The department has made significant strides in value-added product development from pulp and lignin byproducts, promoting sustainable innovation.
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from leading paper industries, including ITC, BILT, JK Paper, Kauntam (Khetan Group), and Yes Pakka, who showcased their latest developments and engaged in discussions to bridge research gaps and explore future collaborations. Faculty members Prof. Kirtiraj Gaikwad and Prof. Vibhore Kumar Rastogi presented prototype models of their research, which garnered strong interest from industry stakeholders.
Several industries expressed interest in technology transfer and collaborative research with IIT Roorkee, reinforcing the department’s pivotal role in industry-academia partnerships. With over 105 participants, including industry professionals, researchers, M.Tech., and Ph.D. students, the workshop provided a platform for insightful discussions on emerging trends and challenges in the paper sector.
This workshop reinforced that the future of the paper industry is not just about better manufacturing—it’s about creating a sustainable and healthier world. By using eco-friendly raw materials, reducing waste, and adopting energy-efficient technologies, the industry can minimize its environmental footprint while meeting growing global demand. Collaboration between academia and industry is key to developing innovative solutions that drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve societal well-being. As India advances towards a greener future, IIT Roorkee remains at the forefront, ensuring that scientific progress leads to tangible, real-world impact.
