With the Indian government banning single-use plastic and rising awareness about environmental sustainability, the paper bag manufacturing business in India has become one of the most profitable and fast-growing manufacturing businesses. Paper bags are widely used in retail stores, shopping malls, medical shops, grocery stores, food outlets, garment stores, and e-commerce packaging.
The paper bag manufacturing business requires low investment, simple machinery, limited manpower, and offers high profit margins, making it ideal for small entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to start a paper bag manufacturing business in India, including investment, machines, raw materials, licenses, profit margin, marketing strategy, and business plan.
Business Overview – Paper Bag Manufacturing
Parameter
Details
Business Name
Paper Bag Manufacturing Unit
Business Category
Manufacturing
Business Type
Manufacturing
Initial Investment
₹2 – ₹5 Lakhs
Profit Margin
30% – 45%
Skills Required
Technical & Production Management
Market Demand
Very High
Location Type
Industrial / Semi-Industrial Area
Licenses Required
GST, Pollution Control Certificate, MSME
Why Start a Paper Bag Manufacturing Business in India?
1. Rising Demand Due to Plastic Ban
Government regulations and eco-friendly initiatives have boosted demand for paper carry bags across all sectors.
2. Low Startup Investment
You can start this business with just ₹2–5 lakhs, making it ideal for first-time entrepreneurs.
3. High Profit Margin
Paper bag manufacturing provides 30%–45% profit margins, depending on production volume and market reach.
4. Easy Manufacturing Process
Simple machinery, basic training, and easily available raw materials.
5. Expanding Market
Retail shops, food delivery services, hospitals, pharmacies, and e-commerce businesses use paper bags daily.
Types of Paper Bags You Can Manufacture
Grocery Paper Bags
Shopping Carry Bags
Food Delivery Paper Bags
Medicine & Pharmacy Bags
Garment Packaging Bags
Luxury Printed Paper Bags
Kraft Paper Bags
Customized Branding Bags
Raw Materials Required for Paper Bag Manufacturing
Kraft Paper Rolls
White & Brown Paper Sheets
Adhesive Glue
Printing Ink
Packaging Material
Machinery Required for Paper Bag Manufacturing
Basic Machines Needed:
Paper Bag Making Machine
Flexo Printing Machine (Optional for Branding)
Sheet Cutting Machine
Slitting & Rewinding Machine
Creasing & Folding Unit
Machine Cost:
₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹4 Lakhs depending on capacity and automation.
Paper Bag Manufacturing Process (Step-by-Step)
Paper Roll Feeding
Cutting & Folding
Gluing & Pasting
Bottom Forming
Handle Fixing (Optional)
Drying & Finishing
Printing & Branding
Packing & Dispatch
Investment Breakdown – Paper Bag Manufacturing Business
Expense Head
Approx Cost
Machinery
₹1.5 – ₹4 Lakhs
Raw Material
₹50,000 – ₹1 Lakh
Rent & Setup
₹30,000 – ₹80,000
Electricity & Installation
₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Licenses & Registrations
₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Total Investment
₹2 – ₹5 Lakhs
Profit Margin & Income Potential
Production Capacity:
8,000 – 25,000 paper bags per day
Selling Price:
₹2 – ₹10 per bag (depending on size & printing)
Monthly Income Estimate:
Production
Revenue
Net Profit
2,00,000 Bags
₹4 – ₹10 Lakhs
₹1.2 – ₹4 Lakhs
Expected Profit Margin: 30% – 45%
Licenses & Legal Requirements
GST Registration
MSME / Udyam Registration
Pollution Control Board NOC
Factory License (if applicable)
Trade License (Local Municipal Body)
Best Location for Paper Bag Manufacturing Unit
Industrial Areas
MSME Industrial Parks
Semi-Industrial Zones
Rural Industrial Clusters
Space Required: 500 – 1,000 sq. ft.
Manpower Requirement
Role
Quantity
Machine Operator
1–2
Helper / Worker
1–2
Packing Staff
1
Supervisor (Optional)
1
Marketing Strategy for Paper Bag Business
1. Direct B2B Sales
Target:
Retail Shops
Supermarkets
Pharmacies
Food Chains
Restaurants
Sweet Shops
2. Online Marketing
Website SEO
Google Business Profile
WhatsApp Business
B2B Portals (IndiaMART, TradeIndia)
3. Branding & Custom Printing
Offer custom logo printing for premium pricing.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenges
Solutions
High Competition
Focus on quality & branding
Price Sensitivity
Bulk order discounts
Raw Material Price Fluctuation
Bulk procurement contracts
Government Subsidy & Loan Support
PMEGP Scheme – Subsidy up to 35%
Mudra Loan – Up to ₹10 Lakhs
Stand-Up India Scheme
MSME Bank Loans
SEO Keywords (Targeted)
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paper bag manufacturing project report
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is paper bag manufacturing business profitable?
Yes, it offers 30% – 45% profit margin with consistent demand.
Q2: How much investment is required?
₹2 – ₹5 Lakhs is enough to start small-scale production.
Q3: Which machine is best for paper bag making?
Automatic & semi-automatic machines depending on budget and production capacity.
Q4: Is government license mandatory?
Yes – GST, MSME, and Pollution NOC are required.
Conclusion
The paper bag manufacturing business in India is a future-proof, eco-friendly, and highly profitable manufacturing business. With increasing demand, government support, and low entry barriers, this business offers excellent growth potential for startups and MSMEs.