How to Source Packaging from India: A Guide for North American Procurement Teams

Source: Sewtec Automation

If you’re a North American business sourcing packaging — whether it’s kraft paper, pouches, biodegradable wraps, or HDPE containers — you’ve likely felt the effects of rising costs and unstable supply chains.

India is now a top destination for global packaging procurement, offering strong manufacturing capabilities, sustainable material innovation, and cost advantages across formats.

But sourcing from India requires more than a vendor search. It takes understanding the landscape, navigating production realities, and managing expectations.

At Honest Procurement, we help Canadian and U.S. companies source packaging from India — ensuring the process is simple, trustworthy, and aligned to your needs.

Here’s what you need to know before you start.

Source: Paramount Global - Packaging South Asia

What Types of Packaging Can Be Sourced from India?

India is a well-established hub for both traditional and innovative packaging formats. Key strengths include:

1. Corrugated & Kraft Packaging

   - Corrugated boxes (3-ply, 5-ply, die-cut

   - Kraft paper wraps and sheets

   - Corrugated rolls for industrial use

   - Cartons for e-commerce or FMCG

2. Flexible Packaging

   - Laminated pouches (stand-up, zipper, spout)

   - Multi-layer films

   - Vacuum-sealed bags - Sachets for food, cosmetics, or wellness

3. Eco-Friendly & Compostable Solutions

   - Compostable pouches

   - Paper wraps with vegetable-based inks

   - Jute or cotton bags

   - Recycled kraft packaging

   - Biodegradable laminates

4. Rigid Containers

   - Glass jars and bottles (for food, pharma, cosmetics)

   - PET, HDPE, and LDPE containers

   - Metal tins, aluminum caps

India’s capacity to customize at scale, offer a wide range of material grades, and accommodate white-label or branded requests makes it ideal for industries like F&B, cosmetics, supplements, and retail.

Why Buyers Choose India for Packaging?

✅ Cost Advantage

Packaging from India is often 20–40% cheaper than North American or European options — even after shipping costs.

✅ Natural Material Strength

India is a major global exporter of kraft paper, jute, cotton, and recycled paperboard — making sustainable packaging more accessible and affordable.

✅ Export-Ready Manufacturers

Many Indian packaging factories already serve global brands and follow international standards (ISO, FSC, BRC, etc.).

✅ Customization Capabilities

From print specs to die cuts to finish quality — customization is flexible and cost-effective, even at medium MOQs.

Common Challenges (And How to Avoid Them)

Despite its strengths, sourcing packaging from India isn’t without hurdles. Here are a few to watch out for:

1. Inconsistent Material Grades

Not all kraft paper or film laminates are created equal. Variations in GSM, strength, or finish can happen if not specified properly.

Solution:

• Share exact technical specs

• Ask for physical samples

• Confirm tolerances and material origins

2. MOQ Barriers

For custom packaging, many vendors require MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) of 5,000–10,000 units or more.

Solution:

• Consolidate SKUs if possible

• Work with smaller or medium-scale units

• Let a procurement partner handle vendor shortlisting and negotiation

3. Print & Branding Misalignment

Color matching, print bleed, and finishing may not be aligned unless guided carefully.

Solution:

• Provide high-res dielines and Pantone codes

• Approve digital proofs + physical samples

• Request batch production photos if possible

4. Timeline Slippage

Custom printing and finishing stages can extend timelines.

Solution:

• Build 15–20% buffer in your delivery schedule

• Use consistent follow-up

• Clarify expected ship dates upfront

At Honest Procurement, we handle these steps for our clients — working with vetted packaging vendors, coordinating samples, and ensuring timelines stay visible and realistic.

Source: Business Standard

Step-by-Step: How to Source Packaging from India

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

• What materials are you looking for?

• What product will be packaged?

• What kind of finish, printing, or certification is needed?

• How many units do you expect per SKU?

Get specific — better inputs = better vendor matches.

Step 2: Supplier Discovery

Start with a wide list, then narrow down:

• Past export experience

• MOQ flexibility

• Material and print capabilities

• Location (West and South India are packaging hubs)

You can research independently or let a local partner (like Honest Procurement) help vet and shortlist.

Step 3: Request Samples

Ask for physical samples of:

• Blank packaging

• Custom-printed options

• Material swatches (kraft, films, liners)

Use samples to confirm:

• GSM and strength

• Finishing quality

• Fit with your product

Step 4: Compare Quotes Thoughtfully

Don’t just look at price. Check:

• Unit cost breakdown

• Tooling charges

• Packaging specs

• Shipping terms (FOB, CIF, EXW)

At honestprocurement.com, we help clients benchmark quotes across multiple vendors and avoid hidden costs.

Step 5: Place Trial Order + Monitor QC

Start small — a trial batch allows:

• Real-time production feedback

• Sample-to-production consistency check

• Timeline measurement

Maintain documentation and keep all confirmations in writing.

Source: Zetwork 

Key Packaging Hubs in India

• Ahmedabad / Gujarat: Corrugated, paperboard, jute

• Mumbai / Maharashtra: Flexible laminates, printing

• Delhi NCR: Retail packaging, rigid boxes

• Tamil Nadu / Kerala: Cotton bags, sustainable materials

• Rajkot / Ludhiana: Metal tins, HDPE, PET packaging

Source: The National Law Review 

Why Work with Honest Procurement?

Sourcing packaging from India offers big rewards — but the process can be time-consuming, opaque, and high-risk without local insight.

Honest Procurement helps companies across Canada and the U.S. navigate the Indian packaging landscape with clarity. We offer:

• Supplier shortlisting and verification

• Sample coordination

• Quote comparisons

• Negotiation support

• Light-touch QC and production tracking

• Procurement advisory based on your industry

We’ve worked with suppliers in packaging, machine parts, food, and electricals — and understand how to operate in India while aligning with North American expectations.

Ready to simplify your sourcing? Visit honestprocurement.com to get started.

Final Takeaway

India is fast becoming a global hub for high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging. But like any international sourcing effort, success depends on doing it right.

By planning carefully, asking the right questions, and working with experienced partners, North American procurement teams can unlock massive value from India — while avoiding the usual pitfalls.

Want help sourcing packaging from India? Let’s make it simple. Visit honestprocurement.com to learn more or schedule an intro call.