Interview with Mr.Abdullah AlKhateeb, Managing Director, IPM and CPM
Globally trusted companies, IPM and CPM, operate advanced paper mills in the UAE, supplying premium printing, writing, and tissue paper worldwide.
Paper Desk : Can you share a brief overview of your company’s history and its journey so far?
Abdullah Al Khateeb : lttihad Paper Mill (IPM) is the first and largest printing and writing paper manufacturer in the GCC and MENA region, with a capacity of 325,000 tons per year. Spread across 250,000 sqm in Abu Dhabi, it exports its own paper brands to over 50 countries.
Crown Paper Mill (CPM), established in 1996, specializes in premium tissue jumbo rolls. With a current capacity of 100,000 tons from its UAE facility, CPM is expanding to Saudi Arabia with an additional 60,000 tons, totaling 160,000 tons annually.
PD : What inspired the establishment of IPM and CPM in the UAE, and how have you positioned yourselves as leaders in the regional paper industry?
AAK : For many years, the UAE was predominantly considered an import market for paper. The reasons were simple, high cost to set up a mill, water scarcity, harsh climatic conditions, inadequate infrastructure, technical knowhow among others. Hence, no one was willing to take on a project that was surrounded by countless uncertainties.
As a result, there was a gap in the market and to bridge that gap, Ittihad International Investment LLC, the parent company, decided to Launch IPM in the desert. Despite all the odds, IPM today is a reality and is supplying paper to more than 50 countries. Not only is IPM contributing to the UAE economy, but it has also established itself as a central point of producing and supplying printing and writing paper in the Gulf region. “Essentially, the main idea is to produce locally, trade internationally, and diversify the local product of the country”
Today, the UAE has a world-class infrastructure and an integrated transport and utilities network. IPM has simply capitalized by utilizing these amenities provided by the UAE government and is reaching markets worldwide. IPM may have started with a blank sheet of paper, but the company is now firmly standing its ground and is considered a leading paper mill originating from the Gulf.
Inspiration behind acquiring CPM: When we acquired Crown Paper Mill (CPM) in Abu Dhabi in 2016, our inspiration was clear and strategic:
- Enter & Expand in a High‑Growth Tissue Market
- Scale with Cutting‑Edge Technology
- Leverage Regional Logistics & In Country Value
- Support the UAE &’s Industrial Diversification Vision.
PD : How do your companies contribute to the UAE’s vision for industrial growth and economic diversification?
AAK : At Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM) and Crown Paper Mill (CPM), we are proud to contribute directly to the UAE’s vision for industrial growth and economic diversification. As the GCC’s first and largest producer of printing and writing paper, we at IPM have helped shift the UAE from being a net importer to a global paper exporter. At CPM, our premium tissue products are widely distributed across the region, and we continue to expand our presence, including into Saudi Arabia.
We embrace advanced Industry 4.0 technologies and operate with a strong commitment to sustainability, using Forest-conscious – certified raw materials, optimizing resource use, and maintaining environmentally responsible production. Through innovation, local manufacturing, and skilled job creation, we are strengthening national supply chains, boosting exports, and playing our part in supporting the UAE’s vision for a self-reliant, future-ready industrial economy.
In Summary Both Ittihad Paper Mill and Crown Paper Mill significantly contribute to the UAE’s vision by:
- Replacing imports with robust domestic manufacturing
- Expanding exports and enhancing global competitiveness
- Embracing cutting‑edge Industry4.0 technologies
- Ensuring sustainable, eco‑friendly production
- Generating skilled employment and strengthening local supply chains
- Collectively, these efforts not only boost industrial GDP but also support the UAE’s long-term goal of a diversified, knowledge–based economy.
PD : What are the core product categories offered by IPM and CPM?
AAK : At IPM, we focus on uncoated wood-free paper designed for high performance printing — including brands like Omnia, Archer, and Maram. At CPM, we produce a wide range of tissue grades such as Silky Soft, Safe Tissue, and 100% Recycled Brown Tissue, used for facial tissues, napkins, and hygiene packaging.
PD : What makes Omnia and Silky Soft Tissue stand out in their segments?
AAK : Omnia is engineered for highspeed copiers and printers, offering excellent whiteness, smoothness, and jam-free performance. Silky Soft is our premium facial tissue known for its soft texture, high strength, and appeal in international hygiene markets.
PD : How do your products align with current sustainability trends?
AAK : Both IPM and CPM are committed to sustainable manufacturing. IPM uses energy efficient systems and carbon capture processes, while CPM offers ecofriendly tissue options including recycled grades and UV-sterilized tissues that eliminate chemical use. All our products carry FSC® and ISO certifications.
PD : How do you maintain consistent quality across such large production volumes?
AAK : We use advanced automation and quality control systems like Valmet IQ and OptiDry to monitor every stage. From pulp formation to finishing, our focus is on uniformity, durability, and meeting global benchmarks.
PD : What is your outlook for the future of paper and tissue products?
AAK : We see increasing demand for sustainable, high-performance paper and hygiene products. Our strategy is to continue innovating while expanding our reach across key regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Europe — offering both performance and responsibility in every product.
PD : How do your mills contribute to the UAE’s industrial self-sufficiency and reduce the need for paper imports?
AAK : At Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM) and Crown Paper Mill (CPM), we are proud to contribute directly to the UAE’s industrial self-sufficiency by manufacturing high-quality paper products locally, reducing the nation’s dependence on imports.
At IPM, we operate the first and largest printing and writing paper mill in the GCC, with a production capacity of over 325,000 tons per year. Before our establishment, the region relied heavily on importing these grades of paper. Today, we not only meet local demand but also export to over 60 countries, positioning the UAE as a key player in the global paper market.
At CPM, we produce over 100,000 tons of tissue paper annually, serving regional needs with fast, reliable, and high-quality supply. We are also set to serve the Saudi market with the upcoming launch of a new tissue paper mill, currently under development, with a production capacity of 60,000 tons per annum. This will bring our total annual capacity to 160,000 tons.
Our products reduce the need for imported tissue paper and support critical sectors such as hygiene, hospitality, and healthcare across the UAE and GCC. By producing at scale, investing in advanced technologies, and ensuring consistent quality, both IPM and CPM are helping to build a resilient, self reliant paper industry that aligns with the UAE’s vision for sustainable industrial growth.
PD : Can you share some examples of how your companies are enhancing the UAE’s position as a global manufacturing hub?
AAK : At Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM) and Crown Paper Mill (CPM), we are proud to play a key role in enhancing the UAE’s position as a global manufacturing hub by delivering world-class quality, scale, and innovation from within the country. Here are a few examples:
- Exporting ‘Made in UAE’ Products Worldwide
- Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Technologies
- Import Substitution & Self Reliance
- Sustainability Leadership
PD : How have you integrated advanced technology to improve production efficiency and reduce operational costs?
AAK : At IPM, we have implemented a fully integrated and digitized production process. Our system combines a Distributed Control System (DCS) with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), which is further linked to our ERP platform. This seamless integration allows us to monitor production in real- time, enabling immediate responses to any issues. As a result, we significantly reduce errors and inefficiencies improving overall production control and lowering operational costs.
PD : Can you share some examples of innovative solutions or digital technologies that have significantly improved your manufacturing processes?
AAK : At IPM, we have integrated an AI-driven module directly into our paper machine to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality. This AI assistant continuously monitors product parameters and dynamically adjusts energy and chemical usage based on the specific quality criteria we set. It serves as a real-time optimization tool, helping us reduce operational costs while maintaining consistent quality. This live application is a clear example of how we’re leveraging advanced digital technologies to drive smarter, more sustainable manufacturing processes.
PD : Sustainability is a major focus in modern manufacturing. How are your mills reducing their carbon footprint and minimizing environmental impact?
AAK : Regarding sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, IPM actively captures CO2 through an on-site carbonization plant, which utilizes approximately 75% of the CO2 generated in producing custom carbonate—a key raw material in our paper manufacturing process. Additionally, we are in the process of installing a solar energy facility on our rooftop to reduce reliance on grid electricity and shift toward a more sustainable power source. To further minimize environmental impact, IPM has implemented a water polishing plant that recycles up to 60% of the discharged wastewater, treating it for reuse in our production process. These initiatives reflect our strong commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing and resource efficiency.
PD : How do you ensure sustainable sourcing of raw materials, and what measures are in place to promote responsible consumption of natural resources?
AAK : At IPM, we prioritize sustainability by exclusively sourcing Forest conscious certified pulp for our primary raw materials. This certification ensures that the pulp is harvested from responsibly managed forests, promoting environmental protection and responsible use of natural resources across our entire supply chain.
PD : How do your companies engage with the local community and contribute to social development in the region?
AAK : At IPM, we take pride in contributing to the UAE’s economic self-sufficiency and social development by being a major local manufacturer of printing and writing paper. While the UAE’s annual paper consumption is approximately 65,000 tons, IPM produces over 320,000 tons annually, making the country a net exporter. We currently supply over 60% of the UAE’s domestic demand, showcasing our commitment to supporting local industries, reducing reliance on imports, and contributing to the nation’s industrial growth.
PD : Are there any corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives or community programs that you are particularly proud of?
AAK : We are particularly proud of our initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, local employment, and education.
Environmental Responsibility : Both mills have adopted ecofriendly manufacturing processes, including closed-loop water systems, energy- efficient technologies, and waste minimization strategies.
Community Engagement & Employment : We prioritize hiring from the local community, providing skill development and training programs that empower UAE nationals and residents to build long-term careers in manufacturing and engineering.
Educational Outreach : We regularly host plant visits and awareness sessions for schools and universities, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers, environmentalists, and industrial leaders.
PD : What role do you see IPM and CPM playing in the global paper industry over the next decade?
AAK : Over the next decade, IPM and CPM aim to lead the global paper industry through sustainable manufacturing, innovation, and regional self-sufficiency. IPM aspires to be a world-class supplier of premium printing and writing paper, leveraging its UAE-based integrated facility to strengthen global supply chains. CPM is focused on meeting rising global demand for hygiene and tissue products through sustainable, efficient, and innovative production.