E-commerce Packaging – Which Ones to Choose?

Key points:

• As of August 12, 2026, the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) replaces national rules with a single, mandatory legal framework for all member states.
• It is now a legal requirement to minimize empty space in parcels. E-commerce shipments must not exceed a maximum 50% void space ratio.
• To avoid elevated EPR fees and comply with "Design for Recycling" standards, businesses are transitioning from hybrid bubble mailers to 100% recyclable paper alternatives.
• Under EU packaging regulations (PPWR), compliant, recyclable packaging is a mandatory requirement for operating in the European Union.

What packaging should you choose for your e-commerce? Should it be corrugated boxes, bubble mailers, paper bags, foil-sealed bags, or something else? It all depends on what products you ship. In this article, we will explore the different types of packaging for e-commerce and explain how to choose the right one. Interested? Then read on!

How to Determine What Packaging to Choose for Your E-Commerce?

Before we go through all the packaging options for your e-commerce, we need to discuss what factors you should consider when making a choice. So, what do you need to think about?
 

• Size – naturally, packaging for e-commerce has to contain your goods securely; therefore, you need to choose the right size that will keep the products in one place. Additionally, this will help you cut down the delivery costs, as the dimensions of your parcels will be smaller.
• Transparency – some products can be packed in transparent boxes or foil bags, while in other cases privacy is what your customers expect. Think about it: if you’re selling perfumes, you can pack them up transparently, but if you send a crypto storage wallet, you should pack it up in such a way that it’s impossible to determine what’s inside.
• Marketing – e-commerce packaging is a great exposure space for your logo and promotional materials, so think to what extent you want to place them on the packages and choose accordingly.
• Sustainability – if you’re sending your parcels to Canada or any other country where consumers care about sustainability a lot, you should choose packaging materials designed for high-quality recycling, such as unlaminated paper and corrugated cardboard. However, businesses must now look beyond local rules. As of 2026, the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has unified standards across all member states. Starting August 12, 2026, strict new requirements for recyclability and material safety will apply to all e-commerce packaging throughout the EU, replacing the previous patchwork of national regulations.
• Shipping requirements – every logistics partner managing global parcel delivery has specific size and weight limits, so you need to make sure that your e-commerce packaging is fully compliant with them.

What Packaging to Choose for Your E-Commerce? Different Types Explained

So, what are the types of e-commerce packaging, and which ones should you choose for your business? Let’s take a brief look at the most popular options.

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are definitely among the most popular e-commerce packaging options. They are built from three layers:

• inner liner,
• fluted medium,
• outer liner.

This makes them extremely durable while keeping them lightweight and sustainable. You’ll find them in various sizes, so you can pick ones that suit your needs. What’s more, they are quick to pack, which is vital for optimizing warehouse operations and fulfillment solutions to avoid delays. Combine them with our e-commerce parcel delivery solutions, and you’ll be sure that your parcels are delivered on time, every time.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are sturdy and durable. They are simple in design, but you can customise them to suit your marketing needs. But, most importantly, they provide excellent protection for your products and are great even for heavier goods.

Bubble Mailers

While traditional bubble mailers have long been used for small, flat items like electronics or jewellery, their hybrid construction (paper mixed with plastic) now faces strict scrutiny under EU "Design for Recycling" standards. To avoid elevated EPR fees and ensure compliance, we recommend transitioning to eco-friendly mono-material alternatives, such as 100% paper honeycomb mailers, which offer excellent protection while being fully recyclable in a single stream.

Paper Bags

Used mostly for small items like clothing, paper bags are, once again, a packaging option that helps you reduce the costs of sending parcels that are much bigger than they should be. However, they provide less protection than bubble mailers, so they might not be fit for electronics or jewellery.

The main advantage of paper bags is that they work great for marketing – you can customise them to look like gift bags, hence building positive customer experiences. Additionally, you may use bags made from recycled paper, which will make your e-commerce business more sustainable.

Foil-Sealed Bags

Foil-sealed bags provide excellent protection against moisture, light, and oxygen. Thus, we recommend them mostly for extremely sensitive products. What do we mean in practical terms? Food, pharmaceuticals or some more sensitive electronics.

Plastic Boxes

While they aren’t as sustainable as their alternatives, plastic boxes are still a viable option. They are mostly used in the food industry, where paper boxes wouldn’t be able to provide enough protection. If you are environmentally conscious, there is an option for you – get plastic boxes that are made from recycled plastic!

The Takeaway

Knowing what factors to consider and what are the most popular types of packaging for e-commerce, you are almost ready to make an informed decision and get down to shipping. "Don’t ship air" is no longer just a efficiency tip—it is now a strict legal requirement under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Starting August 12, 2026, e-commerce shipments must adhere to a mandatory maximum 50% void space limit. Reducing empty space and adapting packaging to the exact product size is now essential to remain legally compliant, avoid penalties, and optimize your overall shipping costs.

Sources:

• SGS Poland (2026), https://www.sgs.com/en-pl/news/2026/05/safeguards-06026-european-commission-issues-guidance-for-ppwr
• European Comission (2025), https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en

You may also read: Returns Management in Your E-commerce. How to Keep the Cash Flowing?