DCGpac: How packaging got a stylish update and became more competitive — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

This growth is indicative not only of DCGpac's effective strategy but also of a shifting landscape in the packaging sector, where sustainability and efficiency are becoming increasingly critical.
 
DCGpac, founded in 2005 by its CEO, Suresh Bansal, has established itself as a prominent player in the packaging solutions arena. The company is led by Bansal and Avijit Mukherjee as senior vice president and employs approximately 130 professionals. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on customer-centric innovation, DCGpac has become a trusted partner for businesses across various sectors, including eCommerce, healthcare, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
 
Bansal explains what it truly means to be a B2B packaging solutions provider. “DCGpac is a B2B packaging solutions provider, which means we specialise in creating and supplying packaging products specifically for businesses rather than individual consumers.”
 
The scope of DCGpac's services extends beyond merely selling packaging. It encompasses a range that includes eco-friendly designs, secure warehouse packaging, and tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of various industries. Bansal points out, “We serve a wide range of industries, including eCommerce, retail, and manufacturing, with packaging that meets diverse business requirements—from eco-friendly boxes to robust warehouse packaging.”
 
An emphasis on growth
DCGpac boasts an extensive catalogue of over 3,500 product SKUs, reflecting its capacity to cater to the diverse needs of its business clients. This extensive range is supported by three strategically located fulfilment centres across India, which include hubs in major cities such as Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Agra, and Surat. These centres form a critical component of the company’s operational strategy.

 
DCGpac is supported by three fulfilment centres across the country

Bansal reflects on the challenges and opportunities posed by this environment, "In implementing our strategies, we recognised the importance of not just providing packaging, but also enhancing our operational capabilities to align with market demands for sustainable and efficient solutions."
 
Recognising the need for comprehensive services in a competitive logistics landscape, DCGpac focuses on two major areas. Bansal says, "This includes, enhancing supply through dark store warehousing and expanding international exports by establishing a subsidiary in the UAE." These initiatives aim to address the growing demand for efficient logistics in packaging and storage solutions.
 
Bansal explains the rationale behind this expansion. "By broadening this vertical, we can offer businesses end-to-end solutions that encompass not only packaging materials but also storage, inventory management, and efficient logistics, allowing them to operate more seamlessly."
 
This new category will allow DCGpac to cater to clients requiring integrated solutions that address the complexities of their supply chains. By moving from a singular packaging focus to a more holistic approach, the company strengthens its position as a one-stop solution provider.
 
The benefits of this strategic move extend to both DCGpac and its customers. “By reducing the number of intermediaries in the supply chain, businesses gain efficiency with fewer intermediaries, reducing costs and time," stated Bansal, highlighting the dual nature of the advantage.”
 
This expansion will enable DCGpac to leverage its existing fulfilment centres, optimising warehousing capabilities while providing cohesive service to its customers.
 
The needs of MSMEs and SMEs
DCGpac prides itself on its ability to cater to small businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small enterprises (SMEs). DCGpac's affordable packaging solutions have proven highly beneficial for small businesses, especially MSMEs/SMEs, which make up 600 billion packaging products for 6,000 customers of our customer base. As Bansal states, “By offering customisable, eco-friendly, and economical packaging options, we enable smaller enterprises to maintain a professional image without incurring the high costs typically associated with traditional packaging.”
 
A compelling example of DCGpac's impact is seen in the case of a small-scale food vendor seeking to expand its reach. The vendor faced challenges related to packaging quality and consistency. DCGpac intervened by providing high-quality, biodegradable packaging that preserved product freshness while aligning with the vendor's commitment to sustainability.
 
Bansal highlights, "The partnership allowed the vendor to present a premium, environmentally-friendly product, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand image." This case illustrates how DCGpac's tailored approach successfully addresses specific needs within the MSME sector, enabling small businesses to scale without compromising on quality or sustainability and ultimately reducing operational costs.

Investment in technology
DCGpac’s growth and expansion efforts are not solely reliant on physical infrastructure; the company is also significantly invested in technology development. This technology-oriented approach enhances efficiency and sustainability, particularly in areas such as inventory management and logistics.
 
The integration of advanced technology provides numerous advantages, including real-time inventory tracking, improved order management, and enhanced customer communications. "Ultimately, technology is a backbone for operational effectiveness and responsiveness to clients’ needs," says Bansal.
 
DCGpac's interventions extend across various sectors, notably e-commerce, healthcare, and FMCG. Each industry presents its unique challenges and packaging requirements, and DCGpac is adept at tailoring its products to meet these needs effectively.
 
In eCommerce, the demand for safe, protective packaging solutions that withstand transit is paramount. “DCGpac’s offerings ensure that products arrive intact and in a condition that satisfies customers,” informs Bansal. "Packaging must address regulatory requirements for the healthcare sector while ensuring product integrity and safety." The company's commitment to quality and compliance has made it a trusted partner for healthcare providers.
 
Meanwhile, the FMCG sector relies on attractive packaging that enhances product visibility while maintaining functional qualities. DCGpac addresses these needs with packaging designs that aid branding efforts and coincide with sustainability mandates.
 
Technology-driven operations
In addition to its customer-centric packaging solutions, DCGpac prioritises transparency and efficiency across its operations. Bansal explains, "DCGpac leverages advanced technology to maintain transparency, efficiency, and real-time tracking." This commitment is reflected in the company's investment in tools such as warehouse management systems (WMS), real-time GPS tracking, and automated inventory updates, which provide clients with end-to-end visibility of their packaging supply chain.

 
DCGpac invests in systems that allow clients to track their packaging

With an integrated WMS in place, DCGpac effectively monitors inventory levels, processing timelines, and order accuracy, thus minimising delays and ensuring that stock levels meet demand. Bansal notes, "We also leverage data analytics to predict demand trends and improve fulfilment speeds, especially beneficial during peak seasons like festivals." Additionally, the company's customer portal offers clients real-time updates from order dispatch to delivery, allowing them to monitor every stage of the order journey. This tech-driven approach not only optimises operations but also enhances client trust through consistent transparency, making DCGpac a reliable partner for businesses across the nation.
 
Reflecting on recent projects, Bansal shares, "One of the projects that brought me the most satisfaction was creating a dedicated packaging platform for major players like Myntra and Flipkart." This prestigious project, while challenging, showcased the full range of DCGpac's capabilities. “It involved integrating advanced technology, a top-notch quality control lab, seamless operational processes, and a robust fulfilment and last-mile delivery system,” explains Bansal.

DCGpac’s quality lab

The implementation of this project required meticulous planning and coordination, and Bansal expresses the satisfaction derived from witnessing all components come together. "Supporting such influential companies with our tailored packaging solutions allowed us to push the boundaries of what DCGpac could achieve, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction," he says.
 
Understanding the challenges in packaging design
In the fast-paced landscape of B2B packaging, DCGpac stands out as a leader, offering specialised solutions across various segments, including quick commerce, food delivery platforms, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and QSR (quick service restaurants). However, designing packaging for these varied sectors presents unique challenges.
 
Bansal says, "For quick commerce, speed is critical, prompting us to create lightweight and protective packaging."
 
In addition to speed, the food delivery sector prioritises maintaining temperature and food quality during transit. Bansal elaborates, "We prioritise maintaining food temperature and quality during transit in the food delivery sector."
 
Meanwhile, HORECA clients often seek premium packaging that enhances their brand image, while QSRs require efficient solutions to facilitate quick service and reduce waste. Bansal summarises their approach. "For QSRs, we focus on efficient packaging that facilitates quick service and minimises waste."
 
Furthermore, the company remains dedicated to addressing regulatory compliance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness as ongoing considerations.
 
Unique eCommerce packaging
Transitioning from traditional packaging solutions to eCommerce presents its own set of challenges, particularly driven by volume and scale. The eCommerce industry demands innovative approaches to branding and packaging, especially when catering to smaller, customised orders with rapid turnaround times.
 
Bansal puts into perspective the specific hurdles that eCommerce poses. "Unlike traditional industries, eCommerce requires branded packaging solutions that can be delivered in small, customised batches—and often with very short turnaround times."
 
In the vast and diverse Indian market, these requirements can be daunting, especially considering that many manufacturers lack the resources and expertise to manage the complex logistics and technological needs that eCommerce entails. "At DCGpac, we’ve positioned ourselves as an – Orchestrator of packaging solutions, combining advanced technology, in-depth industry expertise, and supply chain capabilities to meet these needs."
 
This strategic approach has led to considerable growth for the company. As Bansal states, "We understand that eCommerce businesses rely on us to deliver not just products but also a brand experience, and we tailor our packaging solutions accordingly."