India’s stationery industry supports education, business, and creative sectors nationwide. From school-going children to office professionals, the demand for quality stationery products is ever-growing, with the market expanding steadily. This dynamic sector is home to numerous renowned brands, each catering to diverse consumer needs with innovative and reliable products. Over the years, stationery companies in India have evolved from traditional writing instruments and paper products to offer more specialised items such as eco-friendly supplies, premium notebooks, and high-tech digital tools. In this article, we will explore the top stationery companies in India, highlighting their unique offerings, market presence, and contribution to shaping the country’s stationery landscape. Whether you are a student, an artist, or a working professional, these brands provide an array of choices designed to enhance productivity and creativity in your daily tasks.
Overview of the Indian stationery market
The stationery industry in India is a dynamic and growing sector, driven by factors such as the increasing number of students, rising disposable income, and the growing demand for stationery products from the corporate sector. The market size of the stationery sector in India is estimated to be around ₹3,000 crores as of 2019, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.5% from 2020-2025.Â
Key Segments of the Stationery Industry in India
- Notebooks and Pads: This is the largest segment in the Indian stationery market, accounting for around 30%.
- Writing Instruments: Pens, pencils, and markers are the most famous writing instruments in India.
- Office and School Supplies: This segment includes erasers, sharpeners, glue, and rulers.
- Paper and Paper Products: This segment includes paper, envelopes, and file folders.
Art and Craft Supplies: This segment includes paints, crayons, and other art materials.
Top stationery companies in India
Navneet
Industry: Paper, Publishing, Printing
Company Type: Industry TopÂ
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400028
Founding Date: 1959Â
Navneet Education Limited, founded in 1959 by the Gala Group, is a well-known name in India’s educational landscape. Renowned for its diverse products, which include stationery, general books, and children’s books in several Indian and foreign languages, the company has established itself as a dominating player in the publishing sector. Navneet, being one of India’s major stationery companies, also expands into non-paper items, offering a full selection of art supplies, compass boxes, pencils, colours, rulers, sharpeners, erasers, and more.Â
Hindustan Pencil
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Â Mumbai Maharashtra – 400001
Founding Date: 1958
Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. is a renowned Indian stationery company noted for producing high-quality pencils and other writing instruments. Their Nataraj and Apsara brands are well-known in India and are sold in over 50 countries. The firm uses cutting-edge technology and gear to produce roughly 8.5 million pencils, 1.7 million sharpeners, 2.7 million erasers, and 0.3 million scales every day. Hindustan Pencils is one of India’s largest and finest stationery companies.
ITC Classmate
Industry: Paper, Publishing, Printing
Company Type: Industry top
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal – 700071
Founding Date: 2003
Classmate, an ITC brand, is a market leader in student stationery products in India. Launched in 2003, Classmate offers a wide range of eco-friendly and high-quality products, including notebooks, pens, pencils, mechanical pencils, diaries, mathematical drawing instruments, scholastics, erasers, sharpeners, scales, and art stationery. With an annual customer spend of over Rs. 1400 crores, Classmate is trusted by students and parents alike to provide the best possible learning tools.
DOMS Industries
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry top
Location: Valsad, Gujarat – 396171
Founding Date: 1976
DOMS Industries is India’s fastest-growing stationery product company, offering a diverse range of items such as pencils, erasers, sharpeners, mathematics and drawing equipment, ballpoint pens, and stationery art supplies. DOMS debuted its main brand in 2005, and they have since transformed the Indian stationery market. DOMS joined with F.I.L.A., a global leader in art materials, in 2012 to obtain access to foreign markets while also expanding its R&D and technological capabilities. DOMS is dedicated to offering high-quality stationery goods that help students, artists, and professionals.
J K PaperÂ
Industry: Paper, Publishing, Printing
Company Type: India’s Top 500
Location: Bahadurshahjafar Marg, New Delhi Delhi – 110002
Founding Date: 1962
JK Paper is a leading manufacturer of office sheets, coated papers, and packaging boards in India. The company, which was founded in 1962, operates two integrated pulp and paper plants. JK Paper delivers the goods to consumers in India and over 60 other countries via an extensive distribution network. JK Cedar, JK Copier, JK Easy Copier, JK Sparkle, and JK Copier Plus are among the high-grade papers available from the brand. JK Paper is devoted to sustainability and uses social forestry practices in the production of their papers.
AW Faber CastellÂ
Industry:Â Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: MNC
Location: Mumbai Maharashtra – 400059
Founding Date: 1761
Since 1761, Faber-Castell, the world’s oldest pencil maker, has been in continuous production. The company currently sells pencils, coloured pencils, mechanical pencils, fountain pens, ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, and erasers, among other writing, drawing, and art tools. Faber-Castell products are popular among individuals of all ages and professions, and the business has 14 facilities throughout the world, producing over 2 billion pencils in over 120 different colours each year.
Kokuyo Camlin
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Mumbai Maharashtra, 400093
Founding Date: 1931
Kokuyo Camlin, earlier known as “Camlin Ltd.”, is a leading Indian stationery manufacturer with a wide range of products, including art materials, hobby materials, office supplies, and writing instruments. Founded in 1931, the company has been offering world-class products for over 80 years. In 2012, Kokuyo Camlin partnered with the Japanese stationery giant Kokuyo, which has helped the company expand their reach and product offerings. Today, they are one of the most trusted and respected stationery brands in India.
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Archies
Industry: Retail
Company Type: Industry top
Location: Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi Delhi – 110028
Founding Date: 1979
Archies, a luxury stationery brand, was launched in 1979 by Anil Moolchandani. It began by selling songbooks, posters, and leather patches but rapidly became recognised for its greeting cards. They now have stores in practically every city in India and sell a wide choice of stationery goods, both standard and customised. Their online portal is one of the major e-commerce platforms in India for stationery items. It sells books, calendars, diaries, scrapbooks, invitation cards, spiral notebooks, and visitor books.
ReynoldsÂ
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Mumbai Maharashtra, 400059
Founding Date: 1945
Reynolds Pens, once an American manufacturing company, is now a popular Indian brand known for its high-quality writing instruments. Its iconic 045 pen, launched in 1945, remains one of its most popular products. Reynolds offers a wide range of pens, including Trimax, Racer Gel, Jetter Classic, Brite, and Champ, which are all favourites among millions of users in India and around the world. In May 2016, GM Pens International, the former licensee in India, dropped Reynolds in favour of launching their own Rorito brand.Â
BIC Cello IndiaÂ
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: MNC
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400063
Founding Date: 1995
Since 1995, Cello India has been a renowned stationery company, manufacturing and distributing high-quality writing instruments with imported tips and German inks. The company places a high emphasis on innovation and cutting-edge technology, and its goods are sold to numerous nations throughout the world. Cello India sells a wide variety of stationery items, such as permanent, whiteboard, coloured markers, colouring products, mechanical pencils, roller pens, fountain pens, and office and school stationery.Â
Kangaro
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry top
Location: Ludhiana, Punjab – 141010
Founding Date: 1959
Kangaro is an Indian stationery company that has been producing high-quality items since 1958. They are a market leader in staplers, staples, staple removers, paper punches, binder punches, tape dispensers, file clips, lever arc mechanisms, tackers, and heavy-duty staples. Their goods are shipped to over 100 countries worldwide, including Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Russia, and the United States, and it is one of the most trusted brands in the Indian stationery market.
Neelgagan
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Pune, Maharashtra – 411028
Founding Date: 1986
Neelgagan is a prominent Indian stationery manufacturer known for its extensive range of high-quality products, including notebooks, files, and art supplies. Established in 1986, the company has built a strong reputation for reliability and innovation in stationery. Neelgagan’s products are widely used in schools, colleges, and offices, and the brand is recognised for its commitment to quality, ensuring customer satisfaction across its diverse product line.
Pidilite Industries
Industry: Adhesives, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013
Founding Date: 1959
Pidilite Industries, established in 1959, is a leading name in the adhesive and stationery sector in India. While primarily known for its famous Fevicol brand of adhesives, Pidilite also offers a range of stationery products, including craft supplies and school stationery. The company focuses on innovation and quality, making it a trusted partner for consumers and businesses alike. Pidilite’s commitment to creativity and sustainability has made it a household name in the Indian market.
Luxor
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201304
Founding Date: 1963
Luxor is a well-established Indian stationery company renowned for its wide array of writing instruments, including gel pens, ballpoint pens, and markers. Founded in 1963, Luxor has positioned itself as a leader in the stationery market by focusing on quality and innovation. The brand is synonymous with reliability and style, catering to students, professionals, and artists across India and beyond, with products designed for everyday use and specialised applications.
Lotus
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: New Delhi – 110017
Founding Date: 1991
Lotus is a reputed Indian stationery brand established in 1991, specialising in a wide range of products, including notebooks, sketchbooks, and other office supplies. The company is recognised for its focus on quality and value, ensuring that its products meet the diverse needs of consumers in educational and professional settings. Lotus has built a strong brand identity in the Indian market and is committed to continuous innovation to enhance the user experience.
Flair (India) Private Limited
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400065
Founding Date: 1976
Flair (India) Private Limited has been a significant player in the Indian stationery market since its inception in 1976. The company is best known for its innovative writing instruments, including high-quality pens and markers. Flair is committed to providing exceptional quality and performance, making it a popular choice among students and professionals alike. With a focus on design and functionality, Flair continues to evolve its product range to meet the changing demands of consumers.
Linc Limited
Industry: Office Automation, Stationery
Company Type: Industry Top
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal – 700010
Founding Date: 1976
Linc Limited, founded in 1976, is one of India’s largest manufacturers of writing instruments. Known for its innovative designs and high-quality products, Linc offers a diverse range of pens, including gel pens, ballpoint pens, and markers. The company has made a significant mark in the stationery sector, catering to the needs of students and professionals alike. With a strong emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction, Linc Limited continues to be a trusted name in the Indian stationery market.
Commercial real estate demand in India
Office space: Stationery companies have an impact on the sort of office space that is built. A stationery company, for example, that specialises in printing and mailing may require office space with huge printing capabilities and loading docks. This might result in the construction of office buildings particularly intended for these sorts of businesses.
Rental property: Stationery businesses require retail space in order to offer their products directly to clients. This may result in the construction of new shopping malls and other retail centres. Stationery firms are frequently seen as ideal commercial real estate tenants. This is due to the fact that they are usually steady enterprises with a solid credit rating. This makes them appealing to landlords who want to attract other companies to their buildings.
Impact: Stationery companies can have a considerable impact on commercial real estate development. Stationery businesses can help promote the creation of new commercial assets by increasing demand for office space, retail space, and other services.
The impact on India
The demand for office space and the creation of jobs in the stationery industry has a favourable influence on the growth of commercial real estate in India. Stationery firms are frequently ready to pay higher prices for premium office space, which can contribute to the construction of new commercial buildings and infrastructure. Furthermore, stationery businesses generate demand for other commercial services such as restaurants, cafés, and retail stores. This can result in the creation of new business districts as well as the rejuvenation of existing ones. Stationery companies, in general, play a key role in the development of commercial real estate in India. Stationery businesses directly and indirectly employ a huge number of people in India. They directly employ sales agents, customer service representatives, warehouse employees, and other personnel and indirectly provide work in other areas such as transportation, logistics, and manufacturing. They generate employment, require office space, and assist other businesses in commercial districts.
Housing.com POV
The stationery industry in India represents a vibrant sector that not only supports the educational and creative needs of the nation but also contributes significantly to its economic landscape. With a diverse range of products catering to students, professionals, and artists alike, top companies like Navneet, Hindustan Pencil, and ITC Classmate have established their foothold, demonstrating innovation and quality. As the market continues to grow, driven by rising disposable incomes and an expanding consumer base, these companies are poised to adapt and evolve, meeting the demands of modern society. Furthermore, the stationery sector’s role in fostering job creation and supporting commercial real estate development underscores its importance in India’s economic fabric. As the country advances on its path of growth and modernisation, the stationery industry will undoubtedly remain a key player in enhancing productivity, creativity, and education, shaping the future of both individuals and businesses across the nation.
FAQs
Which is India's largest stationery company?
Navneet is India's largest stationery firm, founded in 1959 by the Gala family. It is the largest paper stationery brand.
What is the name of the oldest stationery brand in India?
The oldest stationery brand in India is Kokuyo Camlin, which was established in 1931 by Dandekars and deals in a variety of products like artist materials, hobby colours, academic colours, scholastic stationery, office supplies, and writing materials.
Which is the most renowned notebook brand in India?
The ITC Classmate is the most notable notebook brand in India. They also offer a wide range of eco-friendly and high-quality products, including pens, pencils, mechanical pencils, diaries, mathematical drawing instruments,
What is the size of India's stationery industry?
The stationery business in India is predicted to be worth over 3,000 crores in 2019, and it is expected to develop at a compound annual growth rate of 16.5% between 2020 and 2025.
What stationery companies are currently popular and sought after in the Indian market?
The famous stationery companies in India are Navneet, Classmates, Doms, Cello, Reynolds, Camlin, Faber-Castell and Archies.
Is the office stationery industry lucrative in India?
The stationery industry has low-profit margins, but high demand compensates. Brands often offer the distributor a profit of 30% to 40%.
Which nation is well-known for its stationery products?
Japanese stationery is renowned for its excellent quality and creative designs. The competitive stationery market in Japan drives companies to constantly develop new and improved products. Additionally, Japanese stationery is unmatched in terms of its user-friendliness.
Which city is famous for its stationery products in India?
Mumbai is a significant production centre for writing and drawing materials such as notebooks, pens, and pencils. Mumbai's stationery producers are well-known for producing high-quality goods at reasonable prices. Many of the city's stationery items are shipped all over the world.
What is the world's most expensive stationery item?
The Fulgor Nocturnus by Tibaldi is the most expensive stationery item in the world, costing a staggering $8 million. It is a fountain pen made with rare black diamonds and rubies, and only one exists. It is made with 945 black diamonds and 123 rubies, and its design is based on the divine proportion of Phi.
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