Smartphone exports fuelling rigid box manufacturing boom

India's rigid box packaging industry is expanding, propelled by the growth of the smartphone export market and evolving consumer demands within the country.

India exported approximately USD 13.5-billion in the first half of FY26, according to a report by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). The domestic market for rigid boxes used in smartphone packaging is flourishing, driven by the quest for a premium ‘unboxing experience’ and the demands of the eCommerce sector.

The USA accounted for nearly 70% of exports during April–September 2025. During the same period last year, the figure stood at 37%. Exports to the USA increased from USD 3.1-billion in April–September 2024 to around USD 9.4-billion in April–September 2025, a growth rate of around 200%.

Pillars of growth

The expansion of the rigid box market for smartphones is underpinned by a few key factors. The demand for premium smartphones amongst Indian consumers is growing, and brands like Apple and Samsung are focusing on the initial consumer interaction by providing the ‘unboxing experience’.

Rigid boxes, typically crafted from chipboard and speciality papers, offer a durable, high-quality feel. This packaging is a crucial tool for reinforcing brand loyalty and justifying the higher cost of luxury devices, effectively the value of a high-end product before it's even switched on.

The expansion of the Indian eCommerce market is projected to grow its packaging sector at a 15.1% CAGR, creating a need for superior product protection. Rigid boxes excel in this area, offering superior protection and impact resistance.

While cardboard and paperboard remain the dominant materials in rigid packaging, the industry is witnessing a shift towards eco-friendly solutions. Manufacturers have started to adopt recyclable, biodegradable and moulded fibre paperboard components.

Despite the growing demands of global smartphone brands, the Indian rigid box industry remains fragmented. Over 50% of the market comprises unorganised players. However, the quality and scale demanded by major electronics corporations are met by the organised sector. This segment features an estimated 20–25 ‘A-lister’ manufacturers who utilise advanced, automated machinery. These organised players are crucial for producing the high-volume rigid boxes required by multinational smartphone giants, underscoring a clear dichotomy between localised capacity and the advanced needs of the global supply chain.

This export boom, coupled with the deep anchoring of global value chains in India, validates the global trust in India's capability to deliver on quality, scale and reliability. The trust extends directly to the quality of the packaging that protects these high-value devices. ICEA projects mobile phone exports to hit USD 35-billion in FY26; the demand for high-quality, sustainable and protective rigid box packaging is set only to intensify.