JK does a first in branded paper market

In a first-of-its-kind move in the branded paper segment, J K Paper has tied up with Hewlett Packard (HP) to avail of its ColorLok technology in producing copier paper.

ColorLok papers lock ink at the surface of the paper for improved print quality and are suitable for use in both laser and ink jet printers, photocopiers and all DTP applications.

“ColorLok paper provides better quality printing. It also reduces printing costs significantly. By providing good quality duplex printing and cutting down on paper jamming, the technology provides for reduced paper usage”, says Kimberly H Eliott, strategic alliance manager, HP.

On an average, 30,000-35,000 sheets of regular paper are printed depending on the configuration of the printer.

Assuming maintenance cycles are kept the same, executives from HP claim, 50,000-70,000 sheets can be printed using paper produced with ColorLok technology.

Eliott explains, “The cost of printing a paper is largely dependent on the life of a printer. ColorLok technology reduces abrasion in papers enabling printers to run smoothly, which increases the life of printers.

For instance, a component in laser printers – fuser – that costs over Rs 10,000 in India lasts 40 per cent longer if ColorLok paper is used.”

J K Paper is the eleventh company worldwide to be awarded certification by HP to produce ColorLok paper.

J K Paper has five brands in the copier segment namely J K Copier, J K Easy Copier, J K Copier Plus, Sparkle and Cedar.

Harsh Pati Singhania, chairman and managing director, J K Paper, says the cost of production of ColorLok paper is slightly higher than that of regular copier.

However, prices would remain unchanged for the time being to promote awareness about the new technology.

ColorLok paper would be distributed across J K Paper’s network of 3,000 dealers in the country.

J K Paper currently has 28 per cent market share in the branded paper segment and is expecting to corner 40 per cent share in the copier segment. BILT, West Coast, Century are the other leading papers in the branded paper market.

J K Paper produces 0.24 million tonnes of paper per annum. This is projected to go up to 0.40 million tonnes on completion of the expansion project.

The branded or copier paper segment in India, at present, is estimated at 0.40 million tonnes per annum. In terms of volumes, it constitutes roughly four per cent of the overall paper industry of 10 million tonnes.

The segment, the fastest growing in the industry, is growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent.