Star Labels Africa anchors DRC’s packaging transformation with integrated manufacturing and digital scale

DRC – Star Labels Africa SARL is steadily positioning itself as a cornerstone of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s evolving packaging industry, demonstrating how local manufacturing, advanced technology and digital integration can reduce import dependence while supporting fast-growing consumer markets.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Kinshasa, Star Labels was established with a clear strategic intent: to localize high-quality packaging production in a market that historically relied on imports for even basic packaging materials.

According to director Nirav Thakkar, the company recognized early that competing with global suppliers would require more than proximity.

“We needed to invest in world-class infrastructure from the outset to deliver consistent quality and faster turnaround times,” he says.

That approach has enabled Star Labels to build a broad and integrated product portfolio covering self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeve and wrap-around labels, laminates, bread bags, pouches, printed thermal rolls, LD shrink, PVC films and poly films.

Serving FMCG, beverages, pharmaceuticals, supermarkets and detergent and soap manufacturers, the company has evolved into a one-stop packaging partner for brand owners operating in the DRC and the wider Central African region.

A defining pillar of Star Labels’ growth has been sustained capital investment in globally recognized machinery.

Its production floor features a W&H Miraflex CI press for flexible packaging, a W&H Optimex three-layer extruder, and a Nordmeccanica Supercombi lamination line, complemented by a complete suite of Lombardi narrow-web label printing and converting systems.

“These investments give us the ability to meet international quality benchmarks while manufacturing locally,” Thakkar notes, adding that in-house capability also improves supply reliability and cost control.

As demand for packaged consumer goods rises across Africa, driven by urbanization and shifting consumption patterns, Star Labels sees strong momentum in the local market.

Management estimates annual growth of around 20% in the DRC’s printing and packaging sector and is preparing for the next phase of expansion, including entry into mono carton packaging to further broaden its offering.

Scaling operations also prompted Star Labels to strengthen its digital backbone through the implementation of Flexibiz ERP, a purpose-built system for the printing and packaging industry. CFO Kabir Adatia says the ERP rollout was aimed at standardizing processes, improving data accuracy and providing real-time visibility across departments.

Implemented over three months, the platform now integrates finance, inventory, procurement, sales and production, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making and higher operational accountability.

Post-implementation, the company reports streamlined workflows, improved inventory control and enhanced management reporting through real-time dashboards and MIS tools.

Role-based access, audit trails and automated approval workflows have further strengthened governance and internal controls.

For Star Labels, the convergence of advanced manufacturing and digital systems is central to its long-term strategy.

As brand owners increasingly seek reliable, locally produced packaging that meets global standards, the company’s model highlights how African converters can build scale, resilience and competitiveness by aligning capital investment with technology-led management.

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