Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market Report 2026

The retail e-commerce packaging market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $21.97 billion in 2025 to $24.3 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of online retail penetration, growth of direct-to-consumer shipping models, rising demand for product protection during transit, increased brand focus on packaging presentation, availability of corrugated packaging solutions.

The retail e-commerce packaging market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $35.93 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing emphasis on recyclable and biodegradable materials, rising adoption of automated packaging lines, expansion of same-day and last-mile delivery services, growing demand for smart tracking and labeling solutions, innovation in minimalist packaging designs. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of sustainable packaging materials, rising demand for customized e-commerce packaging, expansion of protective and damage-resistant solutions, growing focus on lightweight packaging designs, enhanced integration of smart packaging features.

The rise in online shopping is expected to propel growth in the retail e-commerce packaging market moving forward. Online shopping involves purchasing products or services via the internet. Its increasing popularity is driven by convenience, enabling consumers to browse, compare, and buy products anytime and from anywhere. Retail e-commerce packaging safeguards products during transit and improves the unboxing experience for customers. Additionally, it supports branding efforts and helps lower return rates by ensuring products arrive safely and in good condition. For example, according to ECommerce Europe, a Belgium-based non-profit government organization, total business-to-customer (B2C) e-commerce sales in Europe are projected to grow by 8% in 2024, reaching $992.8 billion (€958 billion), up from $916.8 billion (€887 billion) in 2023. Consequently, this increase in online shopping is driving the retail e-commerce packaging market.

Leading companies in the retail e-commerce packaging market are focusing on developing smart packaging solutions that enhance the customer experience, verify product authenticity, and promote sustainability. These innovative solutions combine design, materials, and technology to improve unboxing moments, optimize logistics, and strengthen brand identity. For instance, in October 2024, Thimm, a Germany-based packaging firm, created exclusive e-commerce packaging for Mytheresa, a German luxury fashion e-commerce platform. This packaging includes a custom shipping box made from high-quality, recyclable corrugated board, featuring a natural brown exterior and a vibrant interior printed with Mytheresa’s signature pattern to create a premium unboxing experience. Each box also contains a pre-attached “With Love from Mytheresa” card, adding an emotional touch while simplifying logistics. This solution uses selected recycled paper as a sustainable alternative to Mytheresa’s traditional yellow boxes, aligning with the company’s commitment to luxury, authenticity, and environmental responsibility.

In April 2025, Mondi plc, a UK-based packaging company, acquired Schumacher Packaging GmbH & Co. KG for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aims to enhance Mondi’s sustainable packaging capabilities and expand its product portfolio to better meet increasing customer demand in key markets. Schumacher Packaging GmbH & Co. KG is a Germany-based company specializing in retail e-commerce packaging.

Major companies operating in the retail e-commerce packaging market report are Smurfit WestRock, International Paper Company, Amcor plc, Stora Enso Oyj, Graphic Packaging International, Packaging Corporation of America, Rengo Co Ltd, Sealed Air Corporation, Klabin SA, Ranpak, Shorr Packaging, Crown Packaging Corp, Shiprocket Private Limited, The Meyers Printing Companies, PACKMAN PACKAGING PRIVATE LIMITED, Sineo Packaging, Miracle Group, Mondi Group, DS Smith PLC, Pratt Industries, Packaging Holdings Inc, Evergreen Packaging.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the retail e-commerce packaging market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the retail e-commerce packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the retail e-commerce packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The retail e-commerce packaging market includes revenues earned by entities from corrugated cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, kraft paper, and packing tape and related product protection. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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