- In June 2025, manufacturers such as Sealed Air Corporation and Pregis LLC continue to invest heavily in R&D to advance air cushion packaging technologies. These innovations focus on enhancing durability, cushioning performance, and sustainability, addressing the evolving needs of industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages. The push is driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce and increasing demand for eco-friendly, high-performance protective packaging. Both companies are developing solutions that incorporate recycled content, reduce material usage, and improve operational efficiency—aligning with global sustainability goals and regulatory pressures
- In June 2024, Amazon announced its plan to eliminate plastic air pillows from all packaging in North America by the end of 2024. As of the announcement, the company had already replaced 95% of these plastic fillers with 100% recycled paper alternatives. This move, following a similar initiative in Europe in 2022, marks Amazon’s largest plastic packaging reduction in the region to date—removing nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually. The initiative reflects Amazon’s broader commitment to sustainable packaging and reducing environmental impact across its global logistics operations
- In July 2023, companies such as Huhtamaki and Amcor advanced the development of plant-based flexible packaging and mono-material laminates, aligning with global sustainability goals and regional regulatory guidelines. Huhtamaki introduced recyclable mono-material solutions in paper, PE, and PP retort formats, offering high protection and affordability while eliminating complex multi-layer structures. Meanwhile, Amcor expanded its AmPrima® Recycle Ready and AmFiber™ portfolios, integrating bio-based and recyclable materials to meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging. These innovations reflect a strong industry shift toward biodegradable, recyclable, and circular packaging systems
- In June 2023, Pregis LLC introduced Pregis AirSpeed® Hybrid Cushioning (HC) Renew™ PCR, a groundbreaking sustainable packaging solution tailored for industries such as consumer electronics. This high-performance air cushioning film is the first of its kind to be made with 80% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, offering superior protection while significantly reducing environmental impact. The product reflects Pregis’s commitment to circular innovation—cutting carbon emissions by 40%, fossil fuel use by 65%, and water consumption by 70% compared to virgin resin alternatives. It’s a major step forward in eco-conscious packaging without compromising durability or performance
- In August 2022, Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH launched AIRplus® 100% Recycled, an innovative air pillow film made entirely from post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials. This product underscores Storopack’s leadership in sustainable packaging by offering the same high-performance protection as conventional air pillows while significantly reducing environmental impact. The film helps cut greenhouse gas emissions by 16% during production and conserves fossil resources. Fully recyclable and lightweight, AIRplus® 100% Recycled is ideal for companies seeking eco-conscious protective packaging solutions that align with circular economy goals
