Here are practical options and concrete names to consider if you’re sourcing low‑cost plastic packaging for the European market, plus sourcing tips and import considerations.

1. Main low‑cost supplier countries (why they’re competitive)

• China — very large capacity across flexible films, rigid containers, preforms, caps and multilayer laminates; price competitive for high volumes. (indexbox.io)
• India — strong in tubes, rigid PET/HDPE bottles, films and preforms; competitive labour and growing export orientation. Examples: Essel Propack (tubes), Manjushree Technopack (rigid packaging), Polyplex (films). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Turkey — geographic proximity to Europe reduces freight and lead times; competitive for rigid and flexible packaging. (See Turkey presence among international film/manufacturing groups.) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia) — competitive film and injection/blow moulding capacity, often lower production costs and regional investment. (en.wikipedia.org)

2. Large exporters / manufacturers to evaluate (examples to contact)

• Essel Propack (India) — global leader in laminated plastic tubes (FMCG, pharma). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Manjushree Technopack (India) — rigid bottles, containers, PET preforms; exports to many markets. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Polyplex (India / Turkey / Thailand) — large polyester film manufacturer with global export footprint. (en.wikipedia.org)
• ALPLA (Austria, global plants) — huge global footprint (200 plants), competitive where local plants exist. Good for nearshoring inside Europe. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Logoplaste (Portugal, global) — in‑house plant model near fillers; strong for major FMCG customers in Europe. (en.wikipedia.org)

3. How to find smaller low‑cost exporters / trading partners

• Use trade directories and import data filters (China Export Data / Panjiva / ImportYeti) to find suppliers who already ship into EU ports.
• Search B2B platforms (Alibaba, GlobalSources) but verify factories (visit, audit, or third‑party inspection).
• Check trade show lists (interpack, K‑Fair exhibitor directories) for manufacturers that list export capabilities.

4. Cost and logistics levers to lower landed cost

• Order larger MOQ / consolidate SKUs to reduce per‑unit freight and tooling amortisation.
• Ship by sea (FCL) rather than air; use European hub consolidation to split shipments.
• Use supplier plants in Turkey or North Africa to save freight and customs delays for EU deliveries. (indexbox.io)

5. Regulatory, sustainability and quality checks (musts for Europe)

• Ensure compliance with EU food contact rules (when applicable), REACH and packaging waste rules — suppliers must provide declarations, test reports and (for food) migration test certificates.
• Check recyclability claims and PCR content if your customers require recycled content; Europe is tightening requirements. (ft.com)

6. Quick sourcing shortlist to contact (start with these)

• Essel Propack (India) — laminated tubes. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Manjushree Technopack (India) — rigid PET/HDPE. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Polyplex (India/Thailand/Turkey) — packaging films. (en.wikipedia.org)
• ALPLA (Austria/global) — rigid packaging with European plants (good nearshore option). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Logoplaste (Portugal/global) — in‑plant/near‑plant rigid packaging. (en.wikipedia.org)

If you’d like, I can:

• produce a tailored short‑list based on specific product type (flexible pouch, PET bottle, preform, cap, tube), target volumes and EU delivery port; or
• run supplier checks (website, export history, basic compliance documents) for 5–10 named manufacturers and return contact/verification notes.

Which product type and monthly volume are you sourcing? (If you prefer, tell me country restrictions or sustainability targets and I’ll tailor the shortlist.)