Inflatable Packaging Market Size, Share, & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Polyethylene, Polyamide, Polypropylene, and Others), By Packaging Type (Air Cushions, Air Column Bags, and Bubble Wraps), By End Use (Food & Beverage, E-commerce, Healthcare, Electronics, Shipping & Logistics, Personal Care & Cosmetics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Inflatable packaging products shield valued and fragile items during logistics by providing cushioning, which moulds around the product. During transit, the mailed items may face rough handling, dropping, and uneven movements making them prone to damage. Protective packaging, such as inflatable packaging materials, restricts any unwanted movement of goods in the packed boxes. Inflatable packaging products are quickly becoming popular in the e-commerce industry as they are cheap and provide long-term protection. Most inflatable packaging solutions are recyclable, addressing the growing sustainability concerns among manufacturers.          

• For instance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over USD 6 trillion worth of goods, accounting for around 35% of world trade by value, are transported by air. Almost 80% of cross-border e-commerce shipping is done by air. Hence, there is a rising need for inflatable packaging in air cargo packaging, which augments the market growth.

The extensive shortage of semiconductors that emerged in 2020 emphasized the importance and dependency of industries on these extremely complex and specialized components in today’s economy. Semiconductor manufacturing, assembly, and packaging is a highly capital-intensive operation with an interdependent supply chain. The problems such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) during shipping can ruin electronics before reaching the desired destination. All these factors make it extremely critical for the safe and secure transportation of semiconductors. Inflatable packaging solutions provide outstanding protection and effective void fill while reducing shipping costs.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE INFLATABLE PACKAGING MARKET

The sudden emergence of COVID-19 impacted several sectors worldwide. The unavailability of raw materials and labor impacted the market growth of inflatable packaging in the initial stage. The closing of retail and departmental stores due to the imposed lockdowns by governments worldwide harmed the inflatable packaging market. However, the increasing virus outbreaks led to the rapid development of pharmaceutical solutions. The growing need for safe and secure transport of medical equipment and vaccines led to the speedy growth of the inflatable packaging market.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Inflatable Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Inflatable Packaging Market


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


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, and others. Polyethylene dominated the material segment of the global inflatable packaging market. It is lightweight, cost-effective, transparent, and malleable. Using oxygen scavengers, colorants, and other additives improves the properties and fulfills the packaging needs of brands. These factors help boost the demand for polyethylene material, further driving the segment’s growth.

ANALYSIS BY PACKAGING TYPE

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into air cushions, air column bags, and bubble wraps. The bubble wraps segment holds the largest share and is projected to grow in the forthcoming years. The rapidly growing personal care & cosmetics industry among youngsters has encouraged the usage of bubble wraps for packaging and shipping of fragile cosmetic jars, bottles, pumps and dispensers, and others. Bubble wraps are affordable and provide a barrier against moisture, making them a perfect choice for cosmetics manufacturers to remain competitive.

ANALYSIS BY END USE

Based on end use, the market is segmented into food & beverage, e-commerce, healthcare, electronics, shipping & logistics, personal care & cosmetics, and others. E-commerce has developed as a very important and large consumer of transit or protective packaging. Packaging manufacturers are also responding to the huge demand generated by the E-commerce sector by providing solutions sucha as air columns that are cost-effective, long-lasting, and offer robust performance. 

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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The inflatable packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific leads the global inflatable packaging market. The growing population, booming e-commerce, and recyclability of inflatable packaging boost the regional growth of the inflatable packaging market. China is expected to hold the highest share due to the presence of many key players. The U.S. is the second-most dominating region due to the high availability of government funding for research and development activities and the presence of leading market players. Europe's inflatable packaging market is witnessing fast growth due to the increasing adoption of inflatable packaging and investments in the automotive sector. Latin America is projected to experience moderate growth due to the growing pharmaceutical industries in the region. The Middle East & Africa inflatable packaging is studied to grow steadily due to the rising disposable incomes and increasing usage of inflatable packaging.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report will include profiles of key players such as Sealed Air Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, Polyair Inc., Pregis LLC, Aeris Protective Packaging Inc., Storopack Hans Reichenecker Gmbh, Inflatable Packaging, Green Light Packaging Ltd, Intertape Polymer Group, Shorr Packaging, BUBL Bags, TPC Packaging Solutions, among others.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2022 - Pregis invested in an innovation center to provide holistic solutions to protective packaging challenges and reduce costly waste from damaged products.


• August 2022 - THE AIRplus® Bio Home compostable film was added to the Storopack product portfolio.


• January 2020 - Sealed Air Corporation launched a new version of the BUBBLE WRAP brand packaging material with at least 90 percent recycled content.