OPA Announces Revision in Printing & Packaging Service Prices

Ludhiana, March 26, 2026: The Offset Printers Association (OPA), representing hundreds of printing, packaging and binding units across Punjab and neighbouring states, has unanimously decided to revise upwards the prices of printing and packaging services with immediate effect. The decision comes in the wake of relentless escalation in raw material costs that have now crossed the tipping point. According to recent industry reports, finished paper prices have surged by ₹2–6 per kg in the last few weeks alone, while kraft paper and duplex board — the backbone of packaging — have registered an increase of ₹3–4 per kg, translating into a 10%+ rise in corrugated box and carton costs. Hardwood pulp prices had already risen 20–25% during FY24 and the first nine months of FY25, and fresh hikes in writing & printing grades (₹2,000–3,000 per MT) were announced by major mills in January 2026.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia, spiralling costs of imported wastepaper, coal, chemicals and energy have compounded the crisis. Despite absorbing a significant portion of these increases over the past 18 months, the printing and packaging fraternity can no longer operate on old rates without incurring direct losses. Mr. Parveen Aggarwal, President, OPA stated: “The printing and packaging industry has always been the silent backbone of India’s FMCG, pharma, e-commerce 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. 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 added: “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.” Prof. 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. 

The OPA stands firmly behind every member who implements the following guidelines immediately:
•    Immediately revise and increase printing rates to cover the escalated raw material costs. 
•    Accept new orders only as per the revised cost structure. 
•    Refrain from undertaking any work if the client is unwilling to pay the justified revised price.

This is a moment of collective resolve. Unity and firmness today will secure the future of our industry and the livelihoods it supports.” OPA appeals to clients, brand owners, publishers, corporates and the general public to appreciate the genuine difficulties being faced by the printing and packaging industry. A marginal increase in service prices is inevitable to keep the wheels of this vital sector moving and to maintain the high standards of quality and timely delivery that the industry is known for. OPA remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders and government authorities to find long-term solutions that can bring stability to raw material pricing.