A Guide on Corrugated Box Business in

India and Market Trends

Table of Content

Corrugated packaging is one of the most popular packaging materials in India. The corrugated
box business is very competitive and there are many players in the market. The demand for
corrugated packaging is growing at a rapid pace due to the growth of the e-commerce and
retail sectors. The corrugated box business is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% over the
next five years.

Do you know how to make a corrugated box? A corrugated box is a box made of corrugated
paperboard, which is a type of paperboard that has been fluted or ribbed to make it stronger.
This type of box is often used for packaging and shipping purposes because it is strong and
can protect the contents from damage.

Did you know? The current price rise is said to be a consequence of China's severe
electricity shortage due to the overall breakdown of the worldwide coal supply chain.

Corrugated Box Business in India

In India, the corrugated box business is booming. The country's huge population and a
burgeoning economy are creating a growing demand for packaging, and corrugated boxes are
the perfect solution for many businesses. 

There are a few key reasons for the corrugated box business's success in India. 

 First, the country has a large and growing population. This creates a huge potential
market for businesses that can provide packaging solutions. 
 Second, India's economy is booming. This economic growth is creating new
opportunities for businesses of all kinds, including the corrugated box business. 
 Third, corrugated boxes are an ideal packaging solution for many businesses. They
are strong and durable, yet lightweight and easy to transport. This makes them
perfect for businesses that need to ship products long distances. 
 Fourth, the corrugated box business is highly competitive. This competition is driving
down prices and making it easier for businesses to find the right supplier. 
Finally, the corrugated box business is supported by a strong infrastructure. In India, there are
many companies that manufacture and distribute corrugated boxes. This infrastructure makes
it easy for businesses to find the right supplier and get their products to market quickly and
efficiently. 

Also Read: Best Part-Time Business Ideas to Supplement Your Earnings

Growth of Corrugated Box Business in India

The corrugated box manufacturing and packaging industry in India has been growing steadily
over the last few years. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 10% in the next
five years. The growth of the industry is being driven by the growing demand from the e-
commerce and food & beverage sectors. The corrugated packaging industry in India is highly
fragmented with a large number of small and medium-sized players. The top 10 players in the
industry account for only around 30% of the total market. The industry is highly competitive and
players are constantly innovating to offer better products and services to their customers.
Players are also investing in new technologies to improve their efficiency and productivity. 

Future of Corrugated Box Business in India

The future of the industry looks promising with the growing demand from the e-commerce and
food & beverage sectors. Players will need to focus on innovation and investing in new
technologies to stay ahead of the competition. The corrugated box industry in India is expected
to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between FY2019 and FY2024,
according to a report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). This is primarily due to the
growing demand from the e-commerce and food & beverage sectors.

Some of the other trends in the industry include the use of eco-friendly materials,
biodegradable inks, and water-based coatings. Some of the major players in the corrugated
box industry in India are Century Pulp & Paper, JK Paper, ITC Limited, West Coast Paper
Mills, and Hindustan Paper Corporation.

Also Read: 15 Best Online Business Ideas to Start with Less Money

How to Set Up a Corrugated Box Manufacturing

Unit in India?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the set-up of a corrugated box
manufacturing unit will vary depending on the specific needs of the business. However, there
are some general steps that should be followed in order to set up a successful unit. 

1. Firstly, it is important to carry out extensive market research in order to identify the target
market for the boxes. This will help to determine the most suitable location for the unit, as well
as the most effective production methods.
2. Once the target market has been identified, the next step is to procure the
necessary machinery and equipment. This may include corrugated board cutting machines,
box-making machines, and printing presses. 

3. Once the machinery and equipment have been procured, the next step is to set up the
production line. This will involve creating a workflow that is efficient and effective.

4. Once the production line is up and running, it is important to carry out regular quality control
checks. This will ensure that the boxes produced are of a high standard and meet the
requirements of the customer. 

5. Finally, it is important to monitor the performance of the production line on a regular basis.
This will help to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

Key Factor for Corrugated Box Unit

There are a few key market trends for corrugated box units in India: 

 The first is the increasing demand for corrugated box manufacturing from a variety of

industries. This is due to the many benefits that corrugated packaging offers, such as
its ability to protect products from damage during shipping and storage. 
 Corrugated packaging is often more aesthetically pleasing than other types of
packaging, which is another key factor driving its growth. 
 The Indian government has been supportive of the corrugated packaging industry,
providing various incentives and tax breaks to encourage its growth.

Also Read: What Is a Business? - Definition & Characteristics

Things to Consider for Corrugated Box Business 

The corrugated box business in India is a very competitive one with a large number of players.
In order to be successful, it is important to identify the needs of the customers and cater to
them accordingly. There are a few factors to be considered while identifying the needs of the
customers: 

1. Type of products that need to be packed: 

The type of products that need to be packed will play a major role in deciding the type of box
that is required. For example, if fragile products need to be packed, then a box with a lot of
cushioning will be required. 

2. Size of the products: 

The size of the products will also play a role in deciding the type of box that is required. For
example, if the products are small in size, then a small box will be required. 

3. Quantity of the products: 

The quantity of the products will also play a role in deciding the type of box that is required. For
example, if a large number of products need to be packed, then a large box will be required. 

4. Budget: 
The budget is another important factor to be considered while deciding the type of box that is
required. For example, if the customer is looking for a box that is to be used for packaging and
shipping purposes, then the customer might be willing to spend more on the box. On the other
hand, if the customer is only looking for a box to store items, then the customer might be more
willing to spend less on the box.

5. Environment: 
The environment in which the box is to be used is also an important factor to be considered
while deciding the type of box that is required. For example, if the customer is looking for a box
that is to be used in a humid environment, then the customer might be looking for a box that is
made of waterproof material. 

6. Size: 
The size of the box is also an important factor to be considered while deciding the type of box
that is required. For example, if the customer is looking for a box that is to be used for
packaging and shipping purposes, then the customer might be looking for a box that is large
enough to accommodate the items to be shipped. On the other hand, if the customer is only
looking for a box to store items, then the customer might be looking for a box that is smaller in
size.

7. Weight: 
The weight of the box is also an important criterion that one must consider while placing an
order for the corrugated box. A good corrugated box must be able to hold the products without
tearing or breaking. 

8. Number of products: 
The number of products to be packed in the box must also be considered while placing an
order. This is because, if the box is too small, then the products will not fit in it and if the box is
too big, then it will be a waste of money. 

9. Printing: 
The printing on the box must be according to the requirement of the customer. The customer
may want the logo of the company or the product to be printed on the box.

Also Read: What is a Business Model?

Land Required
In India, the corrugated box business requires a land area of about 1,000 hectares (2,471
acres). This includes the area for the factories, the warehouses, and the office buildings. The
total land required for the business is about double this amount, as it also includes the land for
the raw materials (such as wood pulp and paper) and the land for the disposal of the waste
generated by the business.

Labor Requirement
The corrugated box business in India is a labour-intensive industry. According to the National
Paper Association of India, the industry employs over two million workers. The majority of
these workers are employed in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that make up the
corrugated box industry. The corrugated box industry is an important contributor to the Indian
economy. It is estimated to be worth  ₹40,000 crores (US$ 5.78 billion) and is growing at a rate
of 10-12% per year. 

Employment
The industry provides employment to over 20 lakh people, most of whom are employed in the
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that make up the industry. The corrugated box industry
is a highly competitive one. There are a large number of players, both large and small,
operating in the market. The industry is characterised by low margins and high capital
requirements. In order to be successful in this industry, it is important to have a well-trained
and motivated workforce. The corrugated box industry is a labour-intensive one. The majority
of the workers employed in the industry are engaged in manual labour. There is a need for
skilled workers who can operate machines and handle raw materials.

Conclusion
These are no doubt some of the best, if you want to start a business into the corrugated carton
manufacturing machine business. These options might not be perfect for everyone, but if you
want to get started in the corrugated business, they're sure to meet your basic requirements.
The variety of design templates available on all these carton printing and packaging sites
should help you choose something that suits your needs perfectly. 

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FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of using corrugated boxes?

Ans:

Corrugated boxes offer many benefits over other packaging materials. They are lightweight,
strong, and durable. They can be easily assembled and disassembled. They are also
recyclable and environment-friendly.

Q: What are the major end-users of corrugated boxes?

Ans:
 The major end-uses of corrugated boxes are packaging and transportation. These boxes are
used for packaging products of all shapes and sizes. They offer protection to the products
during transportation and help in keeping them safe from damage.

Q: What are the major raw materials used in the manufacture of corrugated boxes?

Ans:

The major raw materials used in the manufacture of corrugated boxes are liner board and
medium.

Q: How many corrugated box manufacturers are there in India?

Ans:

There are over 1,000 corrugated box manufacturers in India.

Q: How big is the corrugated box business in India?

Ans:

The corrugated box business in India is estimated to be worth ₹20,000 crores.