If you’re an importer in the US or Europe exploring sustainable packaging from India – whether compostable bags, eco friendly packaging films, or biodegradable garbage bags – chances are you’ve already noticed. Finding a reliable partner here isn’t just about price.
Yes, India’s cost advantage is real but the reality on the ground is more nuanced.
For example, according to Bain & Co., manufacturing costs in India – especially in pharmaceuticals – are estimated to be 30–35% lower than in the US and Europe.
Labour costs in India are also among the lowest in Asia. Combined with rapid logistics improvements and new trade agreements, India is becoming an increasingly strategic sourcing base. Not just a cheap one.
That said, cost alone doesn’t guarantee smooth sourcing.
You’ll encounter suppliers who don’t reply on time, factories with no websites, and sales managers who over-promise.
And yet, once you navigate these first hurdles, India often delivers something rare: scale, innovation, and affordability in the same package.
But before you rush in, here are five things you absolutely need to verify.
1. Manufacturer or Trader? Don’t Get Lost in Translation
The first question every importer faces is simple. Who am I really dealing with?
On platforms like Alibaba or even Google searches, you’ll often find traders posing as manufacturers. Traders add a layer of opacity. They don’t control quality or delivery timelines, and you may end up with inconsistent shipments.
What you should do if you’re starting from scratch:
- Ask for a factory registration certificate (not just an export license).
- Request a quick video walk-through of the factory floor. Genuine manufacturers are usually proud to show their operations.
- Check directories via FICCI, ASSOCHAM, or CPCB-approved lists for vetted manufacturers.
- And yes, be prepared that many real manufacturers may not speak polished English. Often, the most authentic factories are in Tier-2 or Tier-3 cities. Their machines speak louder than their websites.
This is why many importers now prefer to work with companies like Murth, which are clear about being manufacturers. Not just middlemen. Murth, for example, positions itself as a direct, transparent supplier of compostable packaging, reducing the layers of uncertainty many first-time importers struggle with.
2. Certifications: Non-Negotiable for Customs & Clients
A US buyer can’t clear goods without ASTM D6400 compliance. A European client won’t accept “eco-friendly” unless it comes with EN 13432 certification. And global food brands won’t touch packaging without FDA or EU food-contact approvals.
Checklist:
- Compostability: EN 13432 (EU) / ASTM D6400 (US)
- Food contact safety: FDA 21 CFR / EU Regulation 1935/2004
- FSC for paper, ISO 9001 for quality systems
- Third-party lab reports (heavy metals, migration tests)
It’s tempting to take suppliers at their word. Don’t. Always verify certificate numbers directly with issuing bodies.
According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) 2025 Packaging Trends Report, certifications are no longer “nice-to-have.” They are now the baseline for global packaging buyers.
3. Scalability: Will They Still Deliver When You Double Orders?
It’s easy for a factory to promise they can handle your order. The real test is whether they can grow with you.
Ask them:
- What’s your peak season lead time?
- How many production lines do you run?
- What’s your utilization rate today?
In India, many suppliers are family-run businesses that have grown over decades.
They value long-term partnerships. If you start small and show commitment, most will bend over backwards to expand with you by adding shifts, investing in new equipment, or even opening dedicated lines.
India is also making progress in being logistics-friendly. Under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, freight container travel time is projected to shrink from around 50 hours to 17 hours, drastically accelerating export flow. The Sagarmala Program is designed to cut logistics costs for both domestic and export cargo through port-led development.
But most importantly, for India, relationships truly do matter. Once you build trust, you’re more than just a customer. You become a partner whose growth is shared by the factory itself.
4. Transparency & Trust in a Complex Market
Finding a supplier in India isn’t as simple as typing “eco friendly packaging supplier” on Google. The top hits may often be traders. Real manufacturers usually come through industry bodies, trade fairs, or consulate introductions.
If you’re starting fresh, here’s a simple path:
- Reach out to Indian trade associations (FICCI, IFCA, ASSOCHAM). They often connect serious buyers with vetted factories.
- Contact the Indian consulate or export promotion councils — they maintain databases of certified exporters.
- Cross-check with CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) — especially if sourcing compostables.
Signs of a transparent supplier:
- They readily share raw material sources.
- They are upfront about MOQ (minimum order quantity) and lead times.
- They show willingness for audits or third-party testing.
5. Innovation: India Is Not Just Copying Anymore
India’s packaging sector has moved beyond simply replicating Western products. Today, suppliers are experimenting with:
- Agricultural waste composites (bagasse, rice husk)
- Seaweed-based films from coastal communities
- Next-gen compostable blends that balance strength with breakdown
And this right here is exactly why global importers are choosing India.
You don’t just get cheap production, you get authentic innovation rooted in local resources — like sugarcane fields or coastal algae — that solves sustainability challenges in unique ways.
Murth reflects this shift by working with new-age compostable biogranule-based blends tailored to international compliance standards, proving India’s capacity to innovate rather than imitate.
Refill and reuse models are also expanding. According to SPC, “Refills make a comeback for spirits and beauty”, citing brands like Pernod Ricard’s Absolut and Diageo’s Captain Morgan, which now ship in reusable ecoTOTE containers to hospitality venues.
Big Rewards
India is not the easiest sourcing market. You’ll face time zone delays, communication barriers, and some suppliers who overstate credentials. But if you’re willing to do the legwork, the rewards are enormous:
- Cost advantages that hold up even after freight and duties
- Certified, scalable, innovative packaging solutions
- Partnerships built on trust and long-term growth
Start by verifying these five essentials:
- Manufacturer vs Trader
- Certifications & Compliance
- Scalability
- Transparency & Discovery
- Innovation
Do this, and you’ll discover why India isn’t just another sourcing option. It’s fast becoming the go-to partner for the world’s sustainable packaging future.
Sources
- https://sustainablepackaging.org/2025-sustainable-packaging-trends-report/#adobe-dc-view
- https://faba.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FaBA-Sustainable-Packaging-Trends-Report_Final-Formatted.pdf
- https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings/cheap-manufacturing-costs
- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2024)762471