Future of Retail Ready Packaging: Market Set for Robust Growth Amid Rising FMCG & E-commerce Trends

According to a recent report by Allied Market Research titled “Retail Ready Packaging Market”, the global retail ready packaging market was valued at $65.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $107.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2031. Retail ready packaging (RRP) refers to a type of secondary packaging that not only displays a brand but also helps identify the product. These packages offer significant benefits to both retailers and brand owners by facilitating efficient storage, seamless transportation, and easy shelf replenishment while enhancing brand visibility.

Market Drivers A primary driver of the retail ready packaging market is recyclability, as most RRPs are made from paper and paperboard, making them easy to recycle. The functional designs and added elements enhance product value while promoting the brand. Additional advantages include lightweight construction, ease of handling, quick refilling, and improved user experience.

The rising demand for packaged processed foods and beverages is another key growth factor. The expansion of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has further fueled RRP adoption, as retailers seek innovative packaging solutions to improve warehousing efficiency, reduce unpacking time, and place products directly on shelves, ultimately boosting sales and profitability.

Retail ready packaging also contributes to longer shelf life for fragile and delicate products and enhances the consumer shopping experience by simplifying product identification, thereby driving demand.

Market Restraints However, market growth is constrained by inconsistencies in packaging processes. Different products require variable packaging to withstand transportation and handling; using a uniform process can compromise product quality and reduce lifespan.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted manufacturing and logistics worldwide, temporarily affecting the supply chain and hindering market expansion. Nevertheless, easing of restrictions and resumption of business activities is expected to restore growth.

Opportunities The rise of e-commerce platforms and advancements in logistics and supply chain infrastructure are expected to further propel the RRP market. Retail ready packaging supports large-volume transportation by ensuring product identification while maintaining product quality, appearance, and integrity. Recent innovations, such as QR code-enabled packaging, reduce packaging size and enhance environmental sustainability, opening new avenues for market growth.

Market Segmentation The global retail ready packaging market is analyzed by product type, material, application, and region:

• Product Type: Die-cut display containers, corrugated cardboard boxes, shrink-wrapped trays, folding cartons, and others. Corrugated cardboard boxes led in revenue in 2021.
• Material: Paper & paperboard, plastics, and others. The plastic segment generated the highest revenue in 2021.
• Application: Food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care & cosmetics, electronics, and others. The food & beverage sector dominated in 2021.

Regional Analysis The market is studied across North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, rest of APAC), and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa). Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global market throughout the forecast period.

Key Players Leading companies profiled in the retail ready packaging market include DS Smith, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Green Bay Packaging Inc., International Paper, Mondi, Smurfit Kappa, The Cardboard Box Company, Vanguard Packaging LLC, Weedon Group Ltd., and WestRock Company.

Key Findings

• Extensive analysis of current and emerging global RRP trends and dynamics.
• Corrugated cardboard boxes were the largest revenue-generating product type in 2021.
• Plastic materials generated the highest revenue in 2021.
• Food & beverage applications dominated the market in 2021.
• Asia-Pacific is projected to lead the market over the forecast period.