Mondi Group has confirmed the release of its sixth annual e-commerce trend report in partnership with global retail and eCommerce analysts, RetailX. The findings highlight how consumers in Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and Turkey increasingly consider sustainability within e-commerce packaging essential. Eight in ten shoppers now view environmentally conscious packaging as a non-negotiable part of their online purchases.
“As these latest survey results show, sustainability has reached a turning. It’s no longer considered an added benefit, but a standard expectation,” said Armand Schoonbrood, COO, Mondi Group eCommerce.
Unboxing is a vital brand interaction. In an era when consumers may have no physical contact with a retailer, packaging becomes the brand’s handshake—its first tangible touchpoint. While younger consumers might still enjoy visually striking designs, the dominant priority across age groups is packaging that demonstrates efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with brand values.
Protection used to mean simply preventing damage, but it is now deeply intertwined with the concept of sustainability. Many shoppers focus on right-sized, efficient packages that minimise waste while keeping items secure. Fit-for-purpose packaging, such as paper bags or boxes for fashion or compact items, and Protective Mailers for electronics, helps reduce environmental impact and signals that the company is thoughtful and detail-oriented.
According to RetailX founder Ian Jindal, “As consumer expectations spread across Europe, driven in part by the growing influence of younger generations, packaging practices are expected to evolve, creating a more sustainable and efficient eCommerce landscape in every market.”
