According to a report published by Imarc Group, the GCC paper market is expected to reach approximately $13.4 billion by the end of 2027. There has been an upsurge in demand for paper products owing to the growth of businesses across the globe. Paper is one of the basic commodities having a huge number of applications in a growing society.
However, the production of paper in the UAE has been a daunting task for enterprises to undertake, given the harsh climatic conditions in the desert. However, Ittihad Paper Mill has accomplished a milestone against all odds. Starting in 2020, it materialized an impossible dream of building a paper mill in the middle of a desert. IPM has not only made it possible but has grown immensely since its inception. It has also cemented its position as one of the leading paper producers in the United Arab Emirates.
IPM is the first paper mill in GCC and has emerged as a focused producer of various kinds of paper. The project was started with a vision to cater to the unattended demand for printing paper in the GCC and over the years, IPM has been producing the finest quality paper for printing and writing purposes. Currently, the company has the capacity of producing 320,000 tonnes of paper per year. More than 90 percent of the company’s production is exported outside the UAE. “We are delivering to 66 countries as of now.
We still feel that there is a need to produce more in order to cater to the demand. We have a very organized logistics system which makes delivery of material timely, and it does not take more than three days to reach the furthest location we deliver to. We are also emerging as one of the top importers of raw materials to produce paper in the region”, says Abdullah Al Khateeb, Managing Director, Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM).
The motive is also to introduce an extensive product range and bring in flexibility as far as the paper machine specifications are concerned. Ittihad Paper Mill aims to produce the highest quality of uncoated wood-free paper reels, folio-size paper and cut-size finished goods to cater to the latest demands of the printing and converting industry landscape. “The demand for paper-related products is ever-increasing and demand for reliable producers is on the rise as well. IPM strongly endorses the fact that its products are in high demand due to their quality and today, IPM markets its product grades to all major global destinations in the world”, states Abdullah Al Khateeb.
Standing Apart
Paper produced by IPM is strictly in compliance with global environmental standards and they source pulp only from certified sustainable forests. The mill’s forte lies in meeting global standards of Quality and Service offerings with a full product range across grammages, shades, and sizes. In addition, the company is also committed to offering consistent supplies and grades for trouble-free printing and for converting operations to its partners. IPM’s investment in the printing and writing paper segment will help ease the supply and service gaps posed to the industry plagued by production quotas and allocation issues.
This, therefore, is a strategic investment in the industry backed by IPM management that looks to cater to global markets. Being one of the first paper mills to be set up in a water deficit area, IPM understands its responsibility in conserving resources and prides itself in consuming one of the lowest amounts of water and energy for paper production. “Our efficient water usage and effluent treatment plants ensure we use less and recycle as much water as possible. This philosophy of IPM fits well with the UAE’s vision for the future and therefore is a ‘Hallmark’ project in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi”, mentions Abdullah Al Khateeb.
Looking at the Future
Sustainable products from responsible companies all over the world will play a pivotal role in the future of IPM. IPM’s endeavor will be to source materials from reliable forest management companies and general suppliers. IPM will also ensure that all Safety, Environment & Sustainability standards will be maintained, and they will associate with only renowned brands that are environmentally friendly.
The goal is to set the benchmark in adapting to sustainable processes and contributing to the importance of conserving the environment for a better future, especially for the communities that surround IPM. IPM also upholds its commitment towards sustainable initiatives in its operations including the usage of raw materials from certified sourcing, implementing highly efficient energy and water process technologies with zero CO2 boiler emissions, and reducing our carbon footprint.
Paper produced by IPM is strictly in compliance with global environmental standards & they source pulp only from certified sustainable forests
The project has been well thought out and during the project’s planning stage, Ittihad International Investment took into consideration preparing for the next phase. “A provision has been made for future expansion (PM2) adjacent to the first production plant. With the growing demand for paper within the region and globally, IPM can be ready to implement PM2”, concludes Abdullah Al Khateeb.
Abdullah Al Khateeb, Managing Director, Ittihad Paper Mill
Abdullah is a experienced director with a successful history of working in the investment management and manufacturing industry. Skilled in negotiation, budgeting, operations management, sales management, and team building. Strong consulting professional with a master’s focused in mba from strathclyde business school.
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