Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial for health and well-being, and using tissues is an essential part of this routine. Tissues help in keeping hands, face, and surroundings clean, thus preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. In India, where hygiene awareness is growing, the demand for quality tissue products is on the rise.
APRIL Group, a leading global producer of fibre, pulp, and paper, has acquired a controlling stake in Origami, India’s leading consumer tissue products company, marking its entrance into the fast-growing India tissue and personal hygiene market. APRIL Group is a member of the Singapore-headquartered RGE group of companies.
Origami, a household name in India, operates tissue paper mills and converting plants at multiple locations, distributing a wide range of products including facial tissues, paper napkins, toilet tissue rolls, kitchen towels, hand towels, and wet wipes. Founded in 1995 by Neelam and Manoj Pachisia, who will retain a significant minority stake and continue to lead the business, Origami has been the leader in the Indian tissue and personal hygiene market.
The Indian tissue market has shown significant growth due to the evolving middle class and increased hygiene awareness. “The Indian tissue market is rapidly expanding, driven by consumers’ evolving perceptions and habits on hygiene and personal care,” said Suneel Kulkarni, Country Head, APRIL India & Subcontinent. This acquisition allows APRIL to serve the growing national demand for high-quality, sustainable hygiene products.
APRIL has been exporting pulp and paper products to India for 25 years. The acquisition aligns with APRIL’s strategy to expand its global footprint, following investments in China, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. The company plans to integrate local enterprises into its global growth plans, enhancing technology and processes to offer world-class, environmentally conscious products at affordable prices.
Leveraging its status as a leading supplier of pulp to India, APRIL aims to ‘Make in India,’ supporting local production and foreign direct investment. “Together, APRIL and Origami are stronger,” Mr. Kulkarni added. This partnership will increase access to high-quality, sustainably produced tissue products in India through additional investments in manufacturing, channel development, and product innovation.