Air Cushion Packaging Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Air Cushion Packaging Market is segmented By Application (Blocking & Bracing, Corner Protection & Cushioning, Void Fill, Wrapping), By End-User (E-commerce, Electronics (Laptops, Cellular phones, Video game consoles), Personal Care, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Others (Homecare, Shipping, and Logistics)), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030.

Air Cushion Packaging Market Overview

Global Air Cushion Packaging reached USD 3.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period 2023-2030. The air cushion packaging market is expected to be driven by increased demand for protection for transportation goods.

The e-commerce sector is majorly using air cushion packaging for the transportation of automotive, electronics, pharmaceutical and other sensitive products. Also companies like Amazon, majorly adopts air cushion packaging for maintaining their ease of use and protection.

Asia-Pacific's growth in air cushion packaging market is expected to be driven by rise in growth of e-commerce, and consumer electronic industries that require more safety for transit. For instance, according to the International Trade Administration, China is the largest e-commerce market worldwide, as it accounts for 50 % of all global transactions. Its growing e-commerce sector increases the adoption of protective packaging in transit of sensitive products, further increasing the growth of air-cushion packaging.

Air Cushion Packaging Market Scope

Air Cushion Packaging Market Dynamics

New Innovations and Advancements

The air cushion packaging market is expected to be driven by a rise in technology developments, such as automatic air cushioning, thin air cushion films and recyclable packaging. The new developments in air cushion packaging and innovative packaging materials are shaping the landscape of protective packaging for goods in transit. Also the biodegradable plastic air Cushions have emerged as a recent innovation in the packaging industry, which are more environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, the environmental focus for production of eco-friendly products rising with the new technology advancements, for instance, Storopack, made a significant stride towards sustainability by introducing a new air pillow film called AIRplus 100% Recycled. This innovative film is produced entirely from 100 percent recycled material, marking a noteworthy advancement in eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Growth in E-Commerce and Online Shopping Sector

The air cushion packaging industry is expected to be driven by e-commerce and online shopping growth. Majorly air cushion packaging is used in the transit of electronic, automotive and other sensitive products by the online shopping industry. The e-commerce sector has shown significant growth in the last few years, and major electronic companies are focusing on e-commerce as the main source for the sales of their products which indirectly increases the demand for the packaging industry.

Furthermore, the surge in online retail has prompted a critical need for packaging solutions that ensure product integrity. Air cushion packaging has emerged as an excellent solution due to its adaptability to diverse product types, adept shock absorption capabilities, and contribution to cost savings in the e-commerce sector. For instance, Dow in collaboration with Procter & Gamble China (P&G China) develops air capsule e-commerce packaging that focuses on sustainability. 

Downfall in Global Trade

The air cushion packaging market can be impacted by the slowdown in global goods trade. As goods shipment requires protective packaging, the air cushion packaging serves as one of the most prominent technologies for shipment. The demand for air cushion packaging is majorly dependent on the trades of goods, the slowdown in trade worldwide due to inflation, diplomatic relations; Russia-Ukraine war, etc. have negatively impacted the packaging industry.

Furthermore, global trade implications can lead to reduced shipping volumes and manufacturing output, disrupting supply chains, and shifting packaging requirements. For instance, according to the data provided by World Trade Organization (WTO) global merchandise trade volumes, indicating a growth of 3.5% in 2022 but the outlook for 2023 is considerably bleaker, with an anticipated increase of just 1.0% which subsequently impacted the air cushion packaging industry.

Air Cushion Packaging Market Segment Analysis

The global air cushion packaging market is segmented based on type, material, application, end-user and region.

Air Pillow Packaging Technology

Air pillow packaging holds the major share in the air cushion packaging industry which is driven by technology advancements, cost-effectiveness, and various applications. Air pillows, often made from materials like air cushions, bubble wrap, or foam, offer exceptional protection for various products during transportation and storage, also one of the main key advantages of these pillows is their ability to adapt to different product shapes and sizes. 

Furthermore, technological advancements like inflatable air pillows play a crucial role in ensuring the safe transit of goods by preventing items from shifting, bruising, or breaking during shipping. For instance, BUBBLE WRAP introduced inflatable air pillows that contribute to environmental sustainability. They can be recycled at numerous retail store drop-off locations across the country, reducing waste and promoting responsible disposal practices.

Air Cushion Packaging Market Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific’s Growth in Air cushion packaging

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market in the air cushion packaging market, driven by the increased e-commerce and online shopping trends in the region. China and India hold the major share in e-commerce and online shopping. Also, the region is projected to achieve a commendable level in the forecast period. 

Furthermore, Countries like India are growing their electronic market, boosted by government incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for large-scale electronics manufacturing which subsequently provides an edge for the growth of air cushion packaging in the nation as they provide efficient and protective packaging for electronics.

Air Cushion Packaging Market Major Key Players

The major global players include Abriso-Jiffy, Airfil Protective Packaging Ltd., AirWave Packaging LLC, Fillezy., Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Pregis LLC, Sealed Air Corp., Smurfit Kappa Group Plc, and Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH.

Air Cushion Packaging Market COVID-19 Impact Analysis

COVID Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the air cushion packaging industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The disruption in the supply chain and the significant impact on global trade directly affected the demand for air cushion packaging, due to reduced production capacities and shipping difficulties. 

Furthermore, the air cushion packaging industry found opportunities for growth amidst the pandemic. The e-commerce sector witnessed a remarkable uptick, creating an increased demand for protective packaging solutions to ensure the safety of goods during transit. The sensitivity of electronic devices and the popularity of home decor and personal care products led to a surge in demand for air cushion packaging material

Russia- Ukraine War Impact 

The global air cushion packaging market experienced an indirect influence from the Russia-Ukraine war, due to the impact of inflation and trade disturbances. The conflict's interference with commodities production triggered long run price increases that reverberated across supply chains, affecting the pricing of Applications, manufacturing, and logistics.

Moreover, the persistent geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and Western nations carry the potential to disrupt global commodity prices, potentially prompting a surge in recycling initiatives due to constrained access to vital Applications.

By Application

• Blocking & Bracing
• Corner Protection & Cushioning
• Void Fill
• Wrapping

By End User

• E-commerce*
• Electronics
• Personal Care
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others (Homecare, Shipping and Logistics

By Type

• Air Pillows 
• Air Bubble Packaging 
• Air Column Packing 
• Air Cushion Film 
• Air Packing Bags 
• Air Pouch

By Material 

• Polyethylene (PE) 
• Polypropylene (PP) 
• Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) 
• Others 

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In July 2023, Pregis has introduced a noteworthy development in the field of protective packaging. The company has unveiled the Pregis AirSpeed Hybrid Cushioning (HC) Renew PCR, a distinctive high-pressure air cushioning film incorporating an impressive 80 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
• In August 2022, Storopack introduced an air cushion film crafted from starch, offering a biodegradable solution.
• In June 2023, Dow and Procter & Gamble China introduced a mono-PE air capsule designed for e-commerce packaging. This innovative packaging solution utilizes ELITE AT PE resins from Dow, enabling recyclability and reducing material usage. Compared to conventional corrugated parcel boxes, the mono-PE air capsule offers a significant weight reduction of more than 40%.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global air cushion packaging market segmentation based on t type, material, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of air cushion packaging market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global air cushion packaging market report would provide approximately 69 tables, 73 figures and 184 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies