About Aten Papers & Foam Limited

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Aten Papers & Foam Company operates as a key intermediary in the paper product supply chain, procuring paper from various mills and reselling it to clients in the packaging industry. The product portfolio includes Kraft Paper and Duplex Board, available in multiple grades, thicknesses, widths, and standards as per customer requirements. Additionally, wastepaper is sourced from stockists and supplied to paper mills, serving as a critical raw material.

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, operations include a godown in Changodar and a market focus on domestic sales, particularly in Gujarat. The promoters, Mr. Mohamedarif Mohamedibrahim Lakhani and Mrs. Amrin Lakhani, bring over two decades of industry expertise, driving strategic growth and expansion.

To diversify business activities, the company plans to establish three wastepaper processing units in Changodar, Sanand, and Narol, Ahmedabad, utilizing Issue proceeds to install required machinery. These units will enhance wastepaper processing, reinforcing its role in supplying raw materials to paper mills

The Company has total 14 employees as at November 30, 2024. The Banker to the Company is Axis Bank Limited.

INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

Indian Paper Industry Overview

The Indian paper and paperboard packaging market is projected to grow from USD 12.87 billion in 2024 to USD 17.74 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 6.63% during the forecast period. India contributes approximately 5% of global paper production and ranks as the 15th largest paper producer worldwide. The industry has seen steady growth, with production increasing by 67,100 tons in January 2023 and an overall 6.7% rise from April 2022 to January 2023.

Growth Drivers and Market Dynamics

The paper packaging sector has experienced significant expansion over the past decade, driven by changes in substrate preferences, market expansion, evolving ownership structures, and government regulations such as plastic bans. Environmental sustainability is a key focus, leading to innovations in paperboard and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Advancements in paper-based packaging for food preservation have notably improved. For instance, corrugated board packaging for fruits and vegetables is now widely used due to its ability to bond layers at high temperatures, reducing bacterial contamination. Additionally, the adoption of aseptic paper packaging has gained momentum. This method, which sterilizes both the packaging and its contents using hot hydrogen peroxide baths, ensures longer shelf life for products like milk, coffee, and fresh produce.

In October 2023, Pakka and Brawny Bear introduced India's first compostable flexible packaging, marking a significant milestone in the nation's USD 70 billion packaging industry. Sustainable packaging solutions are becoming increasingly popular as they reduce environmental impact, support recycling efforts, and enhance consumer trust in eco-conscious brands.

With the increasing adoption of paper-based packaging, Indian paper mills are ramping up capital investments to modernize production facilities and diversify into niche products like carry bags and straw paper. In December 2023, Andhra Paper launched barrier-coated products and expanded into cup stock, pharma print, and high BF virgin kraft.

Despite its advantages, paper packaging does pose challenges such as moisture sensitivity, energy-intensive production, and a larger transportation footprint. However, its recyclability and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred alternative to plastics.

Production and Revenue Trends

Between April 2022 and January 2023, India's paper production totaled 5,553,900 tons. Production in November 2022 grew by 11.1% year-on-year, generating INR 12,892 million in revenue. Over April-November 2022, paper product output increased by 24.4%, reaching a total value of INR 107,909 million. The industry reported a 4.5% year-on-year sales revenue increase in Q4 2022.

Key Factors Driving Future Growth

Three primary factors are expected to sustain the Indian paper industry’s growth:

1. Rising literacy rates – Increased government efforts in education are boosting demand for notebooks, textbooks, and supplementary materials.

2. Expanding demand for corrugated and packaging paper – The growing economy is driving increased usage of paper-based packaging solutions.

3. Higher household paper consumption – The demand for tissue paper and other sanitary paper products is rising due to changing consumer habits.

Industry Outlook

The future of India’s paper and packaging industry appears promising, supported by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes. The e-commerce boom is driving demand for paper-based packaging, while sustainability concerns are pushing manufacturers toward greener innovations.

Government initiatives like "Make in India" and infrastructure development projects are expected to strengthen the manufacturing sector and optimize supply chains. Additionally, technological advancements are improving both productivity and quality, while export opportunities continue to expand. Despite challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs and competition from alternative materials, strategic investments and sustainability-focused innovations will help the industry reinforce its position in the global market.

Recycling and Sustainability in the Paper Industry

The paper industry encompasses companies engaged in pulp production, paper manufacturing, and the supply of paper-based products. Paper mills process raw materials such as wood chips, clay, lime, dyes, and resins to produce a wide range of products, including pulp from recycled paper.

Recycling is gaining prominence in the global paper industry. In Europe, 65% of used paper is recycled, while North America is also witnessing a growing emphasis on waste paper recycling. The demand for recycled fibers is increasing as advancements in recycling technology make it more efficient. The use of mineral fillers is also expanding, gradually reducing reliance on virgin wood pulp.

State-led policies are encouraging waste paper recycling to promote ecological sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The industry generates revenue from various segments, with corrugated and paperboard containers contributing 25%, paperboard 15%, coated papers 10%, and sanitary paper products 5%. While the sector produces thousands of different paper-based items, most manufacturers focus on a limited range of products.

Despite increasing demand for recycled paper, rising input costs, raw material shortages, and the impact of digitalization remain key challenges for the industry. With the proliferation of smartphones and online content consumption, demand for traditional printing paper has declined.

Future Prospects

India’s paper and packaging sector is on a growth trajectory, backed by urbanization, rising incomes, and expanding consumer markets. The e-commerce boom is further accelerating the need for sustainable packaging solutions. As the industry continues to transition toward greener alternatives, companies are investing in advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance quality and efficiency.

Government-backed initiatives like "Make in India" and infrastructure development projects will play a crucial role in boosting the sector. While challenges such as volatile raw material prices and competition from alternative materials persist, smart investments and sustainability-driven strategies will help Indian paper manufacturers secure a strong foothold in the global market

BUSINESS STRENGTHS

1. Experienced Senior Management Team
A leadership team with over two decades of expertise in the paper industry, marketing, and distribution. The promoters' strategic vision drives consistent growth, innovation, and adaptability in a competitive market.

2. Diverse Product Portfolio
A one-stop solution for customized paper product supply, offering a wide range of packaging and printing materials, including high-end kraft paper for paper sacks and paper waste for recycling. An asset-light, order-driven model ensures efficient inventory management, strong supplier relationships, and optimized resource utilization.

3. Strong Banking Credibility & Financial Intermediary Role
A credit facility of ₹900 lacs supports financial intermediation between small mills facing cash constraints and end-users requiring credit, ensuring favorable purchasing terms and higher margins.

4. In-House Logistics
A fleet of commercial vehicles enables cost-effective door-to-door delivery, optimizing material handling and transportation. Additional logistics support is sourced from transportation agencies as needed.

5. Ready Stock Availability
Maintaining a steady stock of various paper sizes and GSMs ensures year-round stability, timely order fulfillment, and strong market positioning in the dynamic paper industry.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

1. Expansion of Business Operations
The growing demand for customized and readily available paper products presents an opportunity to scale operations. Increased order-taking capacity, backed by IPO proceeds and banking facilities, will enhance working capital and liquidity to meet market needs.

2. Strengthening Domestic Presence
Rapid market expansion aims to increase sales and customer base beyond Gujarat, which currently contributes over 97% of revenue. Expanding reach in existing and new domestic markets will drive growth.

3. Diversification into Wastepaper Processing
A strategic entry into wastepaper processing will secure a stable raw material supply for trading operations. An investment of ₹425 lakhs in wastepaper processing units will enhance supply chain efficiency, promote sustainability, and support overall business expansion

BUSINESS RISK FACTORS & CONCERNS

1. Supplier Dependence & Related Party Transactions
A significant portion of purchases relies on a few key suppliers, with the top ten contributing 77.77% to 89.92% over recent years. Additionally, related parties account for 24.25% to 56.74% of total purchases. Loss of these suppliers could disrupt stock availability, impacting revenue and operations. Efforts to diversify suppliers are ongoing, but long-term supplier stability remains uncertain.

2. Limited Experience in Wastepaper Processing
Expansion into wastepaper processing introduces operational risks due to limited expertise in this segment. Apart from the Managing Director, the team lacks industry experience, raising concerns about efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. Initial setbacks, increased costs, and operational delays could affect business performance.

3. Revenue Concentration in Gujarat
Sales are heavily concentrated in Gujarat, contributing 97.90% to 99.86% of revenue over recent years. Economic, political, or competitive disruptions in the region could significantly impact business performance. While expansion efforts are planned, high dependency on Gujarat presents a geographical risk.

4. Legal Issues Affecting a Key Group Company
M/s Majethia Papers Private Limited, a major related party in transactions, is involved in criminal and tax-related proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. Adverse legal outcomes could threaten its financial stability, affecting business transactions and increasing operational risks.

5. Delays & Cost Overruns in Capital Expenditure
The ₹425.00 lakh wastepaper processing project faces risks related to construction delays, regulatory approvals, and cost escalations. No definitive orders for machinery have been placed, and reliance on third-party quotations poses financial uncertainties. Any delay could lead to time and cost overruns, impacting business growth and financial projections.

Aten Papers & Foam Company faces key risks, including dependence on a limited supplier base, expansion into an unfamiliar wastepaper processing segment, high revenue concentration in Gujarat, legal issues involving a related party, and potential delays in capital expenditure for new processing units. These factors could impact business operations, profitability, and market position.