E-commerce Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Paper & Paperboard, Plastic, Glass, and Others), By Packaging Type (Flexible {Bags & Pouches, Tapes, Wraps & Films, Mailers, and Others}, Rigid {Corrugated Boxes, Bottles, Cartons, Hinged & Lidded Containers, Trays, and Others}), By End-User (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Electronics & Electricals, Apparels & Accessories, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global e-commerce packaging market size was valued at USD 49.74 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 53.35 billion in 2024 to USD 104.19 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.73% during the forecast period.

The rapid global expansion of the e-commerce industry is driving market growth. The demand for e-commerce packaging in developing economies is expected to increase due to the rising number of smartphone users and higher disposable income. The growing number of online grocery sales channels is estimated to have a positive impact on the market. According to Amcor plc, the size of the online grocery channel in the U.S. is projected to reach USD 60 billion by the end of 2023. Furthermore, discount rates, bundled packages, at-home delivery, and other services attract consumers to online platforms, resulting in a high demand for this type of packaging. However, a lack of awareness regarding e-commerce websites in rural regions may hinder the expansion of the market.

The sudden advent of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a change in consumer spending habits, further leading to a rise in e-commerce sales. Moreover, the fear of contracting the virus amid statewide lockdowns kept consumers away from physical stores, further contributing to the market growth. Online sales of groceries, fresh produce, and consumer essentials experienced significant growth during the COVID-19 crisis.

E-commerce Packaging Market Trends

Increasing Consumer Preference for Online Products to Boost Market Expansion

The increasing working population, rise in disposable income, hectic work lifestyles, and changes in consumer behavior are factors encouraging the online purchase of products, thus boosting market expansion. Online shopping platforms offer door-to-door delivery, return/refund options, and discounted prices, making them favorable over brick-and-mortar businesses. The rising online shopping trends among the Gen Z and millennial population also contribute to the growing demand for e-commerce packaging globally. Furthermore, the increasing internet penetration and digitization activities in developing countries have led to changing consumer preferences for shopping methods, further booming market growth. Similarly, the expansion of online grocery sales channels across Asia, North America, and Europe is estimated to boost the adoption of e-commerce packaging solutions. Henceforth, the growing preferences for online product delivery among consumers are booming as a major trend for market growth.

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E-commerce Packaging Market Growth Factors

Expansion of the E-commerce Industry Globally to Aid Market Augmentation

E-commerce websites have become consumers' first choice for purchasing goods due to various factors, such as easy browsing of products, at-home delivery, return/refund policies, and discounted prices. The rapid expansion of the e-commerce industry worldwide has enhanced the demand for packaging solutions. Packaging is crucial to maintaining its integrity during logistics and ensuring the safe handling of various products, including foodstuffs. The increasing internet penetration and rising access to the internet in emerging countries globally are projected to drive market growth.

In addition, the increasing working population, changes in consumer behavior, and hectic lifestyles boost the demand for online shopping, further driving market growth. The e-commerce industry offers potential benefits to customers, such as faster buying of products, excellent flexibility in buying products, zero reach limitations, and reduction in costs, which also favors market growth.

The rising internet access and digitization activities in developing countries are expected to drive market proliferation. Furthermore, expanding online grocery sales channels across the Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe are estimated to boost the industry growth.

Increasing Demand for Online Shopping to Bolster Market Growth

The rising preference for online shopping and the increased demand for packaged food are major factors expected to drive market growth over the estimated period. The increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions across the value chain, including manufacturers, and growing environmental concerns are likely to impel market growth. In addition, as online shopping provides noteworthy benefits, such as convenience, comparisons of product prices, saving of time & money, easy refunds, wider product range, heavy discounts, and others, the market growth is flourishing.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies witnessed significant growth in e-commerce sales, with a 56% increase in the earliest quarter of 2020 and a 38% increase in June 2020. For example, in August 2020, Dabur launched a line of Ayurvedic baby care products exclusively on an e-commerce platform. Thus, the demand for the e-commerce packaging sector is anticipated to increase over the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Lack of Awareness about E-commerce May Hinder Market Growth

The lack of awareness regarding e-commerce platforms among the population in rural areas obstructs market growth. The e-commerce industry has gained traction, and governments are vigorously encouraging the implementation of new techniques to tap into business opportunities. However, rural areas in developing countries have been reluctant to adopt such practices. Limited access to the internet, low disposable income, and a lack of trust in online platforms among the rural population are a few factors impacting the online purchase of products. This is expected to hinder the consumption of e-commerce packaging products globally.

The rising government rules concerning corrugated packaging are one of the primary factors restraining market expansion. An additional factor is the growing public concern associated with environmental protection.

E-commerce Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Paper and Paperboard Segment Dominates Due to the Renewable and Sustainable Nature of these Products

Based on material, the market is segmented into paper & paperboard, glass, plastic, and others. The paper & paperboard segment dominates the market. This is due to the renewable and sustainable nature of these materials. Unlike fossil-fuel-based plastic packaging, recyclable paperboard is the best choice for today's environmentally conscious consumer. According to the North American Packaging Association, the paperboard packaging market is estimated to remain steady over the next five years, with an average growth of 0.1% from 2019-2023.

By Packaging Type Analysis

Increasing Demand and Popularity for Rigid Packaging will Boost Market Growth

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into flexible and rigid. The rigid packaging segment is the fastest-growing. Rigid packaging is commonly used to carry heavyweight products such as appliances, electronic goods, wine, fruit, and vegetables. They are often used as bulk shippers, distributing similar products in the same box.

Moreover, the rising need for hinge lid containers, particularly in the food industry, storage, and medicine shipment processes in the healthcare industry, is expected to enhance the segment's growth. The demand for paper trays is increasing due to stringent government regulations and environmental concerns, contributing to the growth of the rigid packaging type segment. Cartons are also experiencing rapid growth as they provide an affordable and effective option for storage and shipping.

By End-User Analysis

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Rise in Online Food Delivery to Boost Food & Beverages Segment Growth

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care & cosmetics, electronics & electricals, apparel & accessories, and automotive. The food & beverages segment dominates this market. Rising disposable income and the growing online food delivery sales among the working and urban population drive segment's growth. The rapidly growing food & beverages industry, increasing brand loyalty programs, and beneficial offers on online purchases encourage customers to buy food online, boosting the demand in this industry.

According to the IFT (Institute of Food Technologists), beverage packaging experienced a 40% increase in 2020 and offered a window into the alterations faced by foods in general. They also stated that two-thirds of e-commerce beverage purchases were made for nonalcoholic products. They further estimated that the retail e-commerce sales of every food and beverage purchase would grow by 16% in 2022. In addition, nearly 40% of brand owners anticipate changing their packaging to boost their sales. Such factors aid the demand for e-commerce packaging, contributing to the growth of the food & beverages end-user segment.

The apparel & accessories end-user segment is anticipated to grow rapidly over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing online shopping trends worldwide.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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North America dominates the global market. The increase in research and development, growing working population, demand for ready-to-eat products and consumer electronic products have contributed to North America's dominant market share in e-commerce packaging.

Asia Pacific is the second dominant region due to the ever-increasing rise in e-commerce. The Indian e-commerce market was valued at USD 41.34 billion in 2021 and is expected to surpass USD 50 billion by 2025, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India (ASSOCHAM), a trade association for the industry.

Europe is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Increasing internet penetration and rapidly growing internet access for most of the population favors the e-commerce packaging market growth in Europe. The rising product sales through e-commerce have driven the regional market expansion.

The market in Latin America has grown due to the increasing demand for online shopping, internet usage, and the rising young population. The higher acceptance of fashion and different lifestyles is boosting the Middle East & Africa e-commerce packaging market share.

List of Key Companies in E-commerce Packaging Market

Key Packaging Manufacturers Strengthen Market Positions with Strategic Acquisition and Expansion

The competitive landscape depicts a semi-consolidated market, with the top 15 companies accounting for a significant share of the market. Key players in the market have invested considerable resources in developing various products and technologies for production. The companies have adopted strategies such as expansion, new product developments, partnerships, and acquisitions to increase their regional presence and expand their product portfolio.

Major players operating in this industry include Amcor, Mondi Group, International Paper Company, and Smurfit Kappa. These significant companies constitute more than 50% of the market, while many regional and local players dominate the remaining market share. Numerous other players operating in the industry are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Amcor plc (Switzerland)


• Mondi Group (U.K.)


• International Paper Company (U.S.)


• Smurfit Kappa (Ireland)


• DS Smith (London)


• Klabin S.A (Brazil)


• Georgia-Pacific LLC (U.S.)


• Rengo Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd. (Australia)


• Berry Global (U.S.)


• Sealed Air (U.S.)


• Transcontinental Inc. (Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2022 – DS Smith launched a corrugated cardboard box designed with a single-material solution. According to the company, the product is a simpler form of packaging than the original but provides excellent protection to the medical device and its various parts. Since the device was being sold online, the packaging had to withstand the challenges of postal delivery. The new packaging is easy to recycle and offers better environmental protection across the supply chain.


• January 2022 – Amcor plc introduced AmFiberTM, a new range of paper-based packaging products designed to offer improved features and functional benefits. The innovative platform aims to revolutionize traditional paper packaging and provide more sustainable packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers.


• December 2021 – International Paper announced plans to invest USD 40 million in new converting equipment at various corrugated packaging plants in France and Spain.


• June 2021 – Mondi invested in its European plants to produce approximately 350 million paper bags annually for the online retail industry. The paper-based MailerBAG is fully recyclable in existing paper waste streams and aims to replace the need for plastic packaging. The bags are made from kraft paper, a renewable material, and are completely reusable and recyclable.


• February 2021 – Georgia-Pacific increased its production of curbside recyclable paper-padded mailers to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly shipping envelopes. The rise in e-commerce led to a need for more sustainable packaging options, as both consumers and online retailers aimed to increase the recyclability of their packaging.


• November 2020 –  Rengo Co., Ltd. introduced a new line of packaging materials called REBIOS, made from a blend of cellophane, paper, and biodegradable materials. These materials were produced at the Takefu Plant and aimed to address the issues of ocean plastic and microplastic.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market research reports present a comprehensive industry assessment by offering valuable insights, facts, industry-related information, and historical data. Several methodologies and approaches are adopted to make meaningful assumptions and views to formulate the market research report. Furthermore, the report covers a detailed analysis of market segments, including material, packaging type, end-user, and regions, assisting readers get a comprehensive global industry overview.

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