Global Inflatable Packaging Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030

Global Inflatable Packaging Market, By Material Type (Paper, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)), Packaging Type (Inflated Packaging Bags, Air Pillows, and Bubble Wraps), End-User (Cosmetic, Food and Beverages, Shipping and Logistics, Pharmaceutical, and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030.

Inflatable Packaging Market Analysis and Size

Rise in the awareness about inflatable packaging is the major factor escalating the market growth, also rise in the online sales due to thriving ecommerce and digital retail activities and increase in the use of inflatable packaging in pharma and cosmetic sectors are the major factors among others propelling the growth of inflatable packaging market. Moreover, rise in the research and development activities will further create new opportunities for the inflatable packaging market in the in the forecast period.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the inflatable packaging market which was USD 2.5 billion in 2022, is expected to USD 4.14 billion by 2030, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.  

“Polyethylene (PE)” dominates the material type segment of the inflatable packaging market due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. PE inflatable packaging offers excellent protection for a wide range of products and is widely used in e-commerce, shipping, and logistics for safeguarding items during transit.

In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Inflatable Packaging Market Scope and Segmentation

Market Definition

Inflatable packaging is defined as a pillow or a plastic bag that is inflated with air by using a piece of equipment. The packaging adheres itself to the shape of the packed object. Maximum shelf life is provided to the products packed through this type of packaging. Inflatable packaging is known to be the most protective and environmental friendly for packing fragile items. The most common materials used for inflatable packaging include plastic bag or pillow and provides an advanced level of volume capacity.

Inflatable Packaging Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rise in Online Food Delivery Services

With the expansion of online food delivery services, there is a surge in the need for secure and hygienic packaging for food items. Inflatable packaging, particularly for perishable goods, ensures product freshness and minimizes spillage, driving its adoption in the food industry

• Increasing Fragile and Sensitive Products

The market is witnessing a surge in the production and transportation of fragile and sensitive products, such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. Inflatable packaging offers superior protection against shocks and vibrations, making it essential for these industries

• Global Supply Chain and Logistics Growth

The expansion of global supply chains and logistics networks requires robust packaging solutions to protect products during long-distance transportation. Inflatable packaging aids in reducing product damage, making it indispensable for the logistics industry

Opportunities

• Innovations in Packaging Technology

Ongoing advancements in inflatable packaging technology are enhancing its efficiency and versatility. Innovations such as air cushions with integrated air chambers provide superior protection, driving adoption across industries. Consumer’s value packaging that is easy to open and dispose of. Inflatable packaging's user-friendly design adds to the overall customer experience, which can be a significant selling point for brands

• Rising Product Customization and Branding

Companies are increasingly using inflatable packaging as a branding tool. Customized inflatable packaging with company logos and designs enhances brand visibility and customer experience, driving demand in various industries. The rapid growth of e-commerce globally has led to an increased need for protective packaging solutions. Inflatable packaging, such as air pillows and bubble wraps, offers efficient protection for products during transit, boosting its demand in the market

Restraints/Challenges

• Growing Resistance from Traditional Industries

Established industries with long-standing packaging practices may resist adopting inflatable packaging due to inertia and the need for retraining personnel and redesigning packaging processes. Inflatable packaging, while effective, may not provide the necessary durability for products that require extremely rugged packaging, such as construction equipment or industrial machinery, thereby limiting its adoption

• Lack of Awareness and Education

Many businesses and consumers may not be aware of the benefits and proper usage of inflatable packaging. A lack of education and awareness can hinder its adoption in the market. While inflatable packaging is lightweight and efficient, the disposal process can be complex. Consumers and businesses may find it challenging to recycle or dispose of inflatable packaging properly, leading to environmental concerns

• Rising Environmental Concerns and Plastic Usage

Despite being recyclable, inflatable packaging often involves the use of plastic materials, which can raise environmental concerns. As sustainability becomes a priority, the market may face resistance due to its association with plastic usage. The initial cost of inflatable packaging materials and equipment can be higher compared to traditional packaging options. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, may find it cost-prohibitive to adopt inflatable packaging solutions

• Limited Applications for Heavy or Large Items

Inflatable packaging is highly effective for protecting small to medium-sized items. However, its suitability diminishes for heavy or large products, limiting its application in certain industries such as heavy machinery and automotive. Inflatable packaging can be susceptible to punctures and leaks during handling and transportation. This vulnerability may deter businesses from using inflatable packaging for fragile or liquid-filled products

This inflatable packaging market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the inflatable packaging market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you make an informed market decision to achieve market growth

Recent Development

• In October 2022, Sealed Air launched a new recycled content inflatable films under a range of new Bubble Wrap protective packaging that use 30% or 50% recycled plastic waste. This range provides AirClap LRT ready-inflated rolls whilst Bubble Wrap IB Recycled Content Films that can be inflated on site and on demand. Both the films are available in a range of bubble sizes to meet various cushioning and wrapping needs

Global Inflatable Packaging Market Scope

The inflatable packaging market is segmented on the basis of material type, packaging type, and end-user. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Material Type

• Paper
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Packaging Type

• Inflated Packaging Bags
• Air Pillows
• Bubble Wraps

End-User

• Cosmetic
• Food & Beverages
• Shipping & Logistics
• Pharmaceutical
• Others

Global Inflatable Packaging Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The inflatable packaging market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by material type, packaging type and end-user are referenced above.

The countries covered in the inflatable packaging market report are U.S., Canada, and Mexico in North America, Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South America in South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the Rest of Europe in Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific in Asia-Pacific, and U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, and the Rest of the Middle East and Africa in Middle East and Africa.

North America dominates the inflatable packaging market due rise in the online sales due to thriving ecommerce and digital retail activities and increase in the use of inflatable packaging in pharma and cosmetic sectors in this region.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the presence of major industry players and a growing end-user industries in the region.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and up-stream value chain analysis, technical trends, and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, the impact of domestic tariffs, and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Inflatable Packaging Market Share Analysis

The inflatable packaging market competitive landscape provides details by competitors. details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width, and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the company's focus related to the inflatable packaging market.

Some of the major players operating in the inflatable packaging market are:

• Smurfit Kappa (Ireland)
• Sealed Air (U.S.)
• Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH (Germany)
• OPTIMA packaging group GmbH (Germany)
• Automated Packaging Systems, LLC (U.S.)
• Macfarlane Group plc (U.K.)
• Polyair Inter Pack Inc. (Canada)
• Inflatable Packaging Inc. (U.S.)
• O.F PACK (South Korea)
• Advanced Protective Packaging Ltd. (U.K.)
• PREGIS LLC (U.S.)
• Easy-pack (Germany)
• UNIQBAG (South Korea)
• Riverside Paper Co. Inc. (U.S.)
• Petersen Products Co. (U.S.)
• JohnPac (U.S.)
• Aeris Protective Packaging Inc. (U.S.)