Kick off 2026 with a competitive edge at PACK EXPO East. Register now!
Get a jump on your 2026 goals at PACK EXPO East. Put projects in motion, accelerate timelines and solve challenges—all in one trip to Philadelphia.

E-Commerce and Beyond—Packaging’s Role in the Omnichannel Supply Chain

In case you missed it: catch up on the fourth in a series of e-commerce coverage for the packaging industry.

E-commerce series 4
E-commerce series 4

The spotlight is on packaging professionals to succeed in protecting products delivered to your door, while using less materials.

“E-commerce is changing product handling and the supply chain needs to change; it’s archaic but more robotics will help,” says one Packaging Manager, consumer goods.

The majority of CPGs polled report changing secondary packaging, but close to 40% are looking at changing primary packaging as well. “There is no magic wand for e-commerce, no standardized solutions,” says one CEO of a package design firm. “Every company that works with e-commerce has had to rethink their strategy.”

Breakage and leaks remain a problem, with CPGs paying up to fifty cents per package to Amazon for prep work. Thirty to forty percent returns for damaged goods is not a sustainable model. In some cases, brand owners of extremely delicate or large and heavy items may have to reach the conclusion that their products do not fit the e-commerce model.

To meet the challenge, many companies (46% of those polled) are creating special positions or departments. Others are turning to contract packagers for help. According to the new report, contract packagers are predicting double digit growth (11.9%) to meet e-commerce demand.

For more information on CPGs, 3PLs and packaging OEMs, download the FREE Executive Summary, or, PMMI members can access entire 56-page report here.

To see all ten articles in this series, click here.

Interested in the latest developments with e-commerce in Europe? E-Pack Europe, March 25-27, 2019. Click here. Readers receive a 10% discount with the code EPS19PMMI.

The spotlight is on packaging professionals to succeed in protecting products delivered to your door, while using less materials.

“E-commerce is changing product handling and the supply chain needs to change; it’s archaic but more robotics will help,” says one Packaging Manager, consumer goods.

The majority of CPGs polled report changing secondary packaging, but close to 40% are looking at changing primary packaging as well. “There is no magic wand for e-commerce, no standardized solutions,” says one CEO of a package design firm. “Every company that works with e-commerce has had to rethink their strategy.”

Breakage and leaks remain a problem, with CPGs paying up to fifty cents per package to Amazon for prep work. Thirty to forty percent returns for damaged goods is not a sustainable model. In some cases, brand owners of extremely delicate or large and heavy items may have to reach the conclusion that their products do not fit the e-commerce model.

To meet the challenge, many companies (46% of those polled) are creating special positions or departments. Others are turning to contract packagers for help. According to the new report, contract packagers are predicting double digit growth (11.9%) to meet e-commerce demand.

For more information on CPGs, 3PLs and packaging OEMs, download the FREE Executive Summary, or, PMMI members can access entire 56-page report here.

To see all ten articles in this series, click here.

Interested in the latest developments with e-commerce in Europe? E-Pack Europe, March 25-27, 2019. Click here. Readers receive a 10% discount with the code EPS19PMMI.

The spotlight is on packaging professionals to succeed in protecting products delivered to your door, while using less materials.

“E-commerce is changing product handling and the supply chain needs to change; it’s archaic but more robotics will help,” says one Packaging Manager, consumer goods.

The majority of CPGs polled report changing secondary packaging, but close to 40% are looking at changing primary packaging as well. “There is no magic wand for e-commerce, no standardized solutions,” says one CEO of a package design firm. “Every company that works with e-commerce has had to rethink their strategy.”

Breakage and leaks remain a problem, with CPGs paying up to fifty cents per package to Amazon for prep work. Thirty to forty percent returns for damaged goods is not a sustainable model. In some cases, brand owners of extremely delicate or large and heavy items may have to reach the conclusion that their products do not fit the e-commerce model.

To meet the challenge, many companies (46% of those polled) are creating special positions or departments. Others are turning to contract packagers for help. According to the new report, contract packagers are predicting double digit growth (11.9%) to meet e-commerce demand.

For more information on CPGs, 3PLs and packaging OEMs, download the FREE Executive Summary, or, PMMI members can access entire 56-page report here.

To see all ten articles in this series, click here.

Interested in the latest developments with e-commerce in Europe? E-Pack Europe, March 25-27, 2019. Click here. Readers receive a 10% discount with the code EPS19PMMI.

Get a jump on your 2026 packaging & processing goals at PACK EXPO East.
Be the first to find what’s next in packaging & processing at PACK EXPO East. See new solutions from 500 exhibitors, uncover creative ideas for 40+ verticals and gain inspiration from free sessions on industry trends—all in one trip to Philadelphia.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE
Get a jump on your 2026 packaging & processing goals at PACK EXPO East.
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability
The road ahead for CPGs in 2025 and beyond—Packaging World editors review key findings from a survey of 88 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG readers.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Sustainability