The global retail e-commerce packaging market size is expected to be valued at USD 17.6 billion in 2023. Logistics and supply chain optimization, bolsters the overall scope for retail e-commerce packaging market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% between 2023 and 2033, totaling around USD 28.7 billion by 2033.
| Data Points | Key Statistics |
|---|---|
| Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market Value 2023 | USD 17.6 billion |
| Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market Projected Value (2033) | USD 28.7 billion |
| Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 5.0% |
The rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands is transforming the retail industry by revolutionizing the way products are brought to market. D2C brands bypass traditional intermediaries and sell their products directly to consumers through online channels, leveraging e-commerce platforms and their own websites. The approach provides several advantages that are reshaping the retail landscape.
One key aspect of D2C brands is their emphasis on delivering an exceptional customer experience. The brands understand the importance of creating a strong connection with their customers and building brand loyalty. They invest in every touchpoint of the customer journey, as a result, including packaging. Packaging plays a vital role in the customer experience as it is often the first physical interaction a customer has with the brand.
D2C brands recognize the power of packaging as a marketing tool and an extension of their brand identity. They prioritize high-quality packaging that is not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. The packaging design aligns with the brand's values, personality, and target audience. It may feature unique shapes, custom prints, vibrant colors, and tactile elements that create a memorable unboxing experience for the customer.
D2C brands also focus on the functionality of their packaging. They design packaging solutions that protect the product during transit, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition. They consider the specific requirements of their products, such as fragility or perishability, and tailor the packaging accordingly. The attention to product protection enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of returns or negative reviews.
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The global demand for retail e-commerce packaging is projected to increase at a CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period between 2018 and 2022, reaching a total of USD 28.7 billion in 2033.
According to Future Market Insights, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the retail e-commerce packaging market was valued at USD 16.8 billion in 2022.
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of packaging waste. They expect retailers to adopt sustainable packaging solutions that minimize waste and utilize eco-friendly materials. Environmentally conscious consumers favor packaging that is recyclable, made from recycled content, biodegradable, or compostable. Retailers are responding by investing in sustainable packaging options, such as corrugated boxes made from recycled materials, paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging, and minimalistic designs that reduce material usage. Retailers can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and strengthen their brand image, by aligning packaging with sustainability preferences.
Visual appeal is another aspect of evolving consumer expectations. Modern consumers seek visually appealing packaging that enhances the overall unboxing experience. They appreciate thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing designs that create a memorable first impression. Retailers invest in high-quality printing techniques, custom branding, and unique packaging designs to create visually engaging packaging solutions. Customized packaging with eye-catching visuals, vibrant colors, and engaging graphics can leave a lasting impression on consumers, fostering brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.
Functionality is also critical in meeting consumer expectations. Consumers expect packaging that not only looks good but also serves a practical purpose. They want packaging that protects their purchases during transit and ensures the products arrive in perfect condition. Retailers are mindful of this and invest in packaging materials that offer durability and shock resistance. Easy-to-open packaging designs and intuitive assembly instructions contribute to a positive consumer experience. Retailers understand that functional packaging instills confidence in consumers, reducing the risk of damaged products and increasing customer satisfaction.
Customization and personalization are further elements of evolving consumer expectations. Consumers appreciate packaging solutions that make them feel valued and offer a personalized touch. Retailers can achieve this by incorporating personalized messages, thank-you notes, or even small gifts in the packaging. Customization options, such as allowing customers to choose specific packaging designs or add personalized messages, further enhance the personalization aspect. Retailers can create a sense of connection and build stronger relationships with their audience, by tailoring the packaging experience to individual customers.
Increased Online Shopping Penetration is Likely to be Beneficial for Market Growth
Increased online shopping penetration has been a prominent trend in recent years. Consumers are increasingly embracing the convenience, accessibility, and variety offered by online retail, resulting in a surge in e-commerce sales. The substantial growth in online shopping penetration has significant implications for the retail e-commerce packaging market.
One of the primary impacts of increased online shopping is the surge in the volume of orders being placed online. Retailers and e-commerce platforms are experiencing a higher influx of orders to fulfill, with more consumers opting for online purchases. The surge in demand necessitates efficient and reliable packaging solutions that can accommodate the growing volume of online orders. Retailers must ensure that their packaging can effectively protect the products during transit, reducing the risk of damage or returns.
Efficiency in packaging becomes crucial as retailers strive to meet the demand for timely order fulfillment. Streamlining the packaging process and optimizing packaging materials can help improve operational efficiency, reduce packaging time, and enable faster order processing, which may involve investing in automated packaging systems, right-sizing packaging to minimize waste, and implementing standardized packaging processes. The need for efficient packaging solutions aligns with the goal of retailers to provide a seamless online shopping experience to their customers.
Advancements in Packaging Technology to Fuel the Market Growth
Advancements in packaging materials have led to the development of lightweight, high-strength, and eco-friendly options. For instance, the introduction of corrugated boards made from recycled fibers or renewable resources has reduced the environmental impact of packaging. Lightweight materials not only reduce shipping costs but also contribute to lower carbon emissions during transportation. Materials with enhanced barrier properties improve product protection, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Packaging technology has played a crucial role in addressing the growing demand for sustainable packaging in the retail e-commerce sector. Innovations in materials, such as bio-based plastics, compostable films, and recyclable options, have enabled retailers to adopt more eco-friendly packaging alternatives. The sustainable packaging solutions help reduce waste, lower carbon footprint, and align with consumer preferences for environmentally conscious practices.
Packaging technology advancements have also enhanced the design and customization capabilities of retail e-commerce packaging. Computer-aided design (CAD) software and digital printing technologies allow for intricate designs, vibrant colors, and personalized branding options. Retailers can now create visually appealing packaging solutions that reflect their brand identity, engage customers, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Customization options enable retailers to tailor packaging to specific product requirements and customer preferences, further enhancing the consumer experience.
Principal Consultant
Protective Packaging to Take the Lion’s Share
The protective packaging segment followed by the boxes segment is majorly preferred retail e-commerce packaging type by the end-users. Both segments collectively hold approximately 5/8th portion of the retail e-commerce packaging market by the end of 2033, and is estimated to create an incremental opportunity of USD 3.8 billion during the forecast period. The segment is expected to hold a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period.
Fashion to Take the Lion’s Share
The fashion segment under the merchandise type generates heavy demand for retail e-commerce packaging. The same segment is estimated to hold around 30% of the market value share by the end of 2033, and is projected to expand 1.3 times the current market value by the end of 2033. The segment is expected to hold a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.
Increasing Sales of eCommerce Sector to Boost the Market Growth
The major portion of the North American retail e-commerce packaging market is captured by the United States, which accounts for 3/4th of the North American retail e-commerce packaging market, and is expected to create an incremental opportunity of USD 645 million during the forecast period.
The global e-commerce sales jumped to USD 26.7 trillion in 2019, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the United States remained at the leading position in the e-commerce market.
The total e-commerce sales in the United States were USD 9.6 trillion. The retail sales in the United States grew by around 6.7% in 2020, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), which indicates the growth opportunity for the retail e-commerce packaging market in the United States. The country is expected to hold a CAGR of 4.9% over the analysis period.
Growing eCommerce Sector to Boost the Market Growth
Mexico is anticipated to remains the growing country generating revenue across Latin America for the retail e-commerce market. Mexico retail e-commerce packaging market is projected to expand 1.4 times the current market value by the end of 2033.
According to the Mexican Online Sales Association, in 2020, domestic e-commerce in Mexico valued at USD 15.8 billion saw an increase of over 80 per cent from 2019. E-commerce users in Mexico also increased by 9% in 2020 from 2019. The expanding e-commerce sector in Mexico is bolstering the growth of the retail e-commerce packaging market. The country is expected to hold a CAGR of 4.8% over the analysis period.
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Retail e-commerce packaging market startup players are adopting various marketing strategies such as new product launches, geographical expansion, merger and acquisitions, partnerships and collaboration to create a larger customer base. For instance,
Key players in the retail e-commerce packaging market are strongly focusing on profit generation from their existing product portfolios along while exploring potential new applications. The players are emphasizing on increasing their retail e-commerce packaging production capacities, to cater to the demand from numerous end use industries. Prominent players are also pushing for geographical expansion to decrease the dependency on imported retail e-commerce packaging.
Recent Developments:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2018 to 2022 |
| Market Analysis | USD Million for value and Tons for Volume |
| Key Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia & Pacific; East Asia; and Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Romania, India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, GCC Countries, South Africa, Israel. |
| Key Segments Covered | Product Type, Merchandise Type, Market Type and Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | DS Smith plc; Intertape Polymer Group Inc.; Georgic-Pacific LLC; International Paper Company; Mondi plc.; Sealed Air Corporation; 3M Company; WestRock Company; Pregis Corporation; Smurfit Kappa Group; Packaging Corporation of America; Ventapel; NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.; DynaCorp; Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd. |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, brand share analysis, competition intelligence, DROT analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The market is likely to expand at a 5.0% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.
The market totals USD 17.6 billion in 2023.
WestRock Company, Pregis Corporation, and Smurfit Kappa Group are the top market manufacturers.
The market is estimated to reach USD 28.7 billion by 2033,
The market held a CAGR of 2.6% from 2018 to 2022.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type 5.1. Protective Packaging 5.2. Boxes 5.3. Mailers 5.4. Labels 5.5. Tape 5.6. Others (Shrink & Stretch Films, Bags & Pouches, etc.) 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Merchandise Type 6.1. Consumer Electronics 6.2. Fashion (Clothing, Footwear, etc.) 6.3. Home Furnishings 6.4. Health, Personal Care & Beauty 6.5. Recreation Goods 6.6. Multimedia & Software 6.7. Food & Beverages 6.8. Homecare 6.9. Others (Books, Automotive Products, Gifts) 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Market Type 7.1. Third Party Fulfillment & Logistics Companies 7.2. Brick & Mortar Retailers 7.3. Specialty Retailers 7.4. Others 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 8.1. North America 8.2. Latin America 8.3. Western Europe 8.4. Eastern Europe 8.5. South Asia and Pacific 8.6. East Asia 8.7. Middle East and Africa 9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 16. Key Countries Market Analysis 17. Market Structure Analysis 18. Competition Analysis 18.1. DS Smith plc 18.2. Intertape Polymer Group Inc. 18.3. Georgia-Pacific LLC 18.4. International Paper Company 18.5. Mondi plc 18.6. Sealed Air Corporation 18.7. 3M Company 18.8. WestRock Company 18.9. Pregis Corporation 18.10. Smurfit Kappa Group 18.11. Packaging Corporation of America 18.12. Ventapel 18.13. NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. 18.14. DynaCorp 18.15. Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd 19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 20. Research Methodology
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Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market
