Paper-based gable-top packaging gains momentum in India

India’s market for paper-based gable-top packaging is expected to grow rapidly as plastic restrictions, sustainability concerns and changing consumer preferences encourage brands to explore alternative formats. Pakcellence, a subsidiary of Mumbai-based Printmann Offset, sees increasing opportunities for the format across food, beverage and emerging non-food applications.

Speaking at ProPack 2026 in Mumbai, Pakcellence CEO Pavan Singh said the company is focusing on packaging solutions that significantly reduce plastic use rather than claiming to eliminate it completely. The company’s gable-top formats contain up to 70% paper in some applications and as much as 85% in others, with polyethylene making up the remaining material structure.

Gable-top cartons move beyond traditional dairy applications

Gable-top packaging has traditionally been associated with milk and other dairy products, but Pakcellence says its use is expanding into a much broader range of categories. High-protein milk is becoming an important segment in southern India, while non-dairy creamers are also creating additional demand.

Water is emerging as another significant application. Several Indian brands are already using paper-based gable-top cartons for water as local restrictions on plastic bottles create demand for alternatives. Singh identified areas such as Tirupati, where restrictions on plastic bottles have opened opportunities for paper, glass and metal packaging.

Lower plastic use becomes a key selling point

Pakcellence is positioning gable-top packaging as a way to reduce dependence on plastic while retaining the functional properties required for liquid products. Rather than presenting the format as plastic-free, the company emphasises the high proportion of renewable paper content and the potential reduction in overall fossil-based material use.

This approach reflects a broader shift in packaging sustainability, where reducing material impact can be more practical than attempting complete substitution. For brands, the balance between paper and polyethylene can offer a compromise between environmental objectives, product protection and processing requirements.

Partnership supports filling and packaging operations

Pakcellence has established a technical partnership with Italian equipment manufacturer Galdi, which provides filling-machine solutions, while Pakcellence focuses on printing and packaging production.

The combination enables the company to offer a more integrated solution to brands adopting gable-top formats. Access to dedicated filling technology can also reduce one of the barriers to introducing alternative packaging, particularly for companies transitioning from conventional bottles or other rigid formats.

New applications expand the market opportunity

Beyond dairy and water, Pakcellence is evaluating additional applications for gable-top cartons, including alcoholic beverages. Non-food uses are also beginning to emerge, with some Indian brands already adopting the format for products outside the traditional beverage sector.

Internationally, gable-top packaging is also being used for products such as premium rice, demonstrating that the format can extend beyond liquids. These applications could provide further opportunities as brands look for distinctive packaging structures with a stronger paper-based component.

Regulation and consumer awareness support future growth

Pakcellence expects regulatory pressure and increasing consumer awareness to remain major drivers of market development. Government measures aimed at reducing plastic consumption are encouraging companies to consider alternative materials, while health and sustainability concerns are influencing purchasing decisions.

As these factors converge, paper-based gable-top packaging could become more prominent in India across both traditional and new product categories. The company sees the format as part of a wider transition towards packaging systems that reduce plastic content while maintaining performance and commercial viability.