Chahal's Gyan Ki Baat
PAPER INDUSTRY
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF PAPER INDUSTRY?
- This industry is a vital and core industry for any country.
- This industry use wood as raw material.
- It produces pulp, paper, paperboard, and other cellulose-based products.
- It is one of the largest industries in the world.
- It is dominated by North American, Northern European, and East Asian countries.
- Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are India's major paper-producing states.
- Over the next few years, industry’s growth is expected in both India and China.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS LOCATION?
- Proximity to the source of raw material like bamboo, softwood.
- Supply of abundant coal for energy requirement and transportation.
- Availability to the market.
- Cheap labour is also necessary.
- These mills require clean water to free from chemicals.
WHAT ARE THE RAW MATERIALS NEEDED?
- Bamboo: It has the benefits due to long fiber, dense stands, and rapid production.
- Sabai grass: Its use has declined since the arrival of bamboo.
- Bagasse: It's a fibrous sugarcane leftover stalk.
- Salia wood: It's commonly used in the production of newspaper paper.
WHERE IS IT DISTRIBUTED IN INDIA?
- Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are major producers.
- Maharashtra accounts for 18 % of paper production.
- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Haryana, Bihar, and Gujarat are small producers.
- Assam has the most potential due to the existence of extensive forests as a raw material.
HOW IS ITS MANUFACTURING DONE?
- Paper is manufactured in 2 stages in India:
- First Stage: Pulp is extracted from cellulose raw material.
- Second Stage: Pulp is pressed to form paper.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE PAPER INDUSTRY?
- Raw material shortage
- Small or average size mills
- Costly production due to high cost of power and coal
- Poor R&D
- Massive loss of biodiversity and environment.
- Disposal of Effluents