Exclusive report: Sustainability in Secondary and Protective Packaging
Sustainability in Secondary and Protective Packaging
Exclusive insights into the key sustainability trends shaping the secondary and protective packaging market from our official research partner Smithers.
Key takeaways:
- E-commerce is now the fastest-growing segment, surpassing consumer durables, non-durables, and industrial packaging. Smithers data shows that European e-commerce secondary packaging volumes will rise 45% by 2030, compared to just 10.5% growth across the overall market.
- Paper-based solutions are overtaking plastic. Paper fill is forecast to grow at 3.9% CAGR in Western Europe to 2030, driven by automated dispensers in e-commerce fulfilment centres.
- A 2025 McKinsey survey shows that 77% of UK consumers rate recyclability as extremely or very important, compared with just 41% for biobased materials.
“Sustainability is the number one priority of the global packaging industry. The key will be to strike the correct balance between product protection and sustainability; any changes must not compromise the primary protective function.”
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About Smithers
Smithers is a global market leader in producing packaging industry reports with over 80 years’ technical and scientific experience supporting companies around the world. Smithers publishes 40+ market reports per year in packaging, paper, print and sustainability, as well as security print, nonwovens and tires.
Our market research brings together a global network of industry experts to explore cutting-edge packaging market trends, combined with in-depth industry analysis and five-year market forecasts.
Drawing on proprietary databases, primary research, and our deep technical expertise, the result is credible, actionable insights. Smithers Market Intelligence enables our clients to confidently make successful business decisions. To find out more, visit smithers.com/services/market-reports.
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