Air Cushion Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Functionality (Void Filling, Block & Bracing, Wrapping), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Air Cushion Packaging Market Size & Trends

The global air cushion packaging market size was valued at USD 3.81 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the expansion of the e-commerce sector and the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, which have driven the increased adoption of air cushion packaging. Its benefits include enhanced flexibility, protection, and cushioning during transportation. The market is further boosted by growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging options.

The rise in disposable income has increased demand for consumer goods and electronics, prompting a shift towards online shopping. To improve product safety during transportation, e-commerce companies are increasingly using sustainable and durable packaging materials. Air cushion packaging, in particular, is gaining popularity due to its ability to protect goods from pressure and tension during transit, fill voids within packages, and safeguard corners.

This has resulted in a growing preference for air cushion packaging over traditional bubble wrap, particularly for electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, cosmetics, and fragile products. The inflatable nature of air cushion packaging allows for customization based on package requirements, eliminating the need for additional fitments and reducing costs. Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainability driven by government regulations and initiatives has further boosted the adoption of air cushion packaging.

Functionality Insights

The void-filling segment dominated the market in 2023 with a share of 33.2%. Air cushion packaging plays a crucial role in filling voids within packaging boxes, resulting in improved cushioning and protection for goods during transportation by minimizing movement. This has increased demand for air cushion packaging, especially for delicate electronics and glassware. Consequently, the increased usage of air cushion packaging for improved protection has propelled the growth of this segment.

The block and bracing segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period due to the escalating use of air cushion packaging for fragile and high-value products. Block and bracing effectively fill empty spaces in packaging, preventing product movement and damage. These packaging solutions are tailored to fit the size and shape of the goods, contributing to the segment's market growth.

Application Insights

The consumer electronics and appliances segment dominated the market in 2023 with a share of 37.0% owing to rising sales of electronics and appliances on e-commerce platforms, resulting in the increased demand for air cushion packaging. E-commerce platforms and other companies use air cushion packaging to protect fragile electronic goods from sudden vibrations and pressures while in transit. Air cushion packaging also aids in the reduction of movement of the goods during transportation, hence aiding in the prevention of damaging delicate components of the electronic goods. Therefore, these factors aid in the market growth of this segment.

The beauty and personal care segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The market growth was due to the rise in the number of e-commerce platforms offering various beauty and personal care products. Major companies in this segment have adopted the usage of online platforms to increase their market penetration. There is an increased demand for air cushion packaging, as it aids in protecting fragile beauty products during transit.

Regional Insights

North America had a market share of 24.4% in 2023. The market growth is primarily driven by the surge in e-commerce sales and the growing inclination towards air cushion packaging for product protection. Key industry players in the region are transitioning to air cushion packaging due to its cost-effectiveness and reduced material requirement compared to traditional bubble wrap. Additionally, government initiatives promoting environmentally friendly practices have spurred the widespread adoption of air cushion packaging.

U.S. Air Cushion Packaging Market Trends

The U.S. air cushion packaging market is expected to grow rapidly due to the strong presence of major e-commerce and logistics giants such as Amazon, UPS, and DHL. These entities have embraced air cushion packaging to enhance product safety during shipment and to align with sustainable business practices. Consequently, these dynamics underpin the robust growth of the air cushion packaging market in the U.S.

Asia Pacific Air Cushion Packaging Market Trends

Asia Pacific dominated the air cushion packaging market with a market share of 43.8% in 2023. This was primarily driven by the robust growth of the e-commerce sector and the escalating demand for electronic products in the region. The surge in e-commerce activities has resulted in an increased need for air cushion packaging. Additionally, the adoption of eco-friendly practices by businesses to promote sustainability has further contributed to expanding the market in this region.

The China air cushion packaging market is expected to grow rapidly due to growth in the manufacturing sector and rising preference for e-commerce businesses in the country. The presence of developed manufacturing facilities and cheap labor has led to increased investment by major companies in the country’s manufacturing sector. Many companies manufacture their products in China and export them worldwide. Hence, these factors are responsible for the market growth in this country.

Europe Air Cushion Packaging Market Trends

Europe's air cushion packaging market was identified as a lucrative region in this industry, as it had a market share of 20.7% in 2023. Rising awareness regarding sustainability has led to increased demand for air cushion packaging. Major e-commerce companies increasingly use air cushion packaging as it is cost-effective and more durable than other packaging materials such as bubble wrap. Furthermore, the rise in online shopping has led to increased usage of air cushion packaging to ensure product safety during transportation.

Germany's air cushion packaging market is expected to grow rapidly due to the increased adoption of biodegradable air cushion packaging and growth in the e-commerce sector. E-commerce and logistics companies have adopted the use of air cushion packaging as they provide better safety and contribute towards sustainability. Furthermore, stringent rules and regulations regarding environment conservation in the country have led to increased demand for biodegradable air cushion packaging in the country.

Key Air Cushion Packaging Company Insights

Some of the major companies in the air cushion packaging market are DynaCorp, Pregis LLC., Sealed Air, Smurfit Westrock, and others. Companies are focusing on portfolio growth by launching new upgraded products that integrate recyclable materials, improve durability, and more.

• DynaCorp manufactures and distributes tamper-evident and recyclable packaging products. The company specializes in poly mailers, bubble mailers and bags, compostable bags and mailers, air cushions, and more.

• Pregis LLC. is a packaging company that offers inflatable and paper packaging systems, air cushions, mailers, pouches, and foam sheet products. The company offers packaging solutions to industries such as food and beverages, medical devices, agriculture, retail, and more. 

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, Amazon announced that it had successfully replaced nearly 95% of the thin plastic cushions used in its North American market and anticipates eliminating the remaining by the end of the year. This initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to phase out plastic delivery packaging from its fulfillment centers.

• In November 2023, Sealed Air announced the incorporation of 95% recycled plastic in their inflatable air cushions packaging. The product was named Bubblewrap Extreme HRC Air pillows. It contains 40% post-industrial recycled and 55% post-consumer plastic that is recycled. This product was launched in order to contribute to the sustainability goals targeted by e-commerce companies.

• In June 2023, Pregis LLC announced the launch of its new product named Pregis AirSpeed Hybrid Cushioning Renew PCR. It was a high-pressure air cushioning film that was manufactured with 80% post-consumer recycled content.  The product launched was aimed to improve the sustainability goals of companies.

Air Cushion Packaging Market Report Scope

Global Air Cushion Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global air cushion packaging market report based on functionality, application, and region:  

• Functionality Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Void Filling

  • Block & Bracing

  • Wrapping

  • Corner Protection

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Consumer Electronics & Appliances

  • Home Décor & Furnishing

  • Beauty & Personal Care

  • Food & Beverages

  • Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Indonesia

    • Malaysia

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE