Cotton buds
The cotton buds market is being driven by growing per capita expenditure of consumers, increasing awareness of hygiene, rising population, etc. Small manufacturers of cotton buds are required to source the spindle/stick, the absorbent material (cotton), and the packaging for the product.
The raw material then goes into the automatic cotton bud-making machines, many of which package the products too. The machines are available as per the quality and output requirements of the entrepreneur.
The cotton buds manufacturing business can be started with an investment of Rs 20,000-Rs 40,000.
Papad
The thin, crispy food – fried or roasted - is a common accompaniment to most meals across India. Papads are mandatory at several occasions, functions, celebrations, and parties, which means demand is always high.
The manufacturing process is relatively simple once basic ingredients such as wheat flour, spices, and oil are sourced.
The large-scale papad manufacturing industry is highly competitive, but entrepreneurs can start with a small investment of approximately Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 and sell to local department stores.
Entrepreneurs can also experiment with flours made from lentils, chickpeas, rice, tapioca, etc to differentiate their offerings from others.
Noodles
Noodles, especially the instant variety, are a popular snack in India across rural and urban markets. The noodle manufacturing process is simple and requires basic ingredients such as wheat flour, salt, sugar, starch, spices, vegetable oils, etc.
Both semi-automatic and fully automatic noodle-making machines are available in the market. The process of making noodles involves blending flour, starch, and sodium bicarbonate, mixing the dough, and passing it through the machine. The noodles are cut into the desired shape and size, dried, and packaged.
Low capacity noodle-making machines cost over Rs 40,000 while premium ones cost anywhere upwards of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Disposable plates and cups
Disposable food-grade plates and cups are used extensively in India during events, functions, picnics, etc. They are also used on a large scale by street vendors and hawkers.
As they are widely used and have been inexpensive to make for a long time, the market has matured. They are usually made of paper, which has emerged as an alternative to plastic, steel, glass, etc.
To make paper plates and cups, paper can be acquired from local scrap shops at low rates. The major part of the investment goes into acquiring disposable plate-making machines. They cost over Rs 50,000, depending on their capacity.
Jute bags
The use of this biodegradable and reusable “golden fibre” is increasing by the day. With the world moving to ban plastic, a jute bag manufacturing business is a good choice.
The jute bag making process is simple. Different types of bags are popular in the market and can be used for multiple purposes.
Starting up this business demands a small capital investment of around Rs 50,000-Rs 1 lakh. You can begin in a small area of around 500 sq ft.
Staple pins
Staplers are used extensively in schools, colleges, government institutions, offices, and wherever paperwork is involved. Staplers cannot work without stapler pins, and the pins are usually made from white galvanised iron wire. Using good quality iron will ensure the pins are sturdy and long lasting.
Automatic staple pin-making machines simplify the process of production. The machine flattens the round iron wire and produces the pins in predetermined lengths.
Staple pin-making machines that can make 350 pins per minute cost upwards of Rs 3.5 lakh.
Paper making
Manufacturing paper is a low-cost business idea. Paper is used everywhere. From schools and colleges to offices and big corporates, the use of paper is certain. This translates into an unending demand for this product- despite the world going digital.
From A2, A3, and A4 sheets to small copies, there is the vast scope of expansion too in the paper-making industry. However, you need to be wise in selecting the manufacturing location to avoid high transportation costs.
You need approximately Rs 2 lakh-Rs 2.5 lakh for setting up the machinery and getting the raw materials to start the business.
Organic soap
Organic soaps are a really niche market to tap if you wish to start with a small business. It is a high demand product used by billions daily.
To start a small herbal soap business you need raw materials like glycerine, herbs, essential oils, moulds, microwave, and more. An investment of about Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh is required for scaled production.
You can start the business at home or rent out a separate small space. Various government courses are available if you wish to learn the soap-making process.
Coconut hair oil
People these days have become conscious about the use of natural products. Many do not hesitate to pay a premium on quality products when it comes to health and beauty. Therefore, starting a coconut hair oil unit can be a good small business idea.
This low-cost business idea needs an approximate investment of Rs 1 lakh. You can start either by renting out a small farmland or can work with farmers in your area.
Tempered glass for smartphones
India’s smartphone market is growing despite the global market shrinking. The Indian market saw a shipment of 32 million units in Q1 2019, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
Smartphone accessories such as tempered glass are also in big demand. These are made in high temperature machines where glass is heated and then rapidly cooled. The tempered glass also has to pass hardness tests, breaking tests, and dimension checks. The tempered glass also contains silicon, additional protection, and glue. The glue, which ensures the tempered glass sticks to the smartphone screen, is an essential component of manufacturing.
Low capacity tempered glass making machines cost around Rs 75,000 while high capacity ones cost over Rs 1.5 lakh.
Envelopes and files
Despite communication going digital, there is still a large demand for paper envelopes and files in schools, colleges, corporates, etc. Different kinds of paper, such as maplitho paper or scrap paper, can be used, based on buyers’ requirements. Gum and glue also need to be purchased from the market.
Envelope-making machines cost anywhere between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 11 lakh.
When paper is fed into these machines, it is cut to specific sizes. After the gum is applied, the envelope is dried and sent for packaging. These products can be sold at departmental stores, supermarkets, or directly to schools, colleges, and corporate offices.
Paper bags
Eco-friendly bags and packaging made from paper have become popular as people realise just how harmful non-biodegradable plastic bags are to the environment. Paper bags can be used to pack shopping items, food items, medical items, jewellery, and more.
Paper bag making can be started small scale with low investment. Automatic paper bag-making machines start at around Rs 5 lakh and have a great capacity – around a few thousand units per hour. Semi-automatic machines are also available under Rs 3 lakh, but they involve more manual work and labour.
Entrepreneurs also need to invest in sourcing raw materials such as paper sheets, ink, printing chemicals, tags, etc.