Interview with Ms.Anmol Gill Cheema, Director, Cheema Papers Ltd.
Since 1989, Cheema Papers has pioneered recycled paper manufacturing—blending quality, sustainability, and technology to drive progress with a lighter environmental footprint.
Paper Desk : What inspired the founding of Cheema Papers Ltd, and how has that founding vision changed over time?
Anmol Gill Cheema : Our story began in 1989, right at the genesis of India’s organized paper industry. Cheema Papers Ltd was founded with a dual purpose: to pursue a long-held family ambition of growing into the manufacturing sector, and more importantly, to contribute to the nation’s progress through sustainable means. From day one, our core vision has been centred on pioneering recycled paper manufacturing. While our commitment to quality and sustainability is unwavering, we’ve consistently evolved by integrating modern process automation and advanced technology to not just boost efficiency, but to continually minimize our environmental footprint.
PD : What core values or guiding principles have steered Cheema Papers through its history?
AGC : For Cheema Papers Limited, our success is rooted in a straightforward, consistent approach: Integrity and honesty govern our internal dealings, ensuring ethical practices are non-negotiable. This moral compass directly supports our dual commitment to the customer and the planet. Our fierce custom of focus and loyalty to our clients guarantees we deliver exceptional quality.
At the same time, sustainability and innovation aren’t just buzzwords; they are the driving principles that compel us to adopt long-term environmental responsibility in every sheet of paper we produce. These values aren’t separate; they are a holistic guide for every decision we make.
PD : Can you highlight major milestones in Cheema Papers’ growth, especially in challenging periods?
AGC : Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, driven by a commitment to constant improvement. We’ve not only substantially increased our production capacity but have continually invested in energy-efficient technologies to future-proof our operations. Critically, we’ve broadened our portfolio, launching new, high-quality product lines specifically tailored to meet our valued customers’ evolving needs. What truly sets us apart is our resilience. Through challenging periods—whether it was market fluctuations or volatile raw material costs—our core strength lay in our teamwork and innovation. That dedication didn’t just stabilize us; it powered our steady growth and solidified our strong market position.
PD : What are the primary product lines at Cheema Papers (e.g. writing paper, printing paper, craft paper), and what distinguishes each?
AGC : Our entire manufacturing focus is dedicated to the packaging industry, and our core mission is simple: providing the foundational materials that guarantee product safety. Our duplex paperboard is known for its board across the industry strength and premium surface qualities—its exceptional smoothness, shine, and reflective nature make it the preferred canvas for printing units that require flawless graphic reproduction.
We offer this versatile board across a wide range of GSM options for various carton and folding box applications. In contrast, our high BF Kraft paper is specifically engineered for maximum strength, valued for its superior bursting factor(BF) to create dependable, robust packaging that withstands demanding logistics. Crucially, every single product line, from the glossy duplex board to the high bf Kraft, is underpinned by strict quality control and a constant, unwavering adherence to sustainable manufacturing practices.
PD : How does Cheema Papers maintain quality and consistency across its paper products?
AGC : For us, quality is a disciplined science. We ensure absolute consistency through a combination of advanced manufacturing technology and a regimen of rigorous, continuous process monitoring. Every single batch passes through strict quality checks, beginning with the selection of raw materials and culminating in the final product inspection. This ensures our customers can always rely on the high standard of Cheema Papers. This dedication is matched by our people: our staff is expertly trained to uphold paper product.
PD : What technology or processes do you use in coating, finishing, or paper treatment to improve product performance?
AGC : In recent years, we’ve made significant technological investments across our operations to enhance both product performance and sustainability. Our facility now features a state-of-the-art pulp mill and some of the most advanced coating technologies available in the market. We’ve also upgraded our calendaring systems to achieve superior surface smoothness and gloss control, ensuring consistent quality across every batch. On the finishing side, we’ve introduced high-end zero-trim sheeters that deliver precise cut sizes and minimize waste, along with advanced shrink-packaging systems that improve handling and protection. In parallel, we’ve strengthened our environmental commitment by upgrading our effluent treatment plant (ETP) for more efficient water treatment and reduced environmental footprint. Altogether, these technological advancements have allowed us to deliver better-performing papers with higher consistency, reduced variability, and improved sustainability.
PD : How do you innovate in raw material selection (pulp, recycled fiber, additives) to achieve cost & quality balance?
AGC : In today’s highly volatile market, managing both cost and quality is paramount. Our strategy is built on intelligent sourcing: we strategically procure premium raw materials—including high-quality pulp, recycled fibre, and eco-friendly additives—to strike the perfect balance between superior product performance and efficient production cost. Innovation for us is centred on the continuous process of optimization. This means we are constantly testing alternative materials, refining our pulp blends, and leveraging sustainable sources. This proactive approach allows us to effectively mitigate price fluctuations and keep our production costs stable without ever compromising the quality our customers demand. Ultimately, our goal is to deliver the absolute best finished material. We manage this delicate balance by meticulously tracking market volatility while ensuring our solutions remain economical for the broader packaging industry, proving that high quality and cost-efficiency can go hand-in-hand.
PD : How does Cheema Papers monitor market trends (e.g. digital media, sustainability) to guide product development?
AGC : Our competitive edge stems from a commitment to proactive market sensing. We don’t wait for trends to hit us; we closely monitor market dynamics, including the global shift towards sustainable packaging, the rise of digital media, and rapidly evolving customer needs. Our market intelligence is gathered through multiple crucial channels: analysing comprehensive industry reports, attending key trade shows, and maintaining a direct feedback loop with our client base, which is our paramount source of information. We also embrace the digital sphere, actively leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to gain real-time insight into competitor strategies and global industry norms. These rich, continuous insights are what fuel our business. They guide our product development process, allowing us to innovate responsibly and consistently stay ahead in this highly competitive market.
PD : What recent innovations (new grades of paper, eco-friendly lines, and specialty papers) have you introduced?
AGC : Right from our inception, Cheema Papers Limited has been defined by eco-conscious innovation. We didn’t just start with paper; we immediately introduced eco-friendly lines made from recycled fibers. This commitment to specialty and quality has only deepened. Recently, we’ve expanded to meet critical market needs, notably by adding High BF MG Kraft paper suitable for the demanding food-grade packaging industry. On the duplex board side, our range spans the full spectrum—from lower to higher GSM options—ensuring we can precisely match any client requirement for quality and thickness. But our true focus remains on performance: we engineer our duplex paper for optimal stiffness, smoothness, and surface quality, providing printers with a truly superior canvas.
PD : How does Cheema Papers manage its supply chain (for pulp, chemicals, energy) to mitigate risks?
AGC : To guarantee consistent quality, we have built a strategic sourcing advantage. Our expert procurement team maintains strong relationships with reliable suppliers while continually diversifying our channels for critical resources like pulp, chemicals, and energy. This level of foresight is essential. By constantly monitoring inventory and implementing proactive risk mitigation plans, we ensure our production runs without interruption, allowing us to deliver reliable, high-standard products to our customers regardless of market volatility.
PD : What strategies do you use to expand your presence in domestic vs export markets?
AGC : Domestically, our strategy isn’t just about transactions—it’s about legacy and partnership. We dedicate ourselves to strengthening relationships with our distributors and dealers, ensuring a consistent supply of our paper while offering customized solutions for local demands. What truly sets us apart is the depth of our commitment: our dealer network isn’t just strong; it’s generational. Just as our company is transitioning to its next era of leadership, our dealers are seeing their businesses change hands from father to son. This shared history, spanning over 35 years, has built a powerful, unbreakable bond of hard work and commitment, ensuring we consistently deliver quality products to our loyal customers.
PD : How do you compete on cost, quality, and service against other paper manufacturers in India and abroad?
AGC : The paper industry is currently navigating a period of significant volatility, driven by both erratic raw material costs and shifting global market demands. This makes maintaining our price points a major strategic priority. Our goal is to perform a precise balancing act—meticulously managing our manufacturing costs while ensuring our end product remains highly competitive in both quality and price. For us, this isn’t just about survival. We are intensely focused on providing our customers with the exact product specifications they need, consistently and at a price that works for their business.”
PD : What role do automation and process control (e.g. in pulp refining, paper machines) play in your operations?
AGC : We firmly believe that automation is the inescapable present and future of our industry. Our approach isn’t about massive overnight change; it’s about strategic, continuous integration. We apply technology at every possible point, from the initial gate entry of raw material to the final dispatch of the finished product, always scaling to match our financial capacity and machinery configuration. This pervasive application of technology is the engine behind our consistent, reliable product quality. By implementing these digital and automated systems, we optimize energy and resource use, drastically reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency, allowing us to reliably meet the highest production standards.”
PD : What technical challenges have you faced (e.g. maintaining brightness, durability, moisture resistance) and how were they solved?
AGC : The paper industry remains inherently labour-intensive, especially for an operation of our size within the SME category. We recognize that where there is significant human involvement, there is always the possibility of human error, and we train our staff with that understanding. Compounding this challenge are the severe environmental factors unique to our region—fluctuations in weather, dust, and moisture levels make maintaining a consistent product quality throughout the year an intricate battle. To counter these variables, we rely on continuous research and development and rigorous testing. We invest heavily in advanced coating techniques and precise process controls to consistently manage the technical challenges of achieving uniform brightness, durability, and moisture resistance. This commitment to technical mastery is what allows us to consistently overcome daily obstacles while reliably delivering the high quality our customers expect.
PD : Where do you see Cheema Papers in 5–10 years, new product lines, capacity expansion, and new geographies?
AGC : I’m going to reframe this question and let’s say “where do you see paper industry in the next 5 to 10 years?” When we look at the paper industry over the next five to ten years, we see an undeniable trend toward consolidation, with larger industrial giants increasingly dominating the landscape. This creates an extremely difficult operational environment for small and medium-sized units. These are challenging times where the paper segment must act with a sense of collective responsibility. For the industry to successfully navigate this volatile market, it is vital that we, as competitors, prioritize cohesion and strategic collaboration. Our success should not come at the cost of others. If we fail to unite and leverage our shared strengths, we risk witnessing the unfortunate exit of many valued peers from the market—a loss that weakens the entire domestic industry structure.
PD : How will sustainability (e.g. use of recycled materials, lower emissions) factor into your growth trajectory?
AGC : It is an unfortunate truth that we are living in a time of planetary distress. For Cheema Papers, this means sustainability is no longer an option—it is a collective imperative. Our mission is to make our unit holistically sustainable to protect the environment before it’s too late. This commitment spans every single process: from responsibly sourcing raw materials and guaranteeing the correct disposal of waste through advanced treatment plants, to pioneering the use of eco-friendly products. We are continually focused on innovating our processes to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure we are part of the solution for a greener planet.
PD : What steps does Cheema Papers take to reduce its environmental impact (water use, emissions, waste)?
AGC : At Cheema Papers, our environmental responsibility is woven into our daily operations as we concentrate our efforts to drastically reduce our carbon footprint across the entire manufacturing lifecycle. This commitment begins with prioritizing sustainable and recycled raw material sourcing and extends to the proper disposal of all manufacturing waste. We are intensely focused on water stewardship, utilizing highly efficient technology in our treatment plant to ensure daily consumption is reduced and strictly monitored. Crucially, we practice resource circularity by utilizing treated backwater for necessary cleaning processes, and we actively engage in rainwater harvesting. Furthermore, our environmental commitment extends to our people: our staff is rigorously trained to maintain impeccable cleanliness and strictly adhere to a no-plastic policy across our entire campus. All of these actions, collectively, demonstrate our dedicated effort to care for our environment and give back in the best ways possible.