OPA announces revision in printing and packaging service

The Offset Printers Association (OPA) has unanimously decided to revise the prices of printing and packaging services with immediate effect. The decision comes in the wake of relentless escalation in raw material costs.

The associates cited recent industry reports stating that finished paper prices have surged by INR 2–6 per kg in the last few weeks, while kraft paper and duplex board have witnessed an increase of INR 3–4 per kg, translating into a 10%+ rise in corrugated box and carton costs. Furthermore, the association argued that hardwood pulp prices had risen 20–25% during FY24 and the first nine months of FY25, and fresh hikes in writing and printing grades (INR 2,000–3,000 per MT) were announced by major mills in January 2026. 

In addition, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, spiralling costs of imported wastepaper, coal, chemicals and energy have compounded the crisis. 

Parveen Aggarwal, president, OPA, stated: “The printing and packaging industry has always been the silent backbone of India’s FMCG, pharma, eCommerce and education sectors. We have repeatedly absorbed cost shocks, but the current 30–40% cumulative rise in raw materials has made it impossible to continue.” He continues,  “Today’s decision is not about profit — it is about survival. We urge our clients and the public to understand that without a corresponding revision in service prices, thousands of MSME units and lakhs of jobs will be at risk.” 

Kushl Kumar Jain, senior vice president, OPA, remarked, “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.” 

Professor Kamal Mohan Chopra, general secretary, OPA, issued the following appeal to all printing, packaging and binding entrepreneurs, “Esteemed colleagues, this is not the time to work under compulsion but to take a strong, united decision. If we fail to take the right step today, running our businesses tomorrow will become extremely difficult. Let us stay united, exercise collective wisdom and safeguard our industry.”