Kerala Paper Products Limited Announces Major Expansion Plans

Kerala Paper Products Limited (KPPL), revived from the former Hindustan Newsprint Ltd at Velloor, Kottayam, is gearing up for significant expansion. The state government has outlined a Rs 741 crore project to boost production capacity and diversify products, positioning KPPL as a leading player in India's paper industry. This follows successful revival phases, with the company now profitable and operational.

The expansion builds on earlier phases: Phase I involved Rs 34.3 crore for plant renovations including paper machines, recycled pulping, and boilers. Phase II, costing Rs 44.94 crore, restored chemical and mechanical plants, enabling industrial newsprint production using wood and recycled pulp streams for 30+ print media clients. Phase III, budgeted at Rs 650 crore over 27 months, targets product portfolio growth. Phase IV, Rs 350 crore over 17 months, will rebuild machinery for packaging-grade kraft paper.

Upon completion in 46 months, KPPL aims for 5 lakh tonnes annual capacity, Rs 3,000 crore turnover, and 3,000 jobs. Industries Minister P Rajeeve highlighted this as a model revival post-central government closure, with recent state budget allocating Rs 15 crore support. Current tenders indicate active procurement for expansion, including pulpwood and equipment.

KPPL now produces low GSM newsprint and 52-70 GSM writing/printing paper for textbooks and notebooks, with 1,00,000 MT/year capacity. The project underscores Kerala's industrial strategy amid sustainable paper demand.