Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Size and Growth

The global bubble wrap packaging market size was USD 3.12 billion in 2023, calculated at USD 3.22 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach around USD 4.32 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 3.31% from 2024 to 2033. The bubble wrap packaging market is expanding because corporations are seeking safe, and environmentally responsible ways to protect their goods while they are being transported and improve consumer happiness.

Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 43% in 2023.
• North America is expected to host the fastest-growing market over the forecast period.
• By product, the high-grade bubble wraps segment dominated the market in 2023.
• By product, the general grade bubble wrap segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate in the market over the forecast period.
• By application, the e-commerce segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to continue growing during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2033

The Asia Pacific bubble wrap packaging market size surpassed USD 1.34 billion in 2023 and is projected to attain around USD 1.88 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 3.44% from 2024 to 2033.

Asia Pacific dominated the global bubble wrap packaging market in 2023. This growth is largely attributed to the region's increased internet penetration. The flourishing e-commerce sector, coupled with rising purchasing power in India and China, will significantly boost the global bubble wrap packaging market in the coming year. South Asian markets, particularly Japan and Thailand, are projected to expand at a much faster rate than most other neighboring countries.

• In June 2023, Dow and Procter & Gamble China developed a mono-PE air capsule for e-commerce packaging, which was said to reduce material usage and offer a weight reduction of over 40% compared to traditional corrugated parcel boxes. The pack is made from ELITE AT PE resins from Dow, which reportedly enables recyclability and replaces traditional, multi-material alternatives.

North America is expected to host the fastest-growing bubble wrap packaging market over the forecast period. The expansion of e-commerce companies in this region is also contributing to market growth. The U.S. holds the largest market share, followed by Canada and Mexico. The strong presence of e-commerce companies drives significant demand in this area. Furthermore, the U.S. bubble wrap packaging market holds the largest market share in North America, while the Canadian market is the fastest growing.

Market Overview

Bubble wrap is a transparent plastic material with air-filled bubbles, primarily made from polyethylene film. The packaging consists of a two-layer polyethylene film with trapped air to form bubbles, cushioning the packaged products. Bubble sizes typically range from 6mm to 26mm in diameter, with 10mm being the most commonly used size in various industries. Manufacturers widely use bubble wrap as a packaging solution, especially for fragile items, to ensure protection and safety during transportation.

Bubble wrap is available in two main types: single-layer regular grade and double-layer heavy-duty, with thicknesses ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm. It is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, which makes it an ideal packaging option to protect objects from damage during handling, storage, and shipment. It is extensively used across different industries for wrapping fragile items that need a thick layer of support to shield them from direct contact with other objects.

Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Growth Factors

• The growing interest in environmentally friendly packaging choices can fuel the growth of the bubble wrap packaging market.
• The growth of the industrial and logistics sectors in developing economies is driving the demand for the bubble wrap packaging market.
• Technological advancements in new materials and designs for bubble wrap that meet various consumer demands are expected to drive the bubble wrap packaging market growth further.
• The growing need for specialized bubble wrap materials suited to certain industries can propel the bubble wrap packaging market growth.

Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Scope

Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Dynamics

Driver

Growth in the retail market

The bubble wrap packaging market is experiencing significant changes across all sectors, including supermarkets, megastores, and retail e-commerce websites. Manufacturers and distributors invest substantial effort and resources into their products to achieve performance targets. The impact of damaged items can result in losses amounting to thousands of dollars. However, bubble wrap packaging offers a positive user experience while focusing on product safety.

The increased use of mobile devices and the digital revolution in the telecom sector have driven the expansion of the e-commerce industry. Bubble wrap is essential in the shipping and transporting of fragile and delicate items as it reduces the risk of product damage from manufacturing and warehousing until the products reach their destination.

• In April 2023, Woola switched from plastic packaging to wool bubble wrap. Woola is an Estonian startup that uses waste sheep wool to produce packaging products. The firm sources wool locally and transforms it into envelopes, bubble wraps, and bottle sleeves.

Restraint

The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability

As the retail market expands both online and in physical stores, the demand for protective packaging solutions like bubble wrap also increases. This need arises from the necessity to safeguard products during transit, enhance visual appeal on shelves, and ensure product quality upon delivery. As consumer preferences shift towards convenient, ready-to-use products, effective packaging becomes crucial for maintaining brand reputation and customer satisfaction. This highlights the importance of the bubble wrap packaging market in preserving product integrity and supporting the evolving retail landscape.

Opportunity

Emphasis on I-bubble packaging

I-bubble wrap packaging's unique functionality positions it to capture a significant share of the bubble wrap packaging market. Its innovative design and superior protective qualities enhance the customer experience while safeguarding items during transit. As the retail industry evolves with increased e-commerce activity and a greater focus on sustainable packaging, I-bubble wrap emerges as a distinctive choice.

Retailers and consumers favor it for its ability to meet diverse product needs with minimal environmental impact. The growing demand for reliable and efficient packaging solutions, driven by expanding online shopping and mobile connectivity, offers numerous opportunities for I-bubble wrap to secure its place in the bubble wrap packaging market.

• In May 2024, Seaman Paper, a leading global manufacturer of environmentally sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions, announced the launch of SeaStretch™, a patented lightweight paper-based alternative to single-use plastic stretch film used to wrap and contain shipping and storage loads.

Product Insights

The high-grade bubble wrap segment was the dominant product in the bubble wrap packaging market in 2023. High-grade bubble wraps are commonly used for demanding packaging needs, particularly for protecting fragile electronic devices and medical equipment during transportation. They are utilized in bubble sheets, which are in high demand for vertically transporting electronic equipment, especially during long-distance shipping. These bubble wraps feature larger bubbles that can absorb significant shocks, providing a high level of protection during transit.

• In March 2024, LEIPA UK Ltd and Papair’s PapairWrap, the first bubble wrap made from 100% paper, scooped the coveted Innovation Gallery Award at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024.PapairWrap, which commenced production at Papair’s Rethem an der Aller facility, is a synthetic- and adhesive-free bubble wrap made entirely of paper and promises to protect both products and the environment.

The general grade bubble wrap segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate in the bubble wrap packaging market over the forecast period. General-grade bubble wraps offer an efficient and cost-effective packaging solution for wrapping products and protecting them from damage. The wrap rolls can be conveniently cut to the desired width. General Wrap is available in two types—regular and heavy-duty, with thicknesses of 10mm and 20mm, respectively.

Application Insights

The e-commerce segment dominated the bubble wrap packaging market in 2023 and is expected to continue growing during the forecast period. The increasing trend of online shopping for fragile and electronic items has significantly boosted the demand for bubble wrap packaging. Customers expect their orders to arrive in perfect condition, hence driving the need for reliable protective packaging. The growth of e-commerce has increased the demand for materials like bubble wrap to ensure the safe and secure delivery of goods to consumers. These factors positively influence the market growth for bubble wrap packaging.

• In April 2022, The Shiseido brand introduced new eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials for e-commerce customers to choose from. One option includes the Eco-friendly Clear Bag, which is made of Polyvinyl Alcohol (known as PVA), starch, glycerin, and water and is considered a “green” plastic bag.

Bubble Wrap Packaging Market Companies

• Veritiv Corporation (U.S.)
• Sealed Air Inc. (U.S.)
• Jiffy Packaging Co. (UK)
• Pregis Inc. (U.S.)
• Smurfit Kappa PLC (Ireland)
• Barton Jones Packaging Ltd. (U.S.)
• IVEX Protective Packaging Inc (U.S.)
• Automated Packaging System Inc. (U.S.)

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, Antalis acquired 100 metros of Soluções de Embalagem, Unipessoal, a leading packaging distribution company in Portugal, further expanding its presence in the Iberia packaging market.
• In November 2023, Estonian startup RAIKU secured USD 6.3 million from the European Innovation Council and USD 3.5 million from private sector investors to advance its chemical-free and compostable packaging material technology.
• In September 2023, Go Do Good Studio, a Pune-based material innovation company, developed a versatile film from algae harvested from India's coastal regions, offering various packaging applications.
• In February 2022, Sealed Air Packaging announced the acquisition of Foxpak Flexibles Ltd, which is a privately held Irish packaging solutions firm that pioneered digital printing on flexible packaging. This acquisition will help them accelerate the firm's digital future with innovations and emerge as a global smart-packaging solution brand.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product

• Bubble Wrap Packaging Product Outlook
• High-grade Bubble Wraps
• General Grade & Temperature-Controlled Bubble Wraps
• Limited-grade Bubble Wraps
• Others

By Application

• E-commerce
• Automotive and Allied Industries & Consumer Goods
• Pharmaceutical, Food, and Beverages & Personal Care
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa