U.S. demand for retail e-commerce packaging is projected to expand, due to online shopping growth for its convenience and ability to provide a wider selection than brick and mortar stores, according to a study by The Freedonia Group (freedoniagroup.com). The ease of viewing and comparing products via computers and mobile devices will continue to boost growth for e-commerce retail sales, as will the added spending power of millennials, the largest demographic of online shoppers.
Through 2020, the fastest growth is expected for boxes, labels and mailers. Opportunities for boxes will be boosted by package volume increases coupled with the presence of custom boxes used to differentiate brands, promote a premium image and create excitement for “unboxing.” However, the use of dimensional weight to calculate shipping costs will moderate gains for corrugated boxes, leading some firms to downsize boxes or use mailers for smaller items or products that are not fragile. Gains for labels will reflect package volume expansion and the increasing prevalence of value added product types, particularly integrated labels. Advantages of light weight and low cost will fuel strong advances for mailers, with poly mailers expected to enjoy the best prospects.