Packaging Inserts & Cushions Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic, Paper, and Others), By Product Type (Insert Trays, Die-cut Insert, Air Pillow, Bubble Wrap, Foam, and Others), By End-use Industry (Food & Beverages, Electrical & Electronics, E-commerce, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Automotive, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Packaging inserts & cushions are referred to as protective packaging products that are utilized for shielding numerous items during shipping and transportation. The packaging absorbs the vibration and shock while shipping and storing by the inserts and cushions rather than transmitting to the goods. Protecting the integrity of goods is extremely important across the supply chain and it is anticipated to boost the demand for packaging solutions. Various consumer goods, such as glass bottles, ceramics, electronic devices, and others, require excessive care during transport and storage. Packaging insert cushions are widely utilized to protect these fragile goods and avoid breakage. Thus, the growing demand for such goods is expected to boost the market growth.

• In May 2023, Floter launched biodegradable paper air cushions aimed at reducing waste and emissions. The air cushion films are inflated directly at AirWave packaging stations, which saves both energy and CO2 emissions that would be used in transport.

The growing e-commerce industry across the globe is further anticipated to boost the demand for packaging insert cushions. Consumer preference to buy products through e-commerce websites on account of cost-benefits and convenience, as an increasing number of people purchase a variety of products through numerous e-commerce websites, is likely to provide further potential opportunities for the growth of the packaging insert cushions market.

The easy accessibility of alternatives is further expected to restrain the growth of the market. The recycling of discarded inserts and abandoned cushion packaging materials remains a significant concern for manufacturers globally. The constant dumping of such inserts and cushions is leading regulatory agencies to formulate stringent recycling processes for market players.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the packaging inserts & cushions market. The rise in the demand for necessities and medical supplies is fuelling a surge in the need for protective packaging options. The demand for safe and sustainable packaging solutions across numerous sectors is anticipated to propel the packaging inserts & cushions market.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Packaging Inserts & Cushions Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Packaging Inserts & Cushions Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

SEGMENTATION

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, paper, and others. The paper segment holds the largest share of the packaging inserts & cushions market. Paper is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and it can be recycled. With the growing demand for sustainability among consumers, e-commerce platforms encourage manufacturers to opt for paper. The material safeguards goods, such as electronics and household products, and helps absorb shock during handling, which reduces the risk of damage and increases segment growth.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into insert trays, die-cut inserts, air pillows, bubble wrap, foam, and others. The insert trays segment holds the largest share of the packaging inserts & cushions market. The product is widely used by the electronics and personal care & cosmetics industry, among others. The inserts are designed to stop or slow the movement of the product inside the box and soak up internal and external shock, which increases the segment growth.

ANALYSIS BY END-USE INDUSTRY

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into food & beverages, electrical & electronics, e-commerce, personal care & cosmetics, automotive, and others. The electrical and electronics segment holds the largest share in the packaging inserts & cushions market. Electronic items are frequently packaged with packaging inserts and cushions to protect them against vibration, dents, shocks, and compressive forces that occur during transportation and storage.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

By region, the packaging inserts & cushions market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the leading region in the packaging inserts & cushions market. The growing e-commerce industry, especially in several emerging countries, India and China, is likely to benefit the market. Ongoing technical improvements have resulted in the introduction of several items with shorter product life cycles, which boosts the regional growth. North America holds the second-largest regional share of the market. The demand is driven by the need for environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The use of e-commerce platforms is increasing the use of packaging solutions in the region.

Europe is anticipated to record significant growth due to the safeguarding of cosmetic products during shipping and transportation. The growing use of sustainable packaging products is further anticipated to boost the regional market growth. Latin America is expected to have stable growth in the region owing to the demand for protective packaging from the end-use industry; the concerns related to the safe transport of products are further expanding the market development in the region. The Middle East & Africa market is projected to record moderate growth. Advancements in packaging solutions, rising focus on sustainable packaging solutions, and increasing consumer spending on products are fuelling the regional market growth.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as DS Smith, Reflex Packaging Inc., Pregis, Sonoco, Huhtamaki, Index Packaging, Inc., Smurfit Kappa, Salazar Packaging, Visipak, and EcoEnclose.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In April 2023, U.K.-based Tesco launched new fresh mince packaging with 70% less plastic for its fresh mince product. The new pillow packs were launched to replace the conventional trap or top wrap packs.


• In August 2022, the protective packaging specialist Storapak launched a new air pillow film that is made from 100% recycled material. The products offer the same resistant protective properties as conventional air pillows. The production is of 100% recycled film with a mixture of post-consumer and post-industrial waste.


• In February 2022, Mondi launched 100% recyclable corrugated packaging solutions. The new monocorr box is created from 100% recyclable corrugated board, with inserts that cushion the packaged products. The last Warmhaus packaging used expanded polystyrene foam inserts, which had low recycling rates.


• In February 2019, Storapack launched a new paper plus track paper cushion system. The new machine by the Metzingen-based packaging specialist is designed for applications in which high throughput and secure packaging materials are a must, delivering adequate padding while using less material.