September 2024
The global inflatable bags packaging market size is estimated to reach USD 277.68 million by 2033, up from USD 175.14 million in 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.86% from 2024 to 2033.
Unlock Infinite Advantages: Subscribe to Annual Membership
The inflatable bags packaging market is projected to experience a considerable growth during the forecast period. Novel inflatable packaging offers comprehensive cushioning to safeguard fragile products during transportation, fitting a broad spectrum of sensitive items such as tablets, laptops, and wine bottles. These easy-to-use, space-saving bags inflate quickly, much like a balloon, and they maintain their inflation for up to two years. These air-filled, inflatable bags, which are usually composed of the polyethylene or other strong plastics, form a barrier of protection surrounding the packed product. Inflatable air bags guarantee that goods are shipped with maximum safety as well as integrity and reach the final location in perfect condition.
The surge in e-commerce coupled with the growing demand for lightweight packaging solutions is anticipated to augment the growth of the hot-fill food packaging market within the estimated timeframe. Furthermore, the advancements in inflatable packaging technology, including more efficient air inflation systems along with the increasing shift towards the sustainable packaging is also expected to support the market growth. Additionally, the versatility of inflatable bags in protecting fragile items and maintaining product integrity as well as its customization capabilities is also likely to contribute to the growth of the market in the years to come.
The growing e-commerce industry is expected to support the growth of the market during the forecast period. According to the statistics by the Eurostat, while 92% of people in the EU between the ages of 16 and 74 visited the internet in the previous year, 70% of them made purchases or placed orders for products or services in 2023 which is a 2 percentage point rise from 2022. In 2023, the socioeconomic position as well as the educational level of internet shoppers was highly correlated with their profile. Also, as per the data by the International Trade Administration, in Korea, domestic internet sales increased from USD 168.5 billion in 2021 to USD 180.4 billion in 2022. The primary driver of the market's growth is the widespread use of the smartphones. Home appliances and the electronics are predicted to be the most common products purchased from the domestic internet shops in 2022.
As per the same source, more than 27 million of the Canadians used e-commerce in 2022, making up 75% of the country's total population. E-commerce sales were estimated to be around US$2.34 billion in March 2022. By 2025, retail e-commerce sales are projected to reach a total of US$40.3 billion. In Canada, electronics is presently the most popular product category. Consequently, as the online shopping continues to surge globally the demand for efficient inflatable bags is also likely to grow. E-commerce platforms require packaging that not only safeguards the products during the transit but also optimizes logistics and reduces costs. Inflatable bags, with their lightweight and the space-efficient design, offer a compelling solution to the e-commerce sector.
The increasing environmental concerns with plastic packaging are expected to hamper the growth of the inflatable bags packaging market during the forecast period. Polyethylene is a multipurpose polymer that can be utilized in two different forms known as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). However, the environment and the human health bear a heavy price for its extensive usage. As per the Waste and Resources Action Programme, every year, 141 million tonnes of the packaging using plastic is produced worldwide. Approximately one-third of all the plastic packaging sold worldwide pollutes the surrounding area. Annually, the usage, production as well as the disposal of the plastics adds around 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions.
Furthermore, less than 10% of the 7 billion tons of the plastic waste produced worldwide to date has been recycled and most of the plastic waste end up in the environment or are occasionally transported thousands of kilometers to be burned or discarded. The amount of funds lost each year just in the sorting and processing of waste plastic packaging is estimated to be around US$80 to US$120 billion. This pressure has spurred many companies to seek alternatives that are more environmentally friendly, such as biodegradable or compostable materials. As a result, inflatable bags made from the non-recyclable plastics may face resistance from the environmentally conscious consumers and regulatory bodies.
The expansion into emerging economies like China, India and Brazil, among others is anticipated to create opportunities for the growth of the inflatable bags packaging market in the near future. This is owing to the rapidly growing e-commerce sector and burgeoning retail industry and major player in global manufacturing and e-commerce sector. As per the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2023, the overall retail sales of products for consumers increased by 7.2 percent to USD 6,636.21 billion (47,149.5 billion Yuan). The e-commerce transactions totaled USD 6,590.86 billion (46,827.3 billion Yuan), up 9.4% from the previous year, while sales from online retailers totaled USD 2,171.24 billion (15,426.4 billion Yuan), an increase of 11 percent.
Also, as per the Mexican Online Sales Association, in 2022, the Mexico's e-commerce market was estimated to be worth USD 26.2 billion, a 23 percent rise from the previous year. In terms of the global e-commerce retail growth rate, Mexico is ranked in the top five. In 2022, there were 63 million Mexicans using the e-commerce, a 5.5 million increase over 2021. Furthermore, as per the data published by the International Trade Administration, as the biggest economy in Latin America, Brazil's e-commerce is growing at a 14.3% annual rate and is expected to reach US$200 billion by 2026. Brazilian consumers have accepted the ease and exclusive deals that e-commerce frequently provides, giving online retailers a chance to investigate new avenues for attracting and retaining the customers. As a result, this is expected to increase the demand for inflatable bags packaging that ensures product protection during the transportation.
The polyethylene (PE) segment captured largest market share of 54.18% in 2023. This is due to its characteristics like durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility and tear-resistant. As one of the most widely used plastics, PE provides affordability as well as performance and makes it a preferred choice for the manufacturers who are aiming to provide reliable packaging options. Its properties like the flexibility, resistance to moisture and the lightweight nature contributes to its effectiveness in the cushioning and protecting a variety of the products during the transportation and storage. Furthermore, PE can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes, this allows for the customization to meet the specific needs of the packaging. Additionally, the widespread availability of PE and its already established production infrastructure is also likely to support the segmental growth of the market.
The electrical & electronics segment held considerable market share in 2023. This is owing to the growing proliferation of electronic devices ranging from the consumer electronics like smartphones and laptops to industrial electronics and automotive components. This industry often deals with sensitive and high-value components like the circuit boards, semiconductors and other fragile electronic devices, which require precise and reliable protection during transit. Electrical devices and components need to be shielded from the physical harm, high pressure, moisture, dust and the temperature fluctuations. Electronics are shielded from chemicals, vibration, temperature, pressure and moisture via packaging. It prolongs the life of the gadget in the hostile conditions including nuclear power plants, space and the interior of the human body by preventing or reducing the semiconductor corrosion. Since the bag in bag inflatable packaging helps to safeguard products during transit, it is perfect for the packaging of the electronic and fragile goods.
North America held largest market share of 33.78% in 2023. This is owing to the well-established and rapidly growing e-commerce market across the region. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, for the fourth quarter of 2023, U.S. retail e-commerce sales were projected to reach $285.2 billion, with overall retail sales expected to reach $1,831.4 billion. The extensive selection of the products and the efficient and reasonably priced delivery service are the primary factors behind the Americans' preference for the online shopping. Additionally, the well-developed manufacturing and distribution infrastructure as well as the advanced logistics and warehousing systems is also anticipated to promote the growth of the market in the region in the years to come.
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.95% in 2023. This is due to the surge in e-commerce and the electronics sector as more consumers purchase electronic products across the region. The region has become a major global market for electronic goods due to an increase in private consumption and per capita disposable income. According to the data by the India Brand Equity Foundation, by 2025, it is anticipated that the electronics manufacturing sector in India will generate USD 520 billion and the market for electronic devices is expected to have grown from USD 33 billion in FY20 to USD 400 billion. As per the same source, by 2030, the e-commerce market in India is expected to have grown significantly and reaching a value of USD 300 billion. Furthermore, the increasing focus on product safety and hygiene among consumers and the rise of the middle class population and the increasing industrialization is also expected to support regional growth of the market in the years to come.
Some of the key players in inflatable bags packaging market are Sealed Air Corporation, Pregis Corporation, Fromm Packaging Systems Inc., Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH, Sutton Performance Packaging, Uniqbag, Pakair®, Airpac Bukom Oilfield Services, Innovative Packaging Solutions, Inc., Inflatable Packaging Solutions (IPS), Automated Packaging Systems, among others.
By Material
By End Use
By Region
September 2024
September 2024
September 2024
September 2024
Asmita Singh is a renowned author and consultant in the packaging industry, known for her deep passion for knowledge discovery and commitment to delivering actionable insights. With extensive experience in implementing advanced research methodologies, Asmita generates high-quality data and meaningful results that drive innovation and efficiency in packaging solutions. Her expertise spans the globe, offering valuable consulting services to businesses aiming to enhance their packaging strategies. Asmitas work is characterized by a dedication to excellence and a keen understanding of the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of packaging.