How to Start a Profitable Takeaway Packaging Business in Zambia

 The demand for takeaway bags, cups, plastics, and other packaging materials has grown rapidly in Zambia, especially with the rise of restaurants, fast-food outlets, street vendors, bakeries, and online food delivery services. If you are looking for a business idea with steady demand and high growth potential, selling packaging products could be one of the smartest ventures to start.

In this guide, we will explore how you can successfully start and grow a packaging business in Zambia.

Why Start a Packaging Business?

1. Constant Demand – Every food vendor, café, supermarket, and restaurant uses packaging daily.

2. Wide Market – From small street sellers to large chain restaurants, packaging is a necessity

3. Scalability – You can start small by supplying in your community and grow into wholesale distribution.

4. Recurring Income – Businesses always need repeat orders for bags, cups, and plastics.

Step 1: Research the Market

Before investing, study your local area:

Which businesses buy takeaway bags and cups?

What sizes and types are most common (small plastics, brown paper bags, disposable coffee cups, food trays)?

Who are your competitors and what prices do they charge?

By identifying gaps, you can choose a profitable niche (e.g., eco-friendly packaging, affordable bulk plastics, custom-branded bags).

Step 2: Choose Your Product Range

The packaging business is diverse. Some popular items you can stock include:

Plastic carrier bags

Brown paper bags

Disposable cups (for coffee, juice, beer)

Food containers (foam boxes, paper trays, foil packs)

Drinking straws

Cling film & wrapping plastics

Branded bags (custom logos for businesses)

👉 Tip: Offering both affordable everyday plastics and premium eco-friendly alternatives can attract more customers.

Step 3: Find Reliable Suppliers

To succeed, you need consistent quality and competitive prices. Options include:

Local manufacturers – Buy directly to reduce costs.

Import from South Africa, China, or Dubai – Good for bulk deals, but factor in shipping and customs.

Wholesale distributors in Lusaka – Faster access to stock if you want to start small.

Negotiate prices and build strong supplier relationships to maximize profit.

Step 4: Choose a Good Location

Your shop or storage should be near areas with many buyers such as:

Food markets

Bus stations

Universities

Busy town centers

Alternatively, you can start online selling via Facebook, WhatsApp groups, or a simple e-commerce site, and deliver directly to businesses.

Step 5: Start Small, Then Scale

You don’t need huge capital to begin. Start with fast-moving products like plastics, paper bags, and disposable cups. As profit grows, reinvest in expanding your product line.

Step 6: Marketing Your Business

Social Media: Use Facebook pages, WhatsApp catalogs, and TikTok videos to showcase your packaging.

Direct Marketing: Visit restaurants, bakeries, and food outlets with samples.

Bulk Discounts: Offer deals for businesses that buy in large quantities.

Branding: If possible, offer custom-printed bags with business logos – this is a high-value service.

Challenges and Solutions

Competition: Differentiate with quality, customer service, or unique products (like eco-friendly options).

Capital: Start small and grow with profits. You can also partner with suppliers for credit terms.

Storage: Packaging products take space – rent a small warehouse or keep neat stock management.

Final Thoughts

The packaging business in Zambia is a profitable opportunity if you approach it strategically. With careful planning, reliable suppliers, and consistent marketing, you can build a business that serves hundreds of local businesses daily.

Whether you choose to supply takeaway bags, cups, or eco-friendly packaging, this business guarantees repeat customers and long-term growth.

👉 If you are thinking of starting a business that combines high demand with daily cash flow, packaging is the way to go.