India’s Untapped Billion-Dollar Industry? Packaging Business Ft. Sandeep Khot

In this eye-opening episode of The Founder’s Dream – Hindi Business Podcast, host Abhishek Vyas dives deep into a seemingly invisible industry that drives every sector from FMCG to e-commerce—the packaging business. Joining him is Sandeep Khot, Director of TSW Packaging, who shares not only his entrepreneurial journey but also the strategic, scalable, and sustainable future of packaging in India.

From overcoming language barriers and academic setbacks to building one of India’s most innovative packaging companies, Sandeep’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and the massive potential hiding in overlooked industries.

What is the Packaging Business?

When we think of packaging, most imagine boxes or wrappers. But as Sandeep Khot reveals, packaging is a science, a marketing tool, and a strategic business decision all in one.

Every product you order or pick up from a store goes through meticulous testing—from drop tests, vibration tests, to incline tests—all to ensure that it not only survives logistics but also attracts attention on the shelf. Packaging isn’t just for protection; it directly influences consumer behavior, perceived product value, and even brand loyalty.

More than that, it’s a B2B industry with incredible scalability. From electronics and automobiles to food and retail, every product needs packaging. And with India’s booming e-commerce and D2C landscape, demand is only going up.

The Future of Packaging in India: ft. Sandeep Khot

According to Sandeep Khot, the next decade will completely transform how India looks at packaging. Automation, AI-driven designs, and sustainable materials are no longer “good to have” – they are becoming standard.

TSW Packaging is leading the charge by creating eco-conscious, functional designs that serve more than just packaging. One innovation they developed? A bicycle packaging system that transforms into a reusable table and chair—turning waste into utility.

From reducing breakage during shipping to enhancing shelf appeal in retail outlets, good packaging can drastically impact a company’s costs and brand perception. And with more businesses focusing on ESG goals, sustainable packaging is no longer a niche—it’s the future.

Explore more marketing insights in our latest blog Trishta B Vardhan on Marketing Trends.

Why the Packaging Industry Is a Hidden Gem

Despite being a ₹400,000+ crore industry in India, packaging is still largely untapped by Indian startups and entrepreneurs. Most people ignore it simply because it’s not as glamorous as tech or finance. But as Sandeep Khot puts it, “real money is in real problems.”

He shares how smart entrepreneurs can capitalize on this sector by diving into:

• Custom machine design for packaging automation
• Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic
• Contract packaging services for e-commerce brands
• Specialized protective packaging for electronics or medical products

Sandeep also gives valuable insights on pricing strategies, vendor relationships, and branding through packaging—proving that it’s not just about boxes, but business intelligence.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, logistics, retail, or even tech, understanding the role of packaging can help you unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and differentiate your product in crowded markets.

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Conclusion

Sandeep Khot’s personal journey is as compelling as the industry he represents. From failing to get into IIT due to language issues to becoming a pioneer in sustainable packaging, his story reflects the grit and adaptability needed to thrive in India’s business ecosystem.

Under his leadership, TSW Packaging has helped save over 5,400 trees through material innovation, showing that profit and purpose can go hand-in-hand.

This episode isn’t just about packaging. It’s about spotting opportunity where others see none. It’s about solving invisible problems that affect every single industry. And above all, it’s about finding extraordinary success in ordinary-looking places.