According to a new study titled “Protective Packaging” from The Freedonia Group, Inc., an industry research market, Internet sales are driving the demand for protective packaging. As Internet shopping by consumers continues to increase, research indicates demand will increase for packaging that protects the goods ordered from the potential of damage in shipping including abrasion, shock, and vibration. In the U.S., the demand for more protective packaging is forecast to increase to nearly $7 billion by 2019, an increase of 4.9% per year.
Protective mailers and air pillows are frequently used in shipping by vendors who sell goods online; researchers believe the fulfillment of these sales will be the primary driver of the growth for protective packaging. In addition, this type of packaging will also be supported due to an increase in environmental concerns of consumers. One example included in the article was foam loose fill, a product often used in packaging that is detrimental to the environment. In its place, manufacturers will trend toward more environmentally friendly protection such as air pillows and paper fill products.
Businesses in the online grocery market will turn to packaging made of jute and other insulating products that are environmentally sustainable along with panels that are vacuum-insulated and reusable, according to Analyst Katie Wieser. Ultimately, companies are increasing their efforts to become more environmentally friendly, including in the packaging used for their products.
The dominate protection in packaging will include air pillows, bubble packaging, paper fill products, dunnage bags, and protective mailers while foam protection such as molded and rolled roam, loose fill, and foam-in-place polyurethane will comprise the second-largest share of total demand.
The report also covers a challenge local packaging providers face, which is the offshoring of durable goods manufacturing.
Sustainability in protective packaging is a growing trend as companies and consumers desire more environmentally-friendly packaging. At REA JET, we provide industrial coding and marking systems that meet the needs of many verticals including plastics, consumer packaged goods, wood, building materials, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and more. Rely on us for all of your industrial printing equipment needs, and exceptional results.