The global sales of mailers are estimated to be worth USD 9,008.1 million in 2024 and anticipated to reach a value of USD 13,324.7 million by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 4.0% over the forecast period between 2024 and 2034. The revenue generated by mailers in 2023 was USD 8,688.7 million. The industry is anticipated to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 3.7% in 2024.
Manufacturing and warehousing industries utilized most of the mailers offering an incremental opportunity worth USD 1,386.5 million and are set to capture approx. 40.4% of the total market share in 2024. The lightweight nature of bubble mailers lowers the overall shipping cost and it also offers customization with padding, bubble wrap, or insulation making it a versatile option for products from electronics to apparels.
Global Mailers Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 8,688.7 million |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 9,008.1 million |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 13,324.7 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.0% |
Non-cushioned mailers to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.5% during the assessment period and to reach a market valuation of USD 3,095.4 million by the end of 2034. Non-cushioned mailers utilize less materials which reduces manufacturing as well as shipping costs. These mailers are made of recyclable materials thus contributing to lower company’s carbon footprint thus gaining attraction.
Plastic by materials to lead the mailers market reaching a valuation of USD 4,925.1 million in 2024 and to further reach up to USD 7,069.3 million by the end of 2034. Plastic materials are utilized due to their excellent properties of resistance to moisture, punctures, and tears that ensures products safety and during the transportation.
Peel & seal closure type mailers gained the major share in the mailer market by closure type segment growing at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period and offering an incremental expansion of 1.4x times the total market value. Peel & seal type of closures reduces the additionally used tapes or adhesive dispensers. The easy process of peeling off a protective strip and pressing adhesive strip to close the mailer speeds up the overall packaging process thus gaining traction.
South Asia & Pacific region to gain an incremental opportunity of USD 1,242.1 million and is termed to be the fastest growing region among other in the global mailers market with a CAGR of 6.0% through 2024 and 2034. The growth in the region can be attributed by the expanding e-commerce and retail industries in the countries like India, Indonesia and Philippines with increasing online shopping driving demand for the market.
The global mailers market to reach a valuation of USD 9,008.1 million in 2024 and to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during the assessment period. The increasing focus towards circular economy and promotion of sustainability mailer mostly being produced out of recyclable and bio-degradable materials complies with the regulations driving the demand.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global mailers market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.9%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 4.0% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.9% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.0% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 3.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.2% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 3.7% in the first half and increase to 4.2% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS.
E-commerce Growth Drives Heightened Demand for Mailers
With the drastically growing e-commerce sector-the growth of which is spurred, for example, by changes in consumer behavior brought about by the pandemic-that underlines the need for mailers as an efficient packaging solution for sending goods from a seller to a customer in a world where online purchases are on the rise and not compromised by safe shipping.
As safety has increased in these pandemic events, businesses like mails are mostly considered packaging since they ensure safe movement of products to its destination free from physical contact and hence a way of increasing trust and confidence in the delivery.
With customers coming out for more convenience and options in items, mailers serve as the best flexible packaging solution that accommodates a variety of sizes and shapes ensuring there is nothing too large or too small to be shipped easily. They align with changing customer preferences making them the most extensively used solutions in markets.
Lower Shipping Cost Driving Demand for Bubble Mailers in E-commerce
Bubble mailers reduce the dimensional weight in comparison to regular boxes. Strictly saving space and weight, being small and light, they lower the shipping costs, especially in large or light items.
Bubble mailers help online sellers save money consistently on shipping, therefore raising their bottom line and helping them to stay competitive in the marketplace.
With a wide range of items, bubble mailers are flexible enough to send secure packaging ranging from clothing and accessories to electronics and small gadgets. Above all, they ensure safe delivery at an affordable cost, which is a good reason why ecommerce businesses with diverse needs opt for bubble mailers.
Stringent Rules & Regulations May Pose Various Challenges
Plastic or foam throwaway mailers are very damaging to the environment as plastic takes many years to decompose, thereby polluting the environment and adversely affecting wildlife.
In response to this, government bodies across the globe are implementing stringent measures and bans to reduce the applications of single-use plastic. For instance, in August last year, France announced a new regulation that will ban the use of single-use disposable cutlery, mailers, and plates.
The country banned plastic bags last year. Increasing preference for recyclable plastic and bio-plastics along with fiber bags with technological advancement and the digital revolution has been steering growth in the market.
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The global mailers industry recorded a CAGR of 2.0% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. The growth of the mailers industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 8,688.7 million in 2023 from USD 8,018.1 million in 2019.
Growing demand for protective packaging solutions in various industrial sectors, especially shipping & logistics, is expected to create opportunities for growth in the market. More elastic and wide materials such as kraft paper, fiber, and polyethylene are used to manufacture padded mailers.
Besides, expanding sales of electronic devices are boosting demand for cushioned mailers. However, increasing consumer preference for convenient and flexible packaging solutions is bound to contribute to increasing sales in the market over the forecast period.
Options for customization and branding are available using mailers. Many companies prefer to add their logo, color, and other branding elements to their mailers so as to give a more branded and professional look. Customization enhances the customer experience as it does with mailers. The design of mailers allows it to be shipped in such an order so as to give protection.
They normally are fitted with protective caps, such as padding, bubble wrap, or cushioning, to ensure that their contents are protected and are not damaged. The mailers have gained popularity because of increasing demands for safe and secure packing that have caused shipment of sensitive or fragile products.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with a market revenue of above USD 80 million capturing significant market share of 12% to 15% in global market. These market leaders are characterized by high production closure type and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing and reconditioning across multiple materials and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including recycling, and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology meeting regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Tension Corporation, Bong UK Ltd, Sealed Air Corp., Atlantic Packaging, Georgia-Pacific LLC., PAC Worldwide Corporation, Veritiv Corporation, and Pratt Industries, Inc.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players with revenue of USD 20 to 80 million having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge.
These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Brook + Whittle LTD, Victor Envelope, STOROPACK HANS REICHENECKER GMBH, Intertape Polymer Group, ProAmpac LLC.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets having revenue below USD 20 million. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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The section below covers the industry analysis for the mailers market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and others, is provided. Canada is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a CAGR of 4.1% through 2034. In South Asia & Pacific, India is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.7% by 2034.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 2.8% |
| Canada | 4.1% |
| Peru | 4.7% |
| BENELUX | 4.8% |
| Hungary | 5.5% |
| China | 5.0% |
| India | 6.7% |
Sales in the United States mailers market is projected to be growing at a 2.8% CAGR, reaching a valuation of USD 2,083.4 million by 2034. In 2024, the United States garnered 79.6% shares in the global market. Increased demand for effective packaging solutions in the food & beverage and electronics sectors in the United States is expected to boost the market in the coming years.
Thermally insulated food-grade mailers are expanding rapidly in the United States market. In addition to this, the demand for selling personal care products is growing, and this is pushing the demand for padded mailers. Moreover, the safe and hygienic packaging trend along with the rise of the e-commerce sector will keep being a continued growth promoter for the market over the forecasting years.
The market for mailers in China is likely to witness growth at a 5.0% CAGR over the assessment period and reach a valuation of USD 1,837.2 million in 2034. In 2024, China stood with shares of 57.7% in the East Asia region in the global market.
At the same time, as demand for effective packaging solutions by the electric and electronics industry is increasing in the country that would protect fragile and smaller electric components during transportation, the sales of mailers are further uplifted in the country.
Apart from that, the use of recyclable materials in the packaging industry that supports the development of the industry because of the stringent rules pertaining to the production process creates greenhouse emissions also drives growth in the market.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By closure type, the peel and seal segment is set to capture approx. 67.7% of the total market share in 2024. Additionally, the e-commerce end-uses to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period and to reach a valuation of USD 3,325.3 million in 2024.
| Material | Paper |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 46.9% |
Paper mailers are generally made of recyclable, biodegradable and renewable materials making them a sustainable option that aligns with the global sustainable goals. This shift in the usage of paper to limit plastic amid the increasing the regulations due to environmental concerns. The advancement in paper technology have enhanced the durability and protective qualities of paper mailers making them ideal for a wide array of applications.
Further customization in mailer allows manufacturers to use it as a branding tool creating natural and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Mailers made from paper material to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% reaching a valuation of USD 4,083.0 million in 2024.
| Product Type | Cushioned Mailers |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 76.8% |
Cushioned mailers gained popularity due to their enhanced protection offering for delicate and fragile items from the electronics, cosmetics, and other small accessories. The internal padding known as the bubble lining or the foam absorbs the shocks and prevents these delicate items during transportation.
These cushioned mailers are lightweight and compact in nature thus lowering the shipping costs compared to bulkier thus gaining traction. Cushioned mailers to offer an incremental opportunity worth USD 3,450.7 million in the coming next decade and to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the assessment period.
Key players operating in the mailer market are investing in the development of innovative sustainable solutions and also entering into partnerships. Key mailers providers have also been acquiring smaller players to grow their presence to further penetrate the mailers market across multiple regions.
Recent Industry Developments in the Mailers Market
In terms of product type, the industry is divided into cushioned mailers and non-cushioned mailers. Further mailers are classified as bubble mailers and padded mailers.
In terms of material, the industry is segregated into plastic and paper. Further plastic is categorized as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and bio-based plastic. Secondary packaging is divided into white kraft and brown kraft.
By closure type, the market is divided into self-seal and peel and seal.
The market is classified by end uses such as manufacturing & warehousing, e-commerce, and shipping & logistics. Further, manufacturing & warehousing is categorised as pharmaceuticals, electronics & electrical, automotive & allied industries, food & beverage, cosmetics & personal care, and others (agriculture, homecare etc.)
Key countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East & Africa have been covered in the report.
The global mailers industry is projected to witness CAGR of 4.0% between 2024 and 2034.
The global mailers industry stood at USD 8,688.7 million in 2023.
The global mailers industry is anticipated to reach USD 13,324.7 million by 2034 end.
South Asia & Pacific region is set to record the highest CAGR of 6.0% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the global mailers industry include Sealed Air Corp., Pregis Llc, Proampac., Intertape Polymer Group, Georgia-Pacific Llc (Koch Industries), Pac Worldwide Corporation, Storopack Hans Reichenecker Gmbh, Pratt Industries, Inc, And Tension Corporation.
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Mailers Market
