Understand the most common packaging materials used in eCommerce, including their benefits, uses and impact on delivery efficiency.
The right packaging materials protect your products, control costs, reduce returns, and shape how customers perceive your brand. For eCommerce businesses, packaging is not just a shipping necessity. It is part of the customer experience and, increasingly, a brand differentiator.
This guide is written for Australian eCommerce businesses. It is based on what currently ranks on Google’s first page, expanded with deeper commercial insight, practical comparisons, and buying considerations from a packaging supplier perspective.
Packaging materials serve several essential functions in eCommerce.
At a practical level, they:
From a business perspective, packaging materials also:
For online retailers, packaging is often the first physical touchpoint customers have with your brand. That makes material choice a commercial decision, not just an operational one.
Below are nine different types of packaging materials commonly used by Australian eCommerce businesses, along with when and why they work best.
Cardboard boxes remain the most widely used packaging material in e-commerce.
Why are they popular:
Single-wall boxes are best for lightweight items, while double-wall boxes are better for heavier or fragile goods. Many packaging suppliers offer custom sizing to reduce wasted space and shipping costs.
Best for:
Corrugated mailers are rigid, self-locking boxes explicitly designed for shipping.
Key benefits:
These are often used by subscription boxes and premium online retailers looking to elevate the unboxing experience.
Best for:
Padded mailers combine a paper or plastic outer layer with internal cushioning.
Common types include:
They offer good protection while remaining lightweight, which helps control postage costs.
Best for:
Poly mailers are lightweight plastic shipping bags that take up minimal space.
Advantages:
While traditional poly mailers are made of plastic, many eco-friendly packaging options now include recyclable or compostable options.
Best for:
Paper mailers are an increasingly popular alternative to plastic mailers.
Why businesses choose them:
They align well with sustainability-focused brands and customers who prefer plastic-free packaging.
Best for:
Void fill prevents products from moving inside the box during transit.
Common options include:
These materials reduce breakage and give packaging a more considered, premium feel when done neatly.
Best for:
Bubble wrap remains one of the most effective protective packaging materials.
Strengths:
Paper-based bubble alternatives are now available for businesses seeking eco-friendly packaging options.
Best for:
Custom inserts are designed to hold products securely in place.
Benefits include:
They are often used for gift sets and premium product ranges.
Best for:
Eco-friendly packaging options are no longer niche. They are becoming an expectation.
Examples include:
Many Australian packaging suppliers now offer certified sustainable materials that balance performance with environmental responsibility.
Best for:
Cardboard remains the most popular eCommerce packaging material in Australia.
Reasons for its dominance:
However, popularity does not always mean suitability. Many businesses now combine cardboard boxes with paper void fill or padded mailers to optimise protection and presentation.
The most effective packaging setups are often hybrid rather than single-material.
Packaging choices directly affect:
For example:
Working closely with experienced packaging suppliers helps businesses strike the right balance between cost, protection, and brand image.
Customer preference depends on your brand positioning and product category.
Many eCommerce brands adopt a tiered approach, using standard packaging for everyday orders and premium packaging for special releases or gift options.
Premium Packaging supports this approach by offering scalable packaging solutions that grow with your business.
Packaging quality subconsciously signals reliability.
Poor packaging can suggest:
Well-chosen packaging materials communicate:
This matters particularly for first-time buyers who are still forming trust in your brand.
Not all packaging suppliers offer the same level of service or expertise.
When selecting a supplier, consider:
Working with a local supplier also reduces lead times and simplifies communication, especially during peak sales periods.
Australian consumers are increasingly aware of packaging waste.
Clear trends include:
Eco-friendly packaging options do not need to compromise protection. In many cases, paper-based alternatives perform just as well as plastic when designed correctly.
Before committing to packaging changes, review:
Testing small batches before rolling out new materials reduces risk and helps fine-tune your approach.
Packaging materials protect products during shipping, reduce damage, and shape customer perception of your brand.
Standard options include cardboard boxes, mailer boxes, padded mailers, poly mailers, paper mailers, and protective void fill.
Cardboard boxes are the most widely used due to their strength, versatility, and recyclability.
Many customers prefer recyclable or compostable packaging, especially when it aligns with brand values and does not compromise protection.
Premium packaging is best for giftable or high-value products, while standard packaging is best for cost-sensitive items.
Know more https://premiumpackaging.com.au/blog/types-of-packaging-materials-ecommerce/