Overview of India’s Packaging and Premium Box Manufacturing Industry

India’s packaging sector has evolved from low-quality flexible formats to high-end, premium paperboard & rigid boxes. These boxes are generally used for jewellery, electronics, cosmetics, and luxury gift packaging. In 2025, the paper packaging landscape alone is expected to generate USD 12.9 billion, driven by value-added forms including rigid boxes and regulated packaging. Furthermore, there is a significant downstream demand from the FMCG and pharmaceutical sectors.

The simple process of "unboxing" has become a potent marketing strategy due to the growth of e-commerce. Consumers now want to get their online orders delivered in upscale-looking and premium packaging. This enables more companies across various sectors to use premium, rigid, and customized boxes. 

Additionally, Indian packaging firms are also making progress in their areas. Several brands have made investments in developing precision die-cutting, digital finishing, and fully automated rigid-box line equipment. Indian manufacturers have been active in providing top-notch quality, quicker turnaround times, and cost-effective scalability, after these improvements. For instance, Parksons Packaging, a leading brand, has invested in a cutting-edge automatic rigid-box line to satisfy the growing demand for premium packaging. 

 Emerging Trends and Market Growth Drivers:

Ø An increasing number of firms from across the electronics, beverage, and cosmetics industries are using high-end rigid boxes, canisters, and laminated formats, which is driving the market growth. In addition to providing protection, packaging conveys a message, displays quality, and fortifies brand identification. In India, businesses such as Parksons Packaging have been leading this high-end trend. 

Ø In the past few years, the packaging industry has been committed in creating an experience. Customers enjoy a sense of excitement and discovery because of formats like Burgopak sliders and more such distinctive structural designs. By presenting themselves as innovative and desirable, these creative box designs assist companies in emotionally connecting with consumers.

Ø Brands opt for designs that are flexible and subject to rapid changes. Such vibrant finishes are now possible without costly castings due to digital processes like spot UV and foil stamping. Therefore, short runs for influencer kits, seasonal collections, and D2C boxes may now be produced more easily and affordably. This further enhances the potential for market growth. 

Ø Businesses in India are switching to recyclable paperboard and environmentally friendly materials. This shift has been enabled due to tougher packaging regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the prohibition on single-use plastic. As a result, plastic gift packs are being replaced by high-end rigid boxes, which help businesses comply with regulations and appeal to environmentally aware consumers.

Ø Packaging needs to cater to both physical and online purchasing as consumer preferences are transforming. High-quality boxes must be both aesthetically pleasing for store shelves and robust enough for transportation. As e-commerce continues to expand at a rapid pace through 2030, attractive and robust packaging is emerging as a key growth factor.

 Market Segmentation by Product Types: MDF, Kappa, Foiled, Lacquered, and Laser-cut:

Ø MDF Boxes: Ultra-premium markets, including fashion, corporate giving, and luxury beverages, are heavily employing MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) boxes in their packaging operations. They provide unparalleled durability and a high-end appearance, although they are heavier and more expensive than standard paper boxes. Additionally, they are designed like souvenirs, which raises the brand's long-term worth.

 

Ø Rigid Kappa (Greyboard) Boxes: The most popular in India, Kappa boxes are often made from solid greyboard that has been wrapped in printed paper. These are ideal for gourmet food, electronics, cosmetic items, and other mid-to-premium categories. 

 Ø Foiled Boxes: Using metallic stamping and foiled packaging, this category adds a sense of delicacy and luxury. While cold foil enables better detailing, hot foil is frequently used for seals and logos. Additionally, premium and e-commerce firms choose foil boxes because they're perfect for short runs and seasonal collections.

 Ø Lacquered (UV/Coated) Boxes: High-gloss, matte, and textured finishes can be achieved by applying UV coatings to lacquered boxes. These coatings not only improve appearance but also offer scratch and scuff resistance. These are frequently employed to improve shelf appeal and durability in packaging for electronics, cosmetics, and personal care products.

 Ø Laser-Cut Boxes: This category enables ventures to create complex patterns, cutouts, or window designs using laser-cut details. These boxes are particularly well-liked during limited-edition product releases and holiday giving seasons. When paired with fillers like foam or EVA, they produce a memorable and high-end unpacking experience.

 Leading Players in Premium Packaging & Rigid Boxes: The premium packaging market in India comprises major organized players and numerous unorganized converters. On the organized side, Parksons Packaging, with an annual revenue of USD 239 million, has emerged as a market leader. The brand has a wide portfolio that includes folding cartons, litho-laminated cartons, and automatic rigid-box lines. Parksons Packaging has a diverse client base, serving in sectors like luxury beverages, beauty, and electronics brands. Another prominent player, TCPL Packaging, generated revenue exceeding USD 119 million, serving the FMCG, pharmaceutical, and retail sectors with shelf-ready solutions and premium finishing. ITC's Packaging & Printing Business (PPD) stands out as an integrated, board-to-box powerhouse, leveraging in-house paperboard production, advanced printing, and finishing lines. The company's packaging operations span foods, personal care, tobacco, and alcohol.

Furthermore, niche luxury players are also making a significant difference. Bell Printers (Sivakasi) and Pragati (Hyderabad) are known for their award-winning rigid boxes, elaborate fitments, and precise grooving used in luxury beverages, confections, and gifts. The next generation of rigid-box experts, including Unbox, is combining Komori printing and decoration workflows to cater to luxury D2C lifestyle and e-commerce-led companies. 

Additionally, there is a sizable unorganized network of small- and mid-sized converters that target budget-conscious customers and mostly serve the local FMCG, clothing, and gifting markets. Despite their lack of extensive automation, they are essential for meeting the need for short-term work, fast turnaround times, and affordable pricing. Overall, this blend of organized scale and unorganized flexibility makes India’s premium box manufacturing segment both dynamic and full of opportunities.

How Can The India Watch Help with Market Research & Feasibility Studies? 

At The India Watch, we collaborate with companies, investors, and business owners wanting to explore prospects in India's expanding premium box and package manufacturing industry. We specialize in providing companies with data-driven insights and practical strategies to assist them in navigating this changing industry. 

We help you evaluate the industry size, calculate addressable market size, grasp the value chain from sourcing raw materials to acquiring end users. We offer practical inputs across a range of segments, whether you are establishing a new facility, increasing capacity, or investigating collaborations.

We assist our customers in identifying revenue streams in new D2C prospects in lifestyle, gifting, and e-commerce-driven brands, as well as B2B industries (FMCG, beverage, electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals). 

We ensure that stakeholders are prepared to make informed choices by providing a solid basis in, sectoral research, feasibility studies, consumer behaviour research and financial models. Additionally, we map client acquisition methods, assess competition, and emphasize the sustainability and regulatory framework influencing the sector. 

For further enquiries, reach out to us at info@theindiawatch.com. Let’s explore how we can create value together.