Ms. Shivani Chauhan Deputy Manager – Sales & Marketing Orient Paper & Industries Ltd (OPIL).
Ms.Shivani, A Sales & Marketing Professional and expertise in B2B Sales, Channel Management having rich experience in Packaging Board Sales and Paper sales. Currently handling Tissue sales also with Maplitho for western zone of India.
Paper Desk : What is the typical water usage during the production process of a paper mill, and what methods can be employed to monitor and evaluate water consumption at different stages of production?
Shivani Chauhan : The paper mill’s average water consumption in the production process can vary from 10-50 m³ per ton of paper produced, with process water consumption potentially reaching 100-150 m³/ton. Papermaking is a water intensive industry. The growth of paper demand will further intensify the need of freshwater resources.
Papermaking involves complex processing routes. Tracking and assessing water usage in paper manufacturing requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on both quantitative measures (like water volume) and qualitative assessments of water quality. There are various process involved in each steps and at different levels like Water Volume Monitoring, water flow rate tracking, quality testing, pre and post water treatment tests and many such.
PD : What technologies and techniques have the paper mills adopted to efficiently minimize water consumption?
SC : Paper mills utilize many technologies and strategies to reduce water usage, including improved water treatment, water reuse systems, and process optimization. Water recycling, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), Biological Treatment, Process Optimization, Streamlining processes which involves- improving efficiency, and using water-efficient equipment can lead to significant water savings.
PD : What final water treatment processes are utilized at mills, and how can you ensure compliance with environmental regulations?
SC : At the final stage of water treatment in a paper mill, a combination of processes—such as filtration, biological treatment, and, in some cases, reverse osmosis—is employed to meet environmental compliance standards. These methods are designed to eliminate pollutants, lower organic content, and disinfect the water prior to discharge or reuse. Ongoing compliance is maintained through strict monitoring, detailed reporting, and adherence to relevant industry regulations and environmental guidelines.
PD : How is water quality maintained during production, and what challenges exist in this regard?
SC : Paper mills manage water quality through integrated strategies that focus on reducing water consumption, efficiently treating wastewater, and implementing closed-loop systems. However, they face ongoing challenges, including complying with strict environmental regulations, handling substantial water demands, and balancing the cost of water treatment with operational efficiency.
PD : Determine the main sources of water pollution associated with the papermaking process and the strategies implemented to reduce these impacts.
SC : Primary Sources of Water Pollution in the Papermaking Process: Process Water Discharge- Contains suspended solids, organic matter (e.g., lignin, cellulose fibers), and chemical additives used inPulping and papermaking. Bleaching Effluents: Especially from chemical pulping, these contain chlorinated organic compounds and other toxic substances if elemental chlorine is used. Moreover water may carry thermal pollution or chemical residues from equipment cleaning or maintenance.
PD : How do variations in water availability, particularly during periods of drought, affect your production, and what contingency measures have been established?
SC : Water is essential for nearly every stage of papermaking—from pulp processing to cleaning and cooling. During droughts or water shortages, mills may be forced to reduce production rates or temporarily shut down certain operations. Inconsistent or reduced water supply can affect product quality, process stability, and the efficiency of equipment that relies on cooling or cleaning.
Many millsinvest in advanced water reuse technologies to reduce dependence on freshwater sources and maintain operations during shortages. On-site reservoirs or storage tanks help buffer short-term supply interruptions and manage peak usage periods. Comprehensive risk management plans often include drought scenarios, with predefined actions such as reduced output targets, water-use audits, and coordination with local water authorities.
PD : What methods do paper mills utilize to handle wastewater and reduce its impact on surrounding ecosystems?
SC : Water conservation in paper mills is achieved through a combination of strategies such as closed-loop water systems, process optimization, and recycling of treated wastewater. Mills reduce freshwater consumption by reusing water within production cycles and upgrading equipment to more efficient, low-water-use technologies.
Regular maintenance, leak detection, and employee awareness programs also play a key role in minimizing water waste. These efforts not only help preserve natural resources but also support regulatory compliance and sustainable operations.
PD : How do regulations affect the water management practices, and What strategies can you adopt for changing water regulations?
SC : To ensure compliance, we implement advanced treatment systems, monitor water parameters continuously, and adhere to reporting requirements. As regulations evolve, we adapt by upgrading our infrastructure, investing in water-efficient technologies, and enhancing our recycling and reuse capabilities.
