The Offset Printers Association (OPA), representing hundreds of printing, packaging and binding units across Punjab and neighboring states, has decided to revise the prices of its products and services by 15-20% with immediate effect. This decision has been taken in response to the steep increase in the cost of basic raw materials, including cardboard (kraft paper and duplex board), chemicals, inks, lamination films, and related inputs.
Industry data shows that finished paper prices have risen by ₹2-6 per kg in recent weeks, while kraft paper and duplex board have increased by ₹4-6 per kg. This has already translated into a more than 10% rise in the cost of corrugated boxes and cartons. Hardwood pulp prices had earlier climbed 20-25% during FY25 and the first nine months of FY26, with major mills announcing further hikes of ₹2,000–3,000 per metric tonne in writing and printing grades, the association announced.
Lamination films (largely polymer-based and linked to petrochemical derivatives), chemicals, inks, adhesives, imported wastepaper, coal and energy costs have also seen sharp upward movement. Geopolitical tensions in West Asia have further compounded the pressure through higher freight rates, supply-chain disruptions and volatility in crude-linked materials. Cumulatively, raw material costs for the sector have surged in the range of 30–40%, making operations at earlier rates unsustainable for the majority of MSME units.
OPA president Parveen Aggarwal said the printing and packaging industry has long absorbed successive cost shocks while serving as the backbone of India’s FMCG, pharma, e-commerce and education sectors. He said the present revision is a matter of survival rather than profit and is essential to protect thousands of MSME units and the livelihoods dependent on them.
Kushl Kumar Jain, senior vice president, OPA, said: “OPA has always promoted ethical business practices. We have now resolved that members will accept new orders only at revised rates that truly reflect the escalated input costs. This is a collective, responsible step to protect the industry’s future and ensure continued quality service to our valued clients.”
Kamal Mohan Chopra, general secretary, OPA, appealed to all printing, packaging and binding entrepreneurs to remain united and firm, noting that failure to act decisively now would make it extremely difficult to sustain businesses in the days ahead.
The OPA urged its clients, brand owners and the public to appreciate the unprecedented cost pressures facing the industry and to support the justified revision so that quality standards and timely deliveries can be maintained.
