The increasing trend towards the growth of e-commerce is encouraging companies to invest in protective packaging solutions that are best suited to offer superior protection for products besides being eco-friendly.

With the rise of online shopping, consumers’ requirements of packaging that is capable of withstanding the transportation stress while conforming to the sustainability needs are on the rise. Industry leaders are answering with new kinds of products, from biodegradable void fill to smart cushioning systems, that are best suited to every single product.

Of specific interest is the engineering of packaging materials that is suitable for use in the packaging of delicate goods such as electronics and glassware, with out having to use petroleum based foam. Some other companies have come up with synthetic products which are almost equal to the natural ones regarding shock absorber and cushioning.

In addition to being renewable, these materials are easily compostable or recyclable once their useful life cycle is through. Another emerging trend that is on the rise is the implementation of system where packaging is done depending on the order size with little or no void fill needed and thus saving on shipping fees. Such systems then employ highly complex mathematical algorithms to arrive at the best packaging configuration of any item or a set of items.

Reusable packaging solutions are also being more developed within the e-commerce packaging sector: several startups present new returnable mailer and box systems.

These are measures that seek to implement one hundred percent ‘circular’ systems to minimize packaging waste of online purchases. With the growth of e-commerce on a global level, it is expected that the packaging industry will be on the forefront on trying to dual the needs of consumers and the environment.