E-Commerce Packaging Market by Material (Corrugated Boards, Paper & Paperboards, Plastics), Product Type (Boxes, Mailers, Tapes, Protective Packaging, Labels), Application (Electronics, Food & Beverages, Fashion, Cosmetics), & Region - Global Forecast to 2028
Updated on : September 11, 2023
E-Commerce Packaging Market
The global e-commerce packaging market size is valued at USD 69.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 111.9 billion by 2028, growing at 10.0% cagr during the forecast period. The market refers to the industry that provide s packaging solutions for online retailers. It is experiencing strong growth due to the increasing popularity of online shopping. The market offers a range of packaging options, such as corrugated boxes, mailers, protective packaging, etc., designed to protect products during shipping. There is a growing focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging materials gaining traction. Customization and branding are also important considerations, enhancing the unboxing experience for customers and creating a memorable impression. Overall, the E-Commerce packaging market caters to the specific needs of online retailers, providing durable, protective, sustainable, and branded packaging solutions.
Attractive Opportunities in the E-Commerce Packaging Market
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E-Commerce Packaging Market Dynamics
Driver: The East's access to smartphones and the internet, technological advancements, and growing E-Commerce sales worldwide are some of the major drivers of the E-Commerce packaging market. The increasing penetration of smartphones and internet access, coupled with the growing trend of E-Commerce sales worldwide, is fueling the market for E-Commerce packaging. With more people gaining access to smartphones and the internet, online shopping has become more accessible and convenient. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a significant surge in E-Commerce sales globally. As a result, there is a growing need for packaging solutions that can ensure the safe and secure transportation of products from sellers to customers. E-Commerce packaging plays a crucial role in protecting goods during transit, enhancing the unboxing experience, and creating a positive impression on customers. The market for E-Commerce packaging is expected to continue its upward trajectory as online sales and consumer expectations continue to rise in the digital age.
Restraint: Unavailability of proper recycling facilities
The lack of plastic recycling infrastructure poses a significant restraint in the market for E-Commerce packaging. While plastic packaging offers various advantages, such as durability and versatility, its environmental impact has become a growing concern. The limited availability of proper recycling facilities for plastic packaging hinders the efficient and responsible disposal of plastic waste. This not only contributes to the accumulation of plastic in landfills but also poses a threat to the environment.
Opportunities: Social media influence
Social media influence presents a significant opportunity in the market for E-Commerce packaging companies. With the growing popularity and widespread use of social media platforms, businesses have a unique opportunity to leverage these channels to promote their products and engage with their target audience. E-Commerce packaging plays a vital role in creating a memorable unboxing experience that customers often capture and share on social media platforms.
Challenges: Harmful effects of plastic on the environment
The harmful effects of plastic pose a significant challenge in the market for E-Commerce packaging. Plastic packaging has traditionally been widely used due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, its environmental impact, particularly in terms of pollution and contribution to plastic waste, has become a growing concern. Single-use plastics, in particular, are known for their detrimental effects on ecosystems and wildlife. The challenge lies in finding sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging that are both environmentally friendly and functional, without compromising the safety and integrity of the products being shipped.
E-commerce Packaging Market Ecosystem
By Material, Corrugated boards accounted for the largest market share.
The corrugated board has emerged as the dominant player, capturing the highest market share in the E-Commerce packaging market. This is primarily due to its exceptional combination of strength, versatility, and sustainability. The corrugated board offers superior protection for products during shipping, ensuring safe delivery to customers. Its flexibility allows for efficient customization, branding, and innovative packaging designs. Furthermore, corrugated board is predominantly made from recycled materials and is easily recyclable, aligning with the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
By Product Type, Boxes account for the highest CAGR in the E-Commerce packaging market during the forecast period.
Boxes account for the highest CAGR in the E-Commerce packaging market due to their versatility and wide range of applications. Boxes offer a reliable and customizable packaging solution for various products across different industries. They can be used for packaging electronics, fashion items, cosmetics, food and beverages, furniture, and more. Boxes provide protection during shipping, easy stacking and handling, and ample space for branding and product information. Their adaptability and strength make them the preferred choice for businesses seeking secure and visually appealing packaging options in the E-Commerce industry.
By Application, Electronics segment to have the largest market share in 2022 in the E-Commerce packaging market.
Electronics leads the market share in the E-Commerce packaging industry due to the growing demand for online purchases of electronic devices and accessories. The need for specialized packaging solutions to protect delicate electronics during shipping and ensure a positive customer experience has contributed to the industry's dominance in this sector.
Asia Pacific is projected to account for the highest CAGR in the E-Commerce packaging market during the forecast period.
Asia Pacific holds the largest market share among different regions in the E-Commerce packaging market due to several key factors, including the robust growth of E-Commerce industries in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India. China, being the world's prominent E-Commerce market, has witnessed significant expansion in online retail, driving the demand for efficient and reliable packaging solutions. Japan boasts a mature E-Commerce industry known for its emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction, necessitating packaging solutions that ensure product integrity and an exceptional unboxing experience. South Korea has a tech-savvy consumer base, driving innovation in packaging designs and personalized branding. India is experiencing rapid E-Commerce growth, with increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, leading to a surge in demand for E-Commerce packaging. The combination of these factors, coupled with the region's population size and rising disposable incomes, positions Asia Pacific as the leading market for E-Commerce packaging. The economic progress in the region has created a greater demand for high-quality E-Commerce packaging products and materials, driven by improved living standards and disposable income.
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E-commerce Packaging Market Players
The E-Commerce packaging market comprises key manufacturers such as International Paper (US), Amcor Limited (Australia), Mondi Group (UK), DS Smith (UK), Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland), and others. Expansions, acquisitions, joint ventures, and new product developments are some of the major strategies adopted by these key players to enhance their positions in the E-Commerce packaging market. A major focus was given to the expansions and deals.
E-commerce Packaging Market Report Scope
Report Metric |
Details |
Market Size Value in 2023 |
USD 69.3 billion |
Revenue Forecast in 2028 |
USD 111.9 billion |
CAGR |
10.0% |
Years Considered |
2021–2028 |
Base year |
2022 |
Forecast period |
2023–2028 |
Unit considered |
Value (USD Billion) and Volume (Kilo tons) |
Segments |
E-Commerce Packaging Market-By Product Type, By Material, By Application, and Region |
Regions |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America |
Companies |
The major players are International Paper (US), Amcor Limited (Australia), Mondi Group (UK), DS Smith (UK), Smurfit Kappa Group (Ireland), and others covered in the E-Commerce packaging market. |
This research report categorizes the global E-Commerce packaging market on the basis of Product Type, Material, Application, and Region.
E-Commerce Packaging Market by Product Type
- Boxes
- Mailers
- Tapes
- Protective Packaging
- Labels
- Others
E-Commerce Packaging Market by Material
- Corrugated Boards
- Paper & Paperboards
- Plastics
- Others
E-Commerce Packaging Market by Application
- Electronics
- Food & Beverages
- Fashion
- Cosmetics
- Furniture
- Others
E-Commerce Packaging Market by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific (APAC)
- Middle East & Africa
- South America
The market has been further analyzed for the key countries in each of these regions.
Recent Developments
- In August 2022, Amcor Limited opened an innovation center in China. The new center contributes work on packaging technology and more environmentally friendly material science to the Asia Pacific.
- In August 2021, Amcor Limited announced to open two innovation centers in China and Belgium to provide innovative packaging solutions to the customers of Europe and Asia Pacific regions.
- In August 2022, Mondi Group and easy2cool collaborated to bring a fresh perspective to the eCommerce market. They are introducing an alternative insulation packaging solution that aims to eliminate unnecessary plastic usage.
- In March 2022, Mondi Group made an investment of USD 315 million (280 million euros) in corrugated packaging. This investment is strategically aimed at meeting the increasing market demand for sustainability.
- In June 2023, DS Smith made a multi-million investment to expand its Cartogal packaging plant in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What are the major drivers driving the growth of the E-Commerce packaging market?
The E-Commerce packaging market is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to a rise in E-Commerce sales worldwide, easy access to smartphones and the internet, technological advancements, and sustainable solutions in the E-Commerce packaging market.
What is the major challenge in the E-Commerce packaging market?
The major challenge in the E-Commerce packaging market is the harmful effects caused by the use of plastics used in several packaging solutions to the environment.
What are the restraining factors in the E-Commerce packaging market?
The major restraining factor faced by the E-Commerce packaging market is the lack of proper recycling infrastructure for plastics.
What is the key opportunity in the E-Commerce packaging market?
The increasing social media influence on the E-Commerce packaging market is a major opportunity that businesses can capitalize upon by improving and customizing their packaging solutions.
What are the applications where E-Commerce packaging materials are used?
E-Commerce packaging materials are majorly used in Electronics, food and beverage, cosmetics, apparel and accessories, furniture, etc. .
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This research involved the use of extensive secondary sources and databases, such as Factiva and Bloomberg, to identify and collect information useful for a technical and market-oriented study of the E-Commerce packaging market. Primary sources included industry experts from related industries and preferred suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, technologists, standards & certification organizations, and organizations related to all segments of the value chain of this industry. In-depth interviews have been conducted with various primary respondents, such as key industry participants, subject matter experts (SMEs), executives of key companies, and industry consultants, to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information as well as to assess growth prospects.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various sources such as annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies, white papers, and publications from recognized websites and databases have been referred to for identifying and collecting information. Secondary research has been used to obtain key information about the industry's supply chain, the total pool of key players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends to the bottom-most level, regional markets, and key developments from both market-and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
The E-Commerce packaging market is comprised of several stakeholders in the supply chain, which includes suppliers, processors, and end-product manufacturers. Various primary sources from the supply and demand sides of the markets have been interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information. The primary participants from the demand side include key opinion leaders, executives, vice presidents, and CEOs of companies in the E-Commerce packaging market. Primary sources from the supply side include associations and institutions involved in the E-Commerce packaging industry, key opinion leaders, and processing players.
Following is the breakdown of primary respondents—
Notes: Other designations include product, sales, and marketing managers.
Tiers of the companies are classified based on their annual revenues as of 2021, Tier 1 = >USD 5 Billion, Tier 2 = USD 1 Billion to USD 5 Billion, and Tier 3= <USD 1 Billion.
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Market Size Estimation
Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the global E-Commerce packaging market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following:
- The key players in the industry were identified through extensive secondary research.
- The supply chain of the industry and market size, in terms of value, were determined through primary and secondary research.
- All percentage share splits and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
- The research includes the study of reports, reviews, and newsletters of key industry players, along with extensive interviews with key officials, such as directors and marketing executives.
Market Size Estimation: Bottom-Up Approach and Top-Down Approach
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Data Triangulation
After arriving at the total market size from the estimation process explained above, the overall market was split into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market size estimation process and arrive at the exact statistics for all segments and subsegments, data triangulation and market breakdown procedures have been employed, wherever applicable. The data have been triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. In addition, the market size has been validated by using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
The E-Commerce packaging market refers to the industry that produces and supplies E-Commerce packaging materials and products. E-Commerce packaging refers to the packaging materials used to safeguard and transport products that are sold online. It encompasses a range of materials like corrugated cardboard, plastics, paper, and foam. The primary objective of E-Commerce packaging is to withstand the challenges of shipping, ensuring the products remain intact. Additionally, it should be affordable and environmentally conscious, aligning with cost-effectiveness and sustainability goals.
Key Stakeholders
- Raw material suppliers
- E-Commerce packaging products manufacturers
- Government & regulatory bodies
- Research organizations
- Associations and industry bodies
- End users
- Traders and distributors
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the global E-Commerce packaging market in terms of value and volume.
- To provide insights regarding the significant factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges)
- To analyze and forecast the market based on product type, material, and by application.
- To forecast the market size, in terms of value and volume, with respect to five main regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.
- To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape.
- To strategically profile key players in the market
- To analyze competitive developments in the market, such as new product launches, capacity expansions, and mergers & acquisitions
- To strategically profile the leading players and comprehensively analyze their key developments in the market.
Available Customizations:
Along with the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations as per the specific needs of the companies. The following customization options are available for the report:
Product Analysis:
- Product Matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company
Regional Analysis:
- Further breakdown of the Rest of the Asia Pacific E-Commerce packaging market
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Europe's E-Commerce packaging market
Company Information:
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in E-Commerce Packaging Market