Interview with Mr. RajasekarVeerichetty, Chief Operating Of icer, Al Jawdah Paper
Al Jawdah Paper runs advanced paper mills in the KSA, supplying high quality 100% recycled Kraft JAPLINER (Testliner) and JAPFLUTE (Fluting) in KSA and across MENA region.
Paper Desk : Can you share the story behind your foundation and what gap you intended to fill in the Saudi or GCC paper industry?
Rajasekar Veerichetty : Al Jawdah Paper was founded to address a growing demand in the GCC region for highquality, eco-conscious recycled packaging paper. Having worked across India and international markets, I observed a significant gap in the availability of reliable, sustainable kraft fluting and test liner paper in the Gulf. Our vision is to contribute toward a circular economy by utilizing 100% recycled fiber, reducing waste, and localizing supply chains that were heavily import-dependent.
PD : Who were the key individuals or teams involved in turning this vision into reality?
RV : This journey was possible due to the synergy between a highly dedicated core team of industry professionals from India and Saudi Arabia, supported by visionary investors and technical advisors. Strategic partners from international paper industry sector and our trusted machinery supplier also played vital roles. Together, we created a solid foundation for operational excellence..
PD: What were the biggest challenges faced during the setup phase, especially in the initial months of 2025?
RV : Navigating regulatory approvals, optimizing water and energy infrastructure in a semi-arid location, and aligning supply chains for waste paper procurement were some of our toughest challenges. Another major hurdle was building a skilled workforce, which we resolved through structured training programs and partnerships with inhouse technical experts.
PD: What makes your recycled kraft fluting and test liner unique in terms of GSM range and quality?
RV: Our paper is engineered to deliver high strength and consistent runnability. We produce GSM ranges from 80 to 240, ensuring suitability for light to heavy-duty packaging.
Our Product Brands :
- JAPLINEER – Testliner
- JAPFLUTE – Fluting Medium
- JAPFLUTE PREMIUM – Premium Fluting
- JAPABSORB – Absorbent Kraft
Our paper is made using 100% recycled fibers and is designed to serve the packaging and box manufacturing industries. We deploy advanced technology with highspeed Fourdrinier and multiformation paper machines, paired with modern stock preparation and an energy-efficient, low-footprint ETP. We aim to maintain consistent GSM, RCT, and COBB values while optimizing energy and water consumption.
PD : Why did you opt for a multiwire (2-wire) paper machine, and how does it improve production performance?
RV: We selected a 2-wire machine for its superior formation control and dewatering efficiency. It allows us to run parallel grades with improved fiber distribution, leading to better mechanical properties and smoother surfaces. This design supports higher speeds with minimal downtime, increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.
PD : What role does automation and modern control systems play in your production efficiency?
RV : Our plant integrates DCS (Distributed Control System) and QCS (Quality Control System) from leading suppliers, enabling real-time monitoring and control. This ensures consistent moisture profiles, basis weight, and GSM variation control. Proactive maintenance systems further reduce machine downtime, enhancing plant efficiency.
PD : What are your key target markets — domestic (KSA), GCC, or global exports?
RV: Our primary market is Saudi Arabia, followed by exports across the GCC including the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. We’re also targeting Africa, Europe and South Asia in phase two. The mill’s proximity to major logistics corridors gives us a competitive edge in serving regional demand efficiently.
PD : How are you positioning Al Jawdah Paper in a competitive recycled kraft paper segment?
RV : We position ourselves as a reliability-first, sustainability-led manufacturer. With consistent supply, tighter technical tolerances, and customized GSM solutions, we provide value-added services to box manufacturers and converters. Our flexible MOQ policy and on-time delivery approach make us a preferred partner in this segment.
PD : What is your daily production capacity and future expansion roadmap beyond 200 TPD?
RV : Currently, our installed capacity is 200 tonnes per day. We’re already planning for a second machine to increase total output to 650 TPD by 2027. The long-term roadmap includes diversification into virgin kraft and high-performance board grades, depending on market demand.
PD : What are the next milestones you aim to achieve in the next 2–3 years?
RV : Our immediate goals include achieving full capacity utilization, developing in-house R&D for lightweight packaging grades, and securing ISO and FSC certifications. We also aim to reduce energy consumption per tonne and expand our export share to over 40% of total output.
PD : Can you describe your strategy for building long-term customer trust and relationships?
RV : We believe in transparency, consistency, and service. We offer technical support to corrugators, maintain stable pricing contracts, and use data to optimize client specific GSM and BF requirements. Strong after-sales service and a customer feedback loop ensure continuous improvement and relationship-building.
PD : What advanced features does your new paper machine offer that improve quality and productivity?
RV : Our machine includes top-notch components with international standards. High-pressure showers, slice control, and DCS & QCS to ensure better basis weight and moisture profiles and sheet formation.
PD : How does your effluent treatment plant use technology to ensure environmental safety and compliance?
RV : Our ETP, designed by leading Indian suppliers, treats our machine effluent using aerobic biological processes, secondary and tertiary filtration. We comply with Saudi government standards for the treated wastewater . Future plans include zero liquid discharge (ZLD) implementation.
PD : What are the next milestones you aim to achieve in the next 2–3 years?
RV : We aim to become a preferred supplier to the GCC packaging industry, achieve operational breakeven within year one, and launch a sustainable packaging R&D center. Expansion into white top, and value-added packaging paper is also under consideration.
PD : What initiatives are you taking for water and energy conservation within the mill?
RV : Our closed-loop water system recycles over 80% of process water. Energy-efficient motors, VFDs, and solar panel installations reduce our energy footprint. We’re working toward green certification in the next two years.
PD : Do you collaborate with local communities or educational institutions for awareness or workforce development?
RV : Yes, we planning to partner with local vocational training centers to build paper manufacturing skills. Internship programs are in place for engineering students, and we support community awareness campaigns about recycling and sustainable manufacturing.
PD : How is sustainability integrated into your operations, especially considering you work with 100% recycled fiber?
RV: Sustainability is central to our DNA. From sourcing only recycled raw material to using eco-friendly chemicals, and from optimizing logistics to minimizing carbon emissions, our entire model is built on green principles. We measure and report key environmental KPIs regularly.
PD : Any partnerships with packaging converters or corrugated box manufacturers that you’d like to highlight?
RV : We have established strategic supply agreements with several leading box plants in Saudi Arabia and in GCC. These partnerships are built on mutual growth, with regular joint trials and quality benchmarking exercises.