Interview with Mr. Amanbir Singh Sethi, Managing Director, K Paper Techh Private Limited.
Coated paper isn’t a commodity — it’s a performance material. We’re raising standards with globally competitive solutions made in India.
Paper Desk: What inspired the formation of K Paper Techh Private Limited and the decision to focus on high-quality paper products like thermal, sublimation, and chromo papers?
Amanbir Singh Sethi: Our inspiration came from a clear market gap. Despite rapidly growing demand for Thermal, Sublimation, and Chromo papers, the market has been challenged by inconsistent quality, heavy import dependence, and limited customization. Customers in POS, labels, digital printing, packaging, and textile transfer were seeking consistent coating performance, sharp print clarity, better machine runnability, and reliable supply with technical support.
Rising import costs, Rupee depreciation, supply chain disruptions, and higher quality expectations motivated us to invest in advanced coating technology, strict quality control, and application driven product development. We believe coated paper should not be a commodity, but a performance material—delivering real value. Our goal is to raise industry standards, reduce import dependence, and offer globally competitive coated paper solutions made in India.
PD : How did the founding team identify opportunities in both industrial and specialty paper markets when the company was established in 2024?
ABS : K Paper techh Pvt Ltd is subsidiary company of KRecycling Pvt Ltd engaged in business of paper trading & export since 2020. When the new company was established in 2024, the founding team identified opportunities by combining market intelligence, customer insights, industry experience, and global trend analysis across industrial and specialty paper segments.
- Ground-level market insights: End-user industries such as retail, logistics, FMCG, textiles, packaging, and digital printing highlighted persistent gaps in quality consistency, local innovation, and technical support, especially in coated and functional papers.
- Import substitution opportunity: Post-pandemic supply disruptions, rising freight costs, and currency volatility exposed the risks of import dependence, creating demand for globally competitive, domestically manufactured papers with faster service and customization.
- Strong demand fundamentals: Growth in organized retail, logistics, regulatory labelling, and sustainable packaging ensured stable long-term demand for industrial paper applications.
- Technology-led differentiation: Careful evaluation of coating technologies, raw materials, and process capabilities confirmed the feasibility of high-value, high-entrybarrier products. In summary, the opportunity lay at the intersection of rising demand, unmet quality expectations, import dependence, and application-driven innovation, leading to a balanced strategy across industrial scale and specialty value.
PD : Which founding values such as quality, sustainability or customer service continue to guide the company’s vision today?
Sanjeev Khullar : From the very beginning, the company has been guided by a strong set of founding values that continue to define how we operate and grow:
- Quality Without Compromise: Delivering consistent, application driven paper solutions that meet global standards and perform reliably.
- Customer at the Core: Building long-term partnerships through collaboration, customization, and technical support.
- Sustainable & Responsible Growth: Committed to efficient resource use, responsible sourcing, and environmental compliance.
- Integrity & Transparency: Conducting business with ethics, accountability, and open communication.
- Continuous Innovation: Investing in technology, processes, and people to stay ahead of evolving market needs.
PD : Are there ongoing research or development efforts to improve material performance for example enhanced heat resistance for sublimation paper or better barrier properties for OGR grades? How does K Paper Techh incorporate data from quality tests and customer feedback into technological improvements or product iterations?
SK : Yes, continuous R&D and product optimization are integral to K Papertechh’s approach. Ongoing efforts focus on enhancing image density, heat sensitivity, and image stability for Thermal paper, ink transfer efficiency, and colour stability for sublimation papers, as well as improving oil and grease barrier performance for OGR grades using advanced, food-safe coating formulations.
Insights from in-house quality testing, pilot trials, and real production data are systematically analysed and combined with direct customer and converter feedback. This closed-loop process enables continuous refinement of coating chemistry, GSM selection, and surface properties, ensuring each product iteration delivers improved performance, consistency, and application reliability.
PD : How has demand shifted recently for example toward bespoke paper products or ecofriendly alternatives and how has the company adapted to these market trends?
SK : Recent demand has clearly shifted from standard commodity grades toward bespoke, application specific and more sustainable paper solutions. Customers are increasingly seeking customized products, optimized coatings, better machine runnability, and consistent print performance, along with eco-friendly and regulatory-compliant alternatives.
The company has adapted by investing in flexible coating technology, application-driven R&D, and sustainable formulations, including high quality thermal papers, food-safe OGR coatings, and resource-efficient manufacturing processes. Close collaboration with customers, backed by testing and trial validation, enables rapid product customization while aligning with evolving sustainability and performance expectations.
PD : What innovative features or service models (like custom roll sizes, faster turnaround or integrated. logistics) have you introduced to stay competitive?
SK : To stay competitive, we combine product innovation with service differentiation. We offer customized solutions, superior coatings, tailored made products to specific machines and applications, supported by quick development cycles and faster turnaround times. Integrated planning, efficient production scheduling, and responsive logistics enable reliable deliveries and shorter lead times, while strong technical support and pre-dispatch quality checks ensure consistent performance. This end-toend, customer-focused service model allows us to act as a solution partner, not just a paper supplier.
PD : What strategic priorities such as expanding export footprint, building supply partnerships, or enhancing production capabilities have driven your business growth?
SK : Our business growth has been driven by clear strategic priorities. These include enhancing production and coating capabilities to deliver consistent, high-performance papers; building strong supply and technology partnerships to ensure reliability and scalability; and deepening customer engagement through application focused solutions and technical support. At the same time, we are selectively expanding our export footprint in markets that value quality, compliance, and dependable supply, while maintaining a strong focus on import substitution. Together, these priorities support sustainable growth and position the company as a globally competitive, India-based coated paper manufacturer.
PD : How has your experience in paper and packaging markets influenced your approach to distribution, pricing and customer service?
SK : Our experience in the paper and packaging markets has shaped a practical, market-aligned approach to distribution, pricing, and customer service. We prioritize efficient distribution and reliable availability, working closely with channel partners and key customers to reduce lead times and improve service responsiveness.
Pricing is based on value and performance rather than volume alone, reflecting consistency, customization, and technical support, while remaining competitive. Strong understanding of converters and printers operating realities enables us to provide proactive customer service, application guidance, and quick issue resolution, helping customers improve productivity and total cost efficiency.
PD : What operational challenges (e.g., raw material variability, machinery calibration needs, delivery logistics) have shaped your business approach, and how have you addressed these?
SK : Operating in specialty and industrial papers presents challenges such as raw material variability, correct chemical formulations, base paper suitability, precise machinery calibration, and delivery logistics. We have addressed these through qualified sourcing, tighter incoming material controls, and standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency.
Advanced process automation, regular equipment calibration, and preventive maintenance help maintain coating uniformity and performance. On the logistics side, better production planning, inventory buffers, and reliable logistics partners enable on-time deliveries and supply continuity— strengthening overall operational reliability.
PD : How do you gather and act on customer feedback to refine both products and support services?
SK : We follow a structured, closed loop approach to customer feedback. Inputs are gathered through direct customer interactions, technical visits, trial feedback, and performance data from end-use applications. This feedback is reviewed jointly by sales, technical, quality, and production teams and translated into actionable improvements in product specifications, coating performance, process parameters, and service response. Continuous follow-up ensures refinements are validated in real operating conditions, strengthening both product performance and customer support over time.
PD : From your perspective, how has paper technology in India especially for specialty grades like thermal and coated papers evolved over the past decade?
SK : Over the past decade, paper technology in India—especially for specialty grades like thermal and coated papers—has evolved significantly. The industry has moved from basic commodity production to more application-driven, high-performance specialty grades, driven by rising demand from retail, packaging, digital printing, and textiles.
Key advancements include better coating formulations, improved surface finishing, and tighter process control, enabling consistent print performance and higher durability. Automation and quality monitoring have also improved, reducing variability and improving runnability on modern printing and converting equipment. At the same time, growing awareness of sustainability and compliance has accelerated adoption of eco-friendly coatings and safer chemicals, aligning Indian specialty paper technology closer to global standards.
PD : Are you exploring digital quality controls (like laser thickness measurement, inline coating uniformity sensors, or advanced calendaring techniques) to enhance product consistency and performance?
SK : Yes, we already use advanced digital quality controls to ensure consistent product performance. Adequate monitoring sensors are installed on our machines for inline thickness/GSM measurement, moisture control and coating uniformity, enabling real-time control and defect prevention.
We also employ advanced calendaring techniques and automated process control to achieve the required surface smoothness, gloss, and runnability. These systems help us maintain high consistency, better print performance, and reduced waste, while enabling continuous improvement.
PD : How does K Paper Techh keep up with global best practices in coating, finishing and converting technologies to remain competitive?
SK : K Paper Techh stays aligned with global best practices through a combination of continuous learning, strategic partnerships, and technology upgrades. We monitor global industry trends, benchmark performance against international standards, and invest in advanced coating, finishing, and converting technologies to match global quality levels.
We also collaborate with technology partners, equipment suppliers, and raw material experts, while continuously training our teams in the latest process improvements and quality methodologies. This ensures we remain competitive and deliver products that meet evolving global expectations.
PD : What growth opportunities do you foresee for the Indian paper products sector especially in industrial papers, thermal media, and value-added coated stocks in the next 5–10 years?
SK : Growth opportunities in India (next 5–10 years):
- Specialty papers (thermal, coated, functional): Rising demand from retail, labeling, digital printing, and textiles.
- Packaging & industrial paper: Strong growth driven by ecommerce, FMCG, food & pharma sectors.
- Sustainability-led demand: Shift to recyclable, eco-friendly papers and coatings as plastic restrictions increase.
- Import substitution: Opportunity to replace imports with high-quality domestic products.
- Technology-driven differentiation: Custom grades, advanced coating, and better-quality controls to meet evolving applications.
PD : How is K Paper Techh planning to expand its product portfolio, capacity, or geographic reach to capture emerging demand?
SK : We are continuously developing new grades and performance-focused solutions across thermal, sublimation, OGR, and coated papers to match evolving customer needs. We are also investing in technology upgrades and process optimization to scale capacity while maintaining consistent quality. Geographic expansion will be driven by stronger distributor networks, strategic partnerships, and selective export growth in markets that value high-quality specialty papers.
PD : How does the company incorporate environmental sustainability practices such as responsible sourcing, waste reduction or recyclable material choices into its operations?
SK : Environmental sustainability is embedded in our operations through responsible sourcing, efficient manufacturing, and waste reduction. We prioritize raw materials from trusted suppliers and ensure compliance with environmental and sustainability standards. Environmental regulations and best practices are integrated into our systems, with ongoing monitoring and improvement programs.
PD : Does K Paper Techh have any initiatives for employee development, health & safety, or community engagement?
SK : Yes. K Paper Techh is committed to employee development, health & safety, and community engagement. In fact, we pay special attention to this as we believe workforce is our key asset and we believe in teamwork.
- Employee Development: We invest in ongoing training, skill development, and knowledge sharing to build technical expertise and operational excellence.
- Health & Safety: Workplace safety is a priority, with structured safety programs, regular audits, and compliance with safety standards to ensure a secure work environment.
- Community Engagement: We support community initiatives and local development through responsible business practices, social outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
PD : How important is ethical practice including manufacturing transparency and paper disposal guidance in building trust with clients and partners?
SK : Ethical practice, transparency, and responsible disposal guidance are essential to building trust with clients and partners. In the specialty paper industry, customers rely on suppliers for consistent quality, safe materials, and reliable performance. Clear manufacturing transparency— such as consistent testing, compliance, and traceability— reinforces confidence in product claims and long-term partnerships.
Providing guidance on paper handling and disposal, especially for coated and functional papers, demonstrates responsible stewardship and supports customers sustainability goals. Together, these practices strengthen credibility, reduce risk, and build long-term trust in the brand.
PD : Has K Paper Techh received any industry recognition, certifications, or testimonials that underscore product quality or business excellence?
SK : We adhere to strict quality standards and follow robust manufacturing practices to ensure consistent performance and reliability. Our customers and partners regularly provide positive feedback and testimonials, highlighting our product quality, technical support, and dependable supply.