E-Commerce Packaging Market Report 2026

The e-commerce packaging market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $98.34 billion in 2025 to $114.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of online retail platforms, expansion of last-mile delivery networks, increasing demand for damage-free shipping, availability of low-cost packaging materials, growth of fulfillment center infrastructure.

The e-commerce packaging market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $207.17 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of recyclable packaging materials, rising focus on cost-efficient packaging designs, expansion of cross-border e-commerce trade, growing investments in smart packaging technologies, increasing emphasis on customer experience enhancement. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for protective and lightweight packaging solutions, increasing adoption of corrugated and flexible packaging, growing focus on sustainable e-commerce packaging, expansion of customized and branded packaging, enhanced integration of automated packaging systems.

The increase in online shopping is expected to drive growth in the e-commerce packaging market moving forward. Online shopping involves purchasing goods or services via the internet using web browsers or mobile applications. This growth is largely due to greater internet and smartphone penetration, which makes it easier for consumers to browse, compare, and buy products anytime and anywhere. E-commerce packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring products are delivered securely, creating a positive unboxing experience, and reinforcing brand identity. For example, in February 2025, the Census Bureau, a US government agency, reported that total e-commerce sales in 2024 were estimated at $1.19 trillion, representing an 8.1% increase (±1.1) from 2023. E-commerce made up 16.1% of total retail sales in 2024, up from 15.3% the previous year. Hence, the growth of online shopping is fueling the expansion of the e-commerce packaging market.

Leading companies in the e-commerce packaging market are focusing on innovative products like resealable packaging solutions to improve customer convenience, reduce product returns, and promote sustainable packaging. Resealable e-commerce packaging is designed for online retail shipments, allowing customers to easily open and reseal the package for returns or reuse. This reduces the hassle of return shipping, enhances customer convenience, and supports sustainability by lowering the need for extra packaging materials. For instance, in January 2025, DS Smith Plc, a UK-based fiber packaging manufacturer, introduced Tape Back, a packaging solution that eliminates single-use plastic tear strips in e-commerce packaging. Tape Back uses a single glue strip that works for both initial shipment and potential returns, significantly cutting material waste and encouraging sustainable returns. This design simplifies the returns process for both suppliers and consumers while improving recyclability by removing non-recyclable plastics, aligning with DS Smith’s commitment to sustainability and circular packaging in the e-commerce industry.

In April 2025, American Box Company, a US-based manufacturer, acquired Covenant Packaging for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aims to combine expertise and resources to enhance packaging solutions, strengthen customer supply chains, and foster growth and innovation under a unified brand in the corrugated packaging market. Covenant Packaging Inc., also US-based, specializes in custom corrugated box e-commerce packaging solutions.

Major companies operating in the e-commerce packaging market are WestRock Company, International Paper Company, Amcor plc, Stora Enso Oyj, Mondi plc, DS Smith plc, Huhtamaki Oyj, RAJA Group, Oliver Inc., PakFactory Inc., Packhelp, The Packaging Company, XpressPac Inc, Allpack Group Ltd, Packlane Inc., Pakko Pty Ltd, Salazar Packaging Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Maco Pkg.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the 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 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 e-commerce packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The e-commerce packaging market consists of sales of mailer boxes, folding cartons, shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, corrugated inserts and shipping labels. 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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