Om Sree Papertek fires up PM-2 to target the lightweight kraft paper market

The global push for material efficiency in packaging has found a new anchor in India’s thriving paper sector. Following 13 months of intensive engineering and strategic planning, Hyderabad-based Om Sree Papertek (P) Ltd. has officially commissioned its second paper machine, PM-2. This new line is strictly dedicated to the production of lighter GSM (grams per square meter) kraft paper, a move that directly addresses the structural shifts we are seeing in the corrugated and converting markets in 2026.

For those tracking capacity additions, this is not just about adding tonnage; it is about grade optimization. The PM-2 line has been specifically configured to manufacture smell-free, low-grammage kraft paper and high-strength fluting media. In the current market environment, where brands are aggressively reducing packaging weight without compromising box compression test (BCT) performance, the ability to deliver high-strength lightweight fluting is a critical competitive advantage.

The strategic value of smell-free lightweighting

What stands out in Om Sree Papertek’s latest deployment is the emphasis on smell-free production. Historically, recycled kraft paper has struggled with odor issues due to the anaerobic degradation of starches and organic compounds in the recovered paper (OCC) supply chain. By engineering PM-2 to eliminate these olfactory defects, the company is positioning its output directly for the premium paper bag industry and retail-ready corrugated packaging, where consumer experience is paramount.

The demand curve for paper bags has steepened significantly as single-use plastics face universal regulatory phase-outs. However, converters require paper that offers excellent runnability on high-speed bag-making machines. Lighter GSM kraft paper provides the necessary flexibility and yield, meaning more bags per ton of paper, while the high-tear factor ensures the final product can handle retail loads.

Execution and market positioning

Bringing a new paper machine online is notoriously complex, often plagued by delays and integration hurdles. The fact that Om Sree Papertek executed this project within a 13-month window speaks volumes about the operational discipline of their engineering and project management teams. Hardik Patel, Director at Om Sree Papertek, publicly marked the commissioning as a milestone achieved through relentless team effort, reflecting the internal commitment required to navigate the tight supply chains of industrial machinery.

Operating out of Telangana, the company already manages a robust 200 TPD (tons per day) high BF kraft paper operation. The integration of PM-2 expands their portfolio, allowing them to serve a dual mandate: supplying high-strength fluting for the heavy-duty corrugated box sector and delivering refined, lightweight kraft for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail packaging segments.

The Indian paper industry has been undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from traditional commodity grades to highly specialized packaging solutions. Om Sree Papertek’s trajectory mirrors this evolution. Producing lightweight kraft paper that maintains structural integrity requires precise control over fiber orientation, moisture profiles, and pressing technologies. When grammage drops, the margin for error on the paper machine vanishes. The successful stabilization of PM-2 indicates that the mill has integrated advanced process controls to manage these variables effectively. Furthermore, the strategic location of the mill provides a logistical advantage, allowing efficient distribution to major packaging hubs across Southern and Western India, regions that are currently experiencing a boom in e-commerce fulfillment centers.

As we move through the second half of 2026, the packaging industry's mandate is clear: do more with less fiber. Om Sree Papertek’s investment in PM-2 aligns perfectly with this macro trend, proving that regional players are not just keeping pace with global lightweighting standards, but actively investing capital to meet them head-on.

The successful startup of PM-2 by Om Sree Papertek is a textbook example of how targeted capital expenditure in grade-specific machinery can instantly elevate a mill's market position. Will the premium placed on smell-free, lightweight kraft paper force other regional mills to accelerate their own machine rebuilds before 2027? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai