Recent research projects that the ecommerce packaging market is set to explode in the coming years. This growth is driven by an increase in online purchases, changes in packaging technology, and a shift to using more eco-friendly materials.
In addition to sustainability, trends like smart packaging and personalized designs are also becoming more popular in the industry, and it’s crucial for ecommerce brands to get packaging right.
Ecommerce Packaging Market Is Projected to Grow Rapidly
According to the research, the ecommerce packaging market is expected to reach $114.33 billion by 2030, up from $79.83 billion in 2025. It’s projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.45%. While many regions globally will see growth during this period, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 8.24% during the forecast period.
All packaging product types, such as boxes, mailers, labels, tapes, and protective packaging, are expected to grow over this period, and while there are many materials used in packaging, corrugated board is projected to continue to be the most common material being used.
Drivers of This Explosive Growth
This projected growth is being driven by several factors, including an increase in online purchases. As more and more people purchase from ecommerce stores, the demand for protective and cost-effective packaging increases.
Another key driver is the innovation and changes when it comes to packaging technology, such as smart packaging. Smart packaging, which refers to packaging that integrates things like sensors, QR codes, NFC, and RFID into parcels, which helps provide real-time information about the package and its location/condition.
Finally, a shift to more sustainable packaging materials and methods is also expected to contribute to this growth.
Packaging Trends
Sustainability
Speaking of sustainability and eco-friendliness, this is one of the biggest trends in the packaging industry today. More and more people are turning towards sustainable packaging while shopping, and ecommerce retailers need to take notice. Similarly, minimalist and reusable packaging has also gained more popularity as a way to reduce waste.
According to a report that surveyed over 2,000 American consumers, 90% of respondents said they were more likely to purchase from a brand if it offers eco-friendly packaging. Also, 54% of respondents said that they have deliberately chosen to purchase products with sustainable packaging.
In addition to preferring eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, many people are even willing to pay a premium for sustainability in general. For example, a report found that consumers are willing to spend an average of 9.7% more on products that are sustainably sourced or produced.
Personalized and Unique Designs for a Better Unboxing Experience
In addition to sustainability, the report on the ecommerce packaging market growth also highlights personalized designs of packaging as a major trend. In particular, the research mentions the unique unboxing experiences that some companies offer.
It’s become more popular than ever for consumers to unbox the products they buy, either on a live stream or for a social media video. Whether it’s a pair of shoes, a new piece of tech, the latest toy, or even a board game, you can bet someone is filming themselves unboxing it and posting it online.
As a result, many retailers are prioritizing this market by creating boxes with memorable designs, clear branding, a layered unwrapping experience, thank you notes, and other elements that make for a more pleasant and/or engaging unboxing experience.
Unboxing videos also hold more power than you might think, as research found that these videos generate nearly 5 billion views annually on YouTube alone, that 80% of viewers trust them as much as personalized recommendations, and that these videos lead to an average conversion rate of 20% for ecommerce brands.
Optimizing Your Ecommerce Packaging
While packaging is often an afterthought for some ecommerce brands, it’s something that you need to get right. Your packaging protects your products, creates first impressions, builds your brand identity, and may even help serve as a powerful marketing tool.
As a result, your brand needs to take packaging seriously. A few ways to optimize your ecommerce packaging include:
- Improve the unboxing experience with thank you notes, branded stickers, interior patterns and designs, and other additions that make the experience more memorable.
- Choose boxes that fit your product size, and use lightweight materials to keep your shipping costs as low as possible.
- That being said, always prioritize protection and security with your packaging to ensure your shipments arrive safely and are not damaged.
- Consider using automation throughout the packaging and shipping process to optimize efficiency, reduce errors, and speed up packing.
- When thinking about changing packaging, consider starting small with a test and getting feedback from customers and fine-tuning the packaging over time.
