E-commerce Plastic Packaging Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 30.60 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 57.54 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 13.46% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
E-commerce Plastic Packaging Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The e-commerce plastic packaging market size stands at USD 30.60 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 57.54 billion by 2030, reflecting a 13.46% CAGR. Rapid online retail growth, rising consumer expectations for premium unboxing and mounting sustainability mandates shape the near-to-mid-term outlook. Lightweight flexible films, mono-material barrier constructions and design-rich substrates help brands cut freight costs, comply with recycling rules and enhance visual appeal. Manufacturers seize opportunities in smart labels, automated filling lines and temperature-controlled solutions that protect groceries and cosmetics shipped through dense urban fulfillment networks. Competitive intensity grows as integrated converters acquire niche specialists, patent novel resins and scale chemical recycling that safeguards supply security.
Key Report Takeaways
- By material type, polyethylene held 42.43% of the e-commerce plastic packaging market share in 2024 while polyethylene terephthalate is projected to advance at a 14.65% CAGR through 2030.
- By product type, pouches and bags led with 38.43% revenue share in 2024; protective packaging is forecast to expand at a 14.85% CAGR to 2030.
- By end-user industry, consumer electronics accounted for 27.55% of the e-commerce plastic packaging market size in 2024 and personal care and cosmetics is growing at a 15.21% CAGR through 2030.
- By packaging function, secondary packaging dominated with the highest revenue contribution in 2024 while void-fill and cushioning records the fastest 14.01% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
- Amcor, Sealed Air and Pregis together captured a moderate share of global revenues in 2024, while TOPPAN’s USD 105 million takeover of Graphic Packaging’s bags unit intensified consolidation.
Global E-commerce Plastic Packaging Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising penetration of online retail | +2.8% | Global with Asia-Pacific leading uptake | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Growth in lightweight flexible formats | +2.1% | North America and Europe, expanding to Asia | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Proliferation of omnichannel fulfillment nodes | +1.9% | Global, concentrated in urban markets | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Brand demand for printable design-rich plastics | +1.6% | North America and Europe premium segments | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Surge in temperature-controlled grocery delivery | +2.3% | Asia-Pacific core, spill-over to Middle East and Africa | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Rapid scaling of reusable packaging loops | +1.4% | Europe leading, North America following | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising penetration of online retail
Uninterrupted growth in e-commerce drives demand for packaging that endures automated sortation, multi-modal transport and direct-to-consumer unboxing. Subscription beauty services in Japan highlight how premium designs and tamper-evident seals substitute for in-store experience. [1]Notpla Ltd., “Edible and Compostable Film Patents,” notpla.com Higher parcel volumes push warehouses to adopt standard pack dimensions that maximize robotic throughput and storage density.
Growth in lightweight flexible formats
Metallocene polyethylene films cut thickness by 30% yet keep seals intact between -40 °C and 120 °C, reducing freight emissions and raw-material spend. Nano-additives bolster barrier strength, enabling thinner walls for electronics pouches. Converters replace rigid inserts with inflatable cushioning to slash dimensional weight and comply with mono-material recycling rules.
Proliferation of omnichannel fulfillment nodes
Micro-fulfillment hubs in dense cities need modular packs that shift seamlessly from warehouse to curbside pickup. Standardized cube sizes improve conveyor efficiency and reduce dunnage. Dark-store grocery models mix ambient, chilled and frozen items in one order, so pack designs must cope with variable handling intensity and climate exposure across a fragmented last mile.
Brand demand for printable design-rich plastics
Without bricks-and-mortar shelves, packaging carries the full burden of storytelling. Clear-barrier films laminated to high-opacity print webs deliver vivid graphics while guarding against moisture. Social-media unboxing fosters investment in metallic inks, tactile varnishes and digital watermarks that double as recycling sortation tags
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory bans and taxes on single-use plastics | -1.8% | EU leading, expanding globally | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Volatility in virgin polymer prices | -1.2% | Global, with APAC manufacturing impact | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| E-commerce reverse-logistics damage rates | -0.9% | North America and EU, high return markets | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Brand-owner ESG pledges favouring fibre formats | -1.1% | Global premium segments | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Regulatory bans and taxes on single-use plastics
California SB 54 demands 65% recycled content by 2032 while forthcoming EU rules insist on circular design. The compliance burden triggers costly line upgrades and portfolio rationalization, yet it spurs innovation in mono-material laminates that streamline post-consumer recovery. [2]European Bioplastics, “Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation,” european-bioplastics.org Brands delay launches until guidelines stabilize, though early adopters secure green-branding advantages.
Volatility in virgin polymer prices
Crude swings and Red Sea shipping disruptions propelled polyethylene values by 20-30 % per quarter in 2024. Converters hedge with feedstock contracts but smaller firms struggle, accelerating the pivot to chemically recycled PET that now matches virgin properties at comparable cost. Currency shifts in Asia complicate export quotations and inventory planning.
Segment Analysis
By Material Type: Polyethylene dominance underpins cost and performance
Polyethylene contributed 42.43% to the e-commerce plastic packaging market share in 2024, supported by favorable sealability and high throughput on automated form-fill-seal lines. Metallocene grades permit aggressive downgauging that curbs shipping mass without compromising puncture resistance. The e-commerce plastic packaging market size derived from polyethylene is projected to climb steadily on the back of mass accessible mailers and stretch sleeves. Polyethylene terephthalate, expanding at 14.65% CAGR, finds favor in temperature-sensitive grocery packs where superior oxygen and moisture barriers outweigh higher resin cost. Chemical recycling yields PET with 100% post-consumer content that retains food-contact clearance. Polypropylene secures demand in reusable totes and hingelid boxes, while bioplastics gain a foothold in premium cosmetics where compostability carries strong brand equity.
A second wave of polyethylene innovation centers on mono-material structures that eliminate metallized layers yet deliver equal aroma retention, smoothing passage through recycling streams. In PET films, nano-clay dispersions cut oxygen ingress by 15-20% and permit thinner laminates that reduce cube size during parcel transit. Such material advances reinforce the e-commerce plastic packaging market as a proving ground for high-performance sustainable polymers.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Product Type: Protective formats outpace commodity bags
Pouches and bags controlled 38.43% of 2024 revenue thanks to versatility across apparel, home and personal care shipments. Yet protective packaging, including inflatable cushions and molded pulp liners, will record the fastest 14.85% CAGR through 2030 as fragile consumer electronics volumes swell. Origami-engineered paperboard pads from VTT create shock-absorbing hollows that rival plastic bubble wrap while trimming waste. Shrink and stretch films stay essential for pallet integrity within regional fulfillment centers, though gains trail segment leaders. Specialty thermal mailers carve niche growth as grocery e-tailers demand certified cold-chain compliance.
Protective solutions now integrate bio-based thermoplastic-impregnated nonwovens that break down in industrial composters yet shield products from drops and vibration. Such advances align with European plastic-tax regimes and corporate net-zero pledges, ensuring sustainable cushioning becomes a standard rather than a premium upsell.
By End-User Industry: Personal care elevates premium storytelling
Consumer electronics absorbed 27.55% of packaging demand in 2024, reflecting high parcel counts for smartphones, peripherals and wearables that need electrostatic and impact safeguards. The e-commerce plastic packaging market size linked to electronics continues to expand, but personal care and cosmetics is set to post the highest 15.21% CAGR as direct-to-consumer brands seek sensorial unboxing that mirrors high-street counters. Transparent multi-layer sachets with metallic accents allow serums to shine while blocking oxygen. Fashion and apparel lean into recycled polyethylene mailers that fold small and slash volumetric weight, while meal-kit and specialty grocery packs merge thermal laminate pouches with leakproof seals to uphold freshness.
Subscription beauty boxes in Japan illustrate consumer readiness to pay for elevated pack aesthetics and tamper-proof closures that safeguard formulations during lengthy cross-border journeys. Authentication QR codes etched into the film fight gray-market diversion and spur social-media engagement, cementing packaging’s role as both protector and influencer.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Packaging Function: Secondary formats consolidate roles
Secondary packaging remains indispensable, uniting product protection, logistics efficiencies and brand messaging in one component. As omnichannel models blur lines between primary and tertiary layers, multi-function constructions combine corrosion inhibitors, anti-counterfeit marks and high-resolution graphics. Void-fill and cushioning will post a 14.01% CAGR on the back of rising delicate product mixes and retailer pledges to eliminate foam peanuts. Primary pouches with hang-tabs gain share in refillable household cleaners, but stretch film for pallet loads retains a modest pace, tied to automation investments in new distribution centers.
Smart moisture indicators embedded within secondary wraps alert consumers to leaks on arrival, cutting return rates. Resealable zippers encourage partial consumption and cut waste in bulk subscriptions, aligning with corporate circularity targets and elevating user convenience.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific leads growth with a 15.05% CAGR to 2030 as China’s mature online retail ecosystem spreads sophisticated packaging standards across the region. Domestic converters mass-produce lightweight mailers tailored to high-speed sortation belts, keeping costs low and cycle times short. Japan’s subscription culture drives demand for premium barrier laminates that preserve cosmetics in humid summers and sub-zero winters. South Korea’s handheld commerce favors compact, brand-heavy packs that fit parcel lockers, while India’s burgeoning volume tilts toward ultra-economical mono-layer bags that tolerate rough handling yet remain cost effective.
North America sustains large volumes through advanced warehouse robotics and a culture of premium unboxing, particularly in beauty and electronics. California’s recycled-content mandate boosts early adoption of chemically recycled PET mailers. Canada benefits from new kraft paper capacity after Mondi’s USD 5 million Hinton mill purchase, opening opportunities to blend fiber and polymer in hybrid e-commerce solutions. Mexico’s near-shore plants supply poly mailers to U.S. retailers seeking shorter lead times.
Europe sets regulatory tone with stringent single-use rules, pushing converters toward mono-material and paper-based alternatives. German recyclers achieve high PET recovery rates that feed bottle-to-pouch loops. The United Kingdom shapes an independent framework after Brexit, yet still mirrors EU recyclate targets, keeping pressure on virgin resin use. Mondi’s paper mailer launch shows how fiber substrates can meet durability thresholds for parcel journeys while satisfying plastic-reduction targets. [3]Mondi Group, “Acquisition of Graphic Packaging Industrial Bags Business,” mondigroup.com
Competitive Landscape
The e-commerce plastic packaging market remains moderately fragmented. Amcor, Sealed Air and Pregis command scale advantages in high-volume mailers, protective films and inflatables. TOPPAN’s USD 105 million buyout of Graphic Packaging’s industrial bags business bolsters integration from kraft paper making to converting, sharpening cost competitiveness. Mondi expands corrugated coverage through Schumacher Packaging’s Western Europe takeover, aligning board and film portfolios for omni-channel clients.
Technology differentiation underpins rivalry. Dow’s metallocene resin patents enable thinner yet tougher polyethylene. Volpak automates changing film widths in under five minutes, slashing SKU switchovers and labor. Notpla spearheads seaweed-based films that dissolve after use, targeting food delivery and regulatory hot spots. Players with in-house chemical recycling lines secure feedstock stability and sustainability credentials, nudging converters without circular assets toward partnerships or exits.
E-commerce Plastic Packaging Industry Leaders
-
Amcor plc
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Sealed Air Corporation
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Pregis LLC
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Sonoco Products Company
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Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: Mondi and Proquimia introduce paper stand-up pouches for dishwashing tabs, replacing traditional plastic bags in e-commerce and retail channels.
- April 2025: Mondi finalizes the purchase of Schumacher Packaging’s Western Europe sites, boosting corrugated output to meet surging parcel volumes.
- January 2025: Mondi publishes its full-year 2024 results, reporting underlying EBITDA of EUR 1,049 million (USD 1,127 million) across packaging divisions, reflecting resilient e-commerce demand.
- November 2024: Mondi unveils IntegoBag construction sacks with 50% less polyethylene than film-lined designs, cutting plastic taxes in key EU markets.
Global E-commerce Plastic Packaging Market Report Scope
The plastic packaging used by e-commerce companies accounts for a significant part of the packaging material. For products which are light and not fragile, such as clothes, it is ideal.
The e-commerce plastic packaging market is segmented by product type (pouches & bags, protective packaging, shrink films, and other product types), end-user industry (consumer electronics & media, food & beverage, personal care products, fashion & apparel, home care & furnishing, and other end-user industries), and geography (North America (United States, Canada), Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), and the Middle East and Africa). The report offers market forecasts and size in volume (tons) and value (USD) for all the above segments.
| Polyethylene (PE) |
| Polypropylene |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) |
| Bioplastics |
| Other Material Types |
| Pouches and Bags |
| Mailers and Envelopes |
| Shrink and Stretch Films |
| Protective Packaging |
| Other Product Types |
| Consumer Electronics and Media |
| Food and Beverage |
| Personal Care and Cosmetics |
| Fashion and Apparel |
| Home Care and Furnishing |
| Other End-user Industries |
| Primary Packaging |
| Secondary Packaging |
| Void-Fill and Cushioning |
| Palletization/Stretch Wrap |
| North America | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Chile | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| United Kingdom | ||
| France | ||
| Italy | ||
| Spain | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Asia-Pacific | China | |
| Japan | ||
| India | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Australia | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Middle East and Africa | Middle East | Saudi Arabia |
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| Turkey | ||
| Rest of Middle East | ||
| Africa | South Africa | |
| Nigeria | ||
| Kenya | ||
| Rest of Africa | ||
| By Material Type | Polyethylene (PE) | ||
| Polypropylene | |||
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | |||
| Bioplastics | |||
| Other Material Types | |||
| By Product Type | Pouches and Bags | ||
| Mailers and Envelopes | |||
| Shrink and Stretch Films | |||
| Protective Packaging | |||
| Other Product Types | |||
| By End-user Industry | Consumer Electronics and Media | ||
| Food and Beverage | |||
| Personal Care and Cosmetics | |||
| Fashion and Apparel | |||
| Home Care and Furnishing | |||
| Other End-user Industries | |||
| By Packaging Function | Primary Packaging | ||
| Secondary Packaging | |||
| Void-Fill and Cushioning | |||
| Palletization/Stretch Wrap | |||
| By Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Chile | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Spain | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Australia | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Middle East and Africa | Middle East | Saudi Arabia | |
| United Arab Emirates | |||
| Turkey | |||
| Rest of Middle East | |||
| Africa | South Africa | ||
| Nigeria | |||
| Kenya | |||
| Rest of Africa | |||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the e-commerce plastic packaging market?
The e-commerce plastic packaging market size is USD 30.60 billion in 2025.
How fast is demand for polyethyleneterephthalate growing?
Polyethyleneterephthalate is the fastest expanding material at a 14.65% CAGR through 2030.
Which product type is gaining share the quickest?
Protective packaging such as inflatable cushions is forecast to grow at 14.85% CAGR to 2030.
Why is personal care packaging outpacing other end uses?
Direct-to-consumer beauty brands need premium, protective and visually appealing packs, driving a 15.21% CAGR.
How are regulations influencing material choices?
EU and California recycled-content mandates push converters toward mono-material and chemically recycled PET solutions.
What innovations help reduce shipping emissions?
Metallocene polyethylene downgauging, inflatable void-fill and paper mailers cut weight and plastic use, lowering transport footprints.
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