| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 9.65 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 11.21 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.05 % |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Protective Packaging Market Analysis
The North America Protective Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 9.65 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 11.21 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.05% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The demand for protective packaging in North America is predicted to rise due to the introduction of biodegradable plastics. It aids in lowering carbon emissions and plastic pollution nationwide.
- Protective packaging emerged as one of the most effective packaging techniques used for packaging in various end-user industries, such as consumer electronics, pharmaceutical, and automotive, that safeguard and shield core products from damage during transportation or storage.
- Further, with the rise in e-commerce in the North American region, purchases are the key factor expected to boost the demand for protective packaging. The increasing trend of online purchasing by consumers and the readiness of manufacturers for direct sales augment the innovation in product offerings. Moreover, it drives the vendors for changes in product design, packaging, picking, fulfillment, and shipping. As a result, product protection is considered one of the most important issues among end users.
- The exponential growth of e-commerce, technological advancements resulting in customized packaging solution needs, and the availability of different packaging options, such as transparency of materials to allow product visibility, adhesive films, and edge protection of consumer electronics items like TVs, are primarily changing the way most companies choose these products. The US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was last estimated at USD 69288 in 2021, according to data from the World Bank. American GDP per capita is 485 percent more than the global average. The significant per capita income in the nation increases the purchasing power of the citizens and may cause an increase in online sales, which will raise the need for protective packaging.
- Moreover, automated packaging solutions are also witnessing increasing adoption, as they reduce labor and waste while increasing processing speeds for high-volume packaging. Also, the market is witnessing constant efforts and increased investments to develop eco-friendly and sustainable protective packaging materials, which can be recycled and reused.
- Consumer confusion has arisen due to promises that plastic products are biodegradable and environment-friendly. The end-of-life conditions to which plastic items are exposed significantly impact the rate and extent of degradation. As a result, California and the federal government have tightened environmental marketing claims rules. California's laws regulate selling degradable plastic products, including those claimed to be compostable or biodegradable. Environmental marketing claims must be supported by competent and credible scientific facts and adhere to predetermined standards to avoid misleading consumers about the environmental impact of degradable plastic products, such as bags, food service ware, and packaging.
- With the outbreak of COVID-19, the market for protective packaging is witnessing significant growth owing to a rise in demand from e-commerce, pharmaceutical, and other end-user industries.
North America Protective Packaging Market Trends
Increasing Trend of E-commerce to Augment the Market Growth
- The demand for protective packaging in the e-commerce industry is set to witness unprecedented growth due to rapid strides in the sales of consumer electronics in e-retailing. This market segment was non-existent a decade ago. However, the pace of change in e-commerce has picked up and given rise to this fledgling segment in the e-commerce protective packaging market.
- E-commerce has become a superior choice for consumers to purchase goods during the last decade. The rising internet penetration, growing access to the internet across most of the population in developing economies, increasing smartphone penetration, increasing technology, and rapid urbanization have created a massive opportunity for the e-commerce market.
- The market's rapid growth is primarily driven by fashion and apparel, consumer electronics, and personal care industries. Considerable investments in the consumer electronics, personal care, and fashion and clothing end-user industries are creating scope for expansion of packaging opportunities such as protective packaging.
- In the United States, e-commerce continues to grow dramatically, putting pressure on traditional retail. Also, sales of consumer-packaged goods, long confined to conventional retail channels, are exploding online, with growth rates, in many cases, more than 50% Y-o-Y. Also, the Q4 2021 retail e-commerce sales accounted for USD 244.144 billion, according to the US Census Bureau.
- Moreover, when it comes to packaging for online shopping, an enjoyable unboxing experience, where the consumers experience receiving, opening, and engaging with primary and secondary packaging, is also a major factor that can help drive consumer engagement, ultimately driving brand loyalty. Protective packaging allows e-commerce players to package their products where the unboxing experience for consumers remains good without any product damage.
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The United States Holds a Significant Market Share
- The region is witnessing significant demand from the consumer electronics segment. According to the Consumer Technology Association, the consumer electronics industry in the United States is expected to grow by 4.3% Y-o-Y. With the increasing demand for consumer electronics, the need for protective packaging will likely increase during the forecast period.
- Consumer durables are items that consumers use for an extended period, usually for years. Hence packing is crucial to ensuring that these products get to the consumer in pristine condition. Such products frequently carry the risk of being handled improperly while being transported. These are also susceptible to stress and vibration. As a result, packaging becomes difficult, and protective packaging is often used.
- According to the United States Census Bureau, exports of durable goods totaled USD 2922.98 billion in 2021, up 11.26% over the previous year's value of shipments of USD 2627.16 billion. The country's consumption of protective packaging may increase due to the sharp growth in exports of durable goods. Regional vendors are innovating and offering various protective packaging products in the region. Moreover, the area has been witnessing new partnerships and merger and acquisition activities to address new challenges emerging in the market and drive growth.
- For instance, in October 2021, Altor Solutions acquired the protective packaging firm Plymouth Foam for USD 56 million. Plymouth Foam offers custom protective packaging, cold chain packaging, and internal components made from expanded polystyrene and polypropylene. The partnership enables Altor to access a range of clients across different end markets in the United States, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, recreational vehicles, and construction.
- However, as supply concerns mounted, merchants like Amazon began storing cardboard to fulfill demand, leaving smaller firms without supplies. According to the Producer Price Index and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of cardboard hit a new high in February 2021. In July 2021, International Paper, one of the country's top suppliers of containerboard and corrugated cardboard, warned investors that the supply of cardboard boxes was "very low," with supply chain bottlenecks continuing into the rest of the year.
- In January 2022, Ohio-based Greif Inc., industrial packaging products and service provider, announced that it is implementing a USD 50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) and a minimum 6.0% increase on all tube and core and protective packaging products. The company stated that an increase in protective packaging products would be effective with shipments on and after March 2022.
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North America Protective Packaging Industry Overview
The North American protective packaging market is consolidated and consists of a few players generating significant revenue share in the market and providing the products and solutions. Vendors in the market focus on product innovations and strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions and partnerships to capture the market share. Some of the recent developments in the market are:
- June 2022 - The acquisition of Intertape Polymer Group Inc. was announced by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. The purchase was disclosed on March 8, 2022. On May 11, 2022, IPG shareholders approved the deal. Following the contract terms, Clearlake acquired the outstanding shares of IPG common stock for CDN 40.50 each. IPG is now a privately held business due to the deal, and its common stock is no longer listed on the stock exchange.
- October 2021 - Smurfit Kappa launched various circular protection packaging solutions for the fast-growing e-health and beauty market. The customizable eHealth and Beauty portfolio includes sustainable paper-based packaging solutions ideal for shipping fragile products such as fragrances, cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products and tamper-proof packaging solutions designed for vitamins, supplements, and sports nutrition.
- August 2021 - Huhtamaki signed an agreement to acquire Elif, a leading supplier of flexible packaging, for EUR 421 million. With this acquisition, Hutamaki hopes to strengthen its position as a leading flexible packaging company in emerging markets and strengthen its existing flexible protective packaging business in the consumer goods category while advancing its sustainability goals. Elif also offers industrial protective packaging films.
North America Protective Packaging Market Leaders
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Intertape Polymer Group Inc.
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Sonoco Products Company
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Smurfit Kappa Group plc
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DS Smith plc
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Sealed Air Corporation
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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North America Protective Packaging Market News
- May 2022 - Protective packaging company Storopack added AIRplus Void Recycle as a new product to the company line-up. The company claims that this polyethylene (PE) air pillow film contains at least 50% post-consumer recycled material while still maintaining the sturdy and durable characteristics of PE and contributing to resource conservation.
- January 2022 - Klockner Pentaplast (kp), a prominent global player in recycled content products and high-barrier protective packaging, announced its plans to significantly invest in and increase post-consumer recycled content (PCR) PET capacity in North America to expand sustainable innovation offering in the consumer health, pharmaceutical, and food packaging markets. The expansion will add 15,000 metric tonnes of new rPET/PET capacity by adding an extrusion line and two thermoformers.
- November 2021 - DS Smith launched the quickly erectable tray equipped with two automatic lateral bases; the stable and material-optimized packaging solution can be erected in no time, saving valuable time in logistics. It is developed with 100% recyclable construction and is made of 100% corrugated cardboard.
- September 2021 - Henkel and Pregis partnered to develop sustainable protective packaging solutions that meet environmental goals and future packaging requirements. The recently rebranded Pregis EverTec's lightweight, recyclable paper cushion mailer is manufactured with the EPIX technology of Henkel Adhesive Technologies. It is the first example of a co-developed shipping solution to support the growth of e-commerce packages.
North America Protective Packaging Industry Segmentation
Protective packaging is made of materials that protect and provide a barrier to a product from potential harm, damage, or destruction during shipping or warehousing. Protective packaging can be used as primary or secondary packaging material, depending on the end-user application of the packaged product.
The studied market is segmented by rigid (molded pulp, paperboard-based protectors, and insulated shipping containers), flexible (mailers, bubble wraps, paper full, and air pillows), and foam-based packaging.
The study also covers the end-user verticals for protective packagings, such as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer electronics industries, across the region. The impact of COVID-19 has also been considered for current market estimations and growth projections.
| Product Type | Rigid | Corrugated Paperboard Protectors |
| Molded Pulp | ||
| Insulated Shipping Containers | ||
| Product Type | Flexible | Protective Mailers |
| Bubble Wraps | ||
| Air Pillows/Air Bags | ||
| Paper Fill | ||
| Other Flexible Products | ||
| Product Type | Foam | Molded Foam |
| Foam in Place (FIP) | ||
| Loose Fill | ||
| Foam Rolls/Sheets | ||
| Other Foam Products | ||
| End-user Vertical | Food and Beverage | |
| Industrial | ||
| Pharmaceuticals | ||
| Consumer Electronics | ||
| Beauty and Home Care | ||
| Other End-user Verticals | ||
| Geography | United States | |
| Canada |
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North America Protective Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the North America Protective Packaging Market?
The North America Protective Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 9.65 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.05% to reach USD 11.21 billion by 2030.
What is the current North America Protective Packaging Market size?
In 2025, the North America Protective Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 9.65 billion.
Who are the key players in North America Protective Packaging Market?
Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, DS Smith plc and Sealed Air Corporation are the major companies operating in the North America Protective Packaging Market.
What years does this North America Protective Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the North America Protective Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 9.36 billion. The report covers the North America Protective Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the North America Protective Packaging Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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North America Protective Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 North America Protective Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. North America Protective Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
