Industry Guide

Printing & Packaging Supplier Diversity Guide

Printing and packaging is a tangible, high-touch industry where diverse suppliers can build strong, recurring relationships with corporate and government buyers. Every organization needs printed materials, packaging, and signage—from business cards and marketing collateral to product packaging and warehouse labels. Xerox, Graphic Packaging, and other industry leaders have established supplier diversity programs, and major corporations actively seek certified diverse printers to meet their procurement goals.

Companies with 20%+ diverse supplier spending report 10-15% higher annual sales
Find Your Certifications

Why Certification Matters for Printing & Packaging Businesses

Printing and packaging offers steady, relationship-driven opportunities for diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters:

Corporate Procurement Goals: Studies show that companies allocating 20% or more of spending to diverse suppliers report 10-15% higher annual sales. This gives procurement managers a strong incentive to shift printing and packaging spend to certified diverse suppliers.

Xerox Alliance Program: Xerox, a global leader in managed print services, operates a Supplier Connection Program that proactively identifies, builds relationships with, and procures goods and services from certified diverse businesses. Their Tier II program also encourages Xerox's own suppliers to subcontract to diverse firms.

Packaging Industry Leaders: Companies like Graphic Packaging and WestRock (now Smurfit WestRock) have dedicated supplier diversity initiatives, seeking diverse suppliers across packaging materials, printing services, and logistics.

Every Company Prints: Marketing collateral, product packaging, labels, business forms, direct mail, signage, and branded merchandise—every corporation has ongoing printing needs. These are recurring purchases that build long-term relationships.

Government Printing Office (GPO): The U.S. Government Publishing Office contracts with private sector printers for a significant portion of government printing needs, creating additional opportunities for certified diverse print companies.

Digital Transformation: As printing evolves toward variable data printing, wide-format, and specialty applications, diverse suppliers can differentiate through technology adoption and niche capabilities.

Best Certifications for Printing & Packaging

8(a) 8a

8(a) Business Development

Business development program for small disadvantaged businesses.

Cost: Free Timeline: 90-180 days
Learn more →
HUBZone HUBZone Certification

HUBZone Business

For small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones.

Cost: Free Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →
MBE Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

Minority Business Enterprise

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority group members.

Cost: $350 - $1,500 Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →
SBE SBE

Small Business Enterprise

For small businesses meeting SBA size standards.

Cost: Free Timeline: 15-30 days
Learn more →
WBE Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

Women Business Enterprise

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

Cost: $350 - $1,000 Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →

Where to Find Opportunities

Government Path

Federal Opportunities

Key agencies and programs for printing and packaging:

  • U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO): Contracts with private sector printers for government publications, forms, and materials
  • Department of Defense (DoD): Military publications, training materials, packaging for defense logistics
  • General Services Administration (GSA): Government-wide printing and publication services
  • Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): Public health materials, Medicare publications

Key Contract Vehicles

  • GPO Term Contracts (multi-year printing agreements)
  • GSA MAS for printing and publications services
  • Agency-specific printing BPAs
  • 8(a) sole-source contracts for printing services

Categories of Government Printing

  • Forms and publications
  • Direct mail and outreach materials
  • Training manuals and guides
  • Signage and wayfinding
  • Packaging for military and government supplies
  • Variable data printing (personalized mailings)
  • Large-format printing (posters, banners)

State and Local

State agencies, school districts, and municipalities all contract for printing services. Many have diverse supplier preferences and set-aside programs.

Top Federal Agencies

  • Government Publishing Office $1B+
  • Department of Defense $3B+
  • General Services Administration $2B+
  • Department of Health & Human Services $1B+

Corporate Path

Print Industry Leaders

Major printing and document companies with diversity programs:

  • Xerox: Supplier Connection Program with active diverse supplier procurement and Tier II reporting
  • Graphic Packaging International: Dedicated supplier diversity across packaging categories
  • Smurfit WestRock: Supplier diversity initiative for packaging and materials
  • RR Donnelley (RRD): One of the world's largest printing companies, multiple procurement categories

Corporate Print Buyers

Every Fortune 500 company purchases printing and packaging:

  • CPG companies: Product packaging, labels, point-of-sale displays
  • Financial institutions: Statements, compliance documents, marketing materials
  • Pharmaceutical companies: Regulatory packaging, labeling, patient information
  • Retailers: Signage, circulars, promotional materials, packaging

Categories in Demand

  • Commercial offset printing (brochures, catalogs, annual reports)
  • Digital and variable data printing
  • Packaging (folding carton, corrugated, flexible)
  • Labels and stickers (product, compliance, shipping)
  • Wide-format printing (signage, banners, trade show displays)
  • Direct mail production and fulfillment
  • Promotional products and branded merchandise
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly printing

How to Connect: Register in Xerox Supplier Connection, contact Graphic Packaging and WestRock supplier diversity teams, attend Print United (industry trade show), and join Printing Industries of America.

Top Corporate Buyers

What Printing & Packaging Buyers Look For

What Printing & Packaging Buyers Look For

Production Capability

  • Equipment list and capacity (offset, digital, wide-format, finishing)
  • Print quality standards and color management (G7 certification)
  • Volume capacity and turnaround times
  • Specialty capabilities (foil stamping, embossing, die cutting)

Quality Management

  • Quality control processes and inspection procedures
  • Color matching and brand consistency
  • Sample and proof approval workflows
  • Waste and error rate tracking

Compliance and Certifications

  • FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) chain of custody for paper
  • Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) certification
  • G7 Master Qualification for color management
  • FDA compliance for food-contact packaging
  • Child-safe packaging compliance (CPSC) where applicable

Technology

  • Prepress and file handling capabilities
  • Variable data printing capability
  • Web-to-print and online ordering portals
  • Inventory management and fulfillment services
  • Digital asset management

Business Requirements

  • Competitive pricing with transparent cost breakdowns
  • Reliable delivery and shipping capability
  • Adequate insurance coverage
  • Willingness to hold inventory (for some contracts)
  • Sustainability practices and environmental responsibility

Getting Started: Your 90-Day Plan

Your 90-Day Plan

Days 1-30: Foundation

  • Document your production capabilities, equipment list, and capacity
  • Assess quality certifications (G7, FSC, SGP)
  • Identify your niche: commercial print, packaging, labels, signage, or direct mail
  • Research certification options based on ownership demographics

Days 31-60: Certify and Position

  • Apply for NMSDC (MBE) or WBENC (WBE) certification
  • Register with Xerox Supplier Connection Program
  • Develop a capability statement with equipment specs, capacity, and specialty work examples
  • Create a sample portfolio showcasing your best work

Days 61-90: Build Pipeline

  • Register in corporate supplier portals for target buyers
  • Contact Graphic Packaging and WestRock supplier diversity teams
  • Attend Print United or regional printing trade shows
  • Join Printing Industries of America for networking and industry resources

Printing-Specific Tips

  • Invest in G7 color management certification—it demonstrates professional-grade quality
  • FSC chain of custody certification is increasingly required for sustainability-conscious buyers
  • Digital printing is growing faster than offset—invest in digital capability
  • Packaging is the highest-growth segment—consider adding packaging capability
  • Wide-format and signage offer higher margins than commodity printing
  • Build relationships with marketing agencies who outsource printing—they are major buyers
  • Consider offering print management services (managing other printers) to scale without capital investment

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I compete with large commercial printers as a small diverse business?

Focus on your advantages: flexibility, responsiveness, personal service, and cultural expertise. Large printers are not nimble on short runs, specialty work, or rush jobs. Position yourself for work that values quality and service over lowest price. Many corporate buyers specifically seek diverse printers for a portion of their work—certification gives you access to that set-aside spend.

What equipment do I need to win printing contracts?

It depends on your niche. Digital presses (like HP Indigo or Xerox iGen) are essential for variable data and short-run work. Offset presses are needed for long-run commercial work. Wide-format printers serve the signage and display market. You do not need all equipment types—specialize and partner with other printers for capabilities you lack.

Is sustainable printing certification important?

Increasingly, yes. FSC chain of custody certification demonstrates responsible paper sourcing and is required by many corporate and government buyers. SGP (Sustainable Green Printing) certification shows environmental commitment across your operations. These certifications cost $2,000-$5,000 annually but can differentiate you in competitive bids where sustainability is scored.

How do I sell packaging versus commercial printing services?

Packaging requires different equipment, materials, and compliance knowledge compared to commercial printing. Food-contact packaging must meet FDA requirements. Pharmaceutical packaging has strict regulatory requirements. Start with your existing capabilities and expand—many commercial printers add folding carton or label production. Packaging typically offers higher margins and longer contract terms than commercial print.

What is the future of the printing industry for diverse suppliers?

While traditional printing volume is declining, specialty applications are growing: packaging, labels, wide-format signage, variable data direct mail, and personalized printing. Diverse suppliers who invest in digital technology, sustainability certifications, and value-added services (fulfillment, mailing, inventory management) are well-positioned for growth even as the industry evolves.

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