Paper is one of the necessities of civilization and it is almost impossible to imagine the continuance of a world without the printed books and newspapers. People require paper to meet the basic needs of modern life because it has many diverse uses. Modern paper is made from cellulose derived from a limited numbers of plants, the fibres being mixed with sufficient water to render possible formation of a continuous sheet of paper of uniform thickness. Paper spread from China through the Middle East to medieval Europe in the 13th century, where the first water powered paper mills were built. In the 19th century, industrial manufacture greatly lowered its cost, enabling mass exchange of information and contributing to significant cultural shifts. In 1844, Canadian inventor Charles Fenerty and German F.G. Keller independently developed processes for pulping wood fibers. Vegetable fibres of all kinds may be converted into paper among the various types of paper serving different end uses. Tissue paper is a lightweight paper or, light crêpe paper. Tissue can be made both from virgin and recycled paper pulp. Tissue and Airmail papers are required for very specific purposes. Wipes, kitchen towels, handkerchiefs, facial tissues, household towels, napkins, products for industrial use, etc. Some tissue paper products, in particular kitchen towels and napkins, are sometimes put in contact with food by end users. These products exhibit the typical characteristics of tissue paper, such as softness, high absorption capacity and limited structural strength. Uses & Application Tissue paper is used in a wide variety of arts and crafts. It is used in college, mosaics, stamping, gift wrapping, papier mâché, ornaments, garlands, paper flowers, paper sculpture. Some tissue paper is guaranteed not to bleed, and some is designed to bleed so that water can be applied and the color used to create artistic effects. Tissue paper is often used for direct inside part wrapping as in the jewellery, liquor, fruit and florist trades, various other tissue papers are used for specific purposes. Napkins are manufactured from Tissues. Paper Napkin age becoming popular with catering Industry due to its manifold uses. These are absorbent, hygienic light and can be had with attractive printing. Facial Tissue paper though recently introduced in Indian market is fast becoming popular with the public Facial tissue is fast becoming popular with the public due to its lightness, absorbent, hygienic and handy in nature. Toilet tissues are becoming immensely used for sanction by almost all the big hotels, restaurants, cinema & houses etc. Market Survey The world consumption of paper and paperboard is estimated at over 300 mn tonne a year. It is constituted broadly of 30% of cultural papers (writing and printing), 14% of newsprint, and the balance of kraft and packaging paper including paperboards. The Indian production is about 2 to 3% of the global total. The overall value of the market is estimated at Rs 250 bn. In volume terms, the segment is presently estimated at over 6.9 mn tonne. It is expected to expand to 9.2 mn tonne in 2010 to 11.However, despite all the announced capacity expansions, India would still have a supply gap in 2010. The Indian market is today growing at three times the rate of the global average. India's paper industry plans to invest USD 2.5 bn in the next two three years to add 2 mn of paper and paper products production capacity. It will also help in improving cost competitiveness. The domestic demand for paper is growing at around 8% for the last couple of years in line with GDP growth. However, the per capita consumption in the country is only 8 kg a year. As a result of this low base, the long term growth prospects are bright. The government's thrust on education and special schemes are expected to help the industry in future. Financials & Comparison of Major Players/Companies Orient Paper & Inds. Ltd. Pamwi Tissues Ltd. Premier Tissues India Ltd. Tainwala Healthcare Products Pvt. Ltd.