Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has announced the results of its sixth annual eCommerce trend report, ‘Sustainability and its impact on packaging and online shopping choices.’ This comprehensive study examines trends, attitudes and expectations regarding eCommerce and the impact packaging has on the consumer experience.
The report presents data from around 6,000 consumers across Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Türkiye, collected via an online survey in October and November 2024. The findings offer eCommerce brands valuable insights on meeting consumer needs, including country-specific results from each of the six markets. The survey was conducted by RetailX, who also co-authored the whitepaper.
Swedish consumers are frequent online shoppers (47%) and lead in sustainable disposal habits, with 63% placing packaging in recycling streams. They prioritise practical shopping experiences and focus on product quality over packaging aesthetics. With a strong culture of environmental responsibility, Sweden remains a leader in sustainability.
“This year’s findings confirm that sustainability is no longer just a trend, it’s a business imperative,” said Armand Schoonbrood, Mondi Group eCommerce COO. “Consumers are demanding tangible action from retailers to reduce their environmental impact. At Mondi, we are proud to support customers with innovative, sustainable eCommerce packaging and paper solutions that meet consumer expectations and help our partners to build trust, loyalty, and long-term value in the eCommerce space.”
Adding to this, RetailX Chief Editor Ian Jindal, commented: “The findings of this year’s survey show that sustainable eCommerce packaging has become more than a preference – it’s now a consumer expectation. Transparency, innovation and credibility in sustainability efforts are vital for retailers to maintain trust, loyalty, and relevance in a rapidly evolving market.”
Emerging trends and insights
Emerging trends and insights reveal significant shifts in consumer behavior and preferences across online shopping and packaging. Online shopping has seen a substantial rise, with 71% of consumers now shopping online monthly, up from 56% last year, while spending habits remain steady, with 1 in 4 consumers investing between €120 and €290 per month. Protective packaging emerges as a critical factor, with 95% of consumers prioritizing its role in product safety. Sustainability is increasingly non-negotiable, as 80% of consumers demand environmentally conscious or recyclable packaging, influencing purchasing decisions.
The unboxing experience is pivotal, influencing repeat purchases for 59% of consumers, particularly among Gen Z (71%), who prioritize aesthetics and recyclability. However, consumer trust remains a challenge, as only 50% believe in online brands’ sustainability claims, underscoring the importance of transparent practices. Brands leveraging sustainable packaging strategies are poised to enhance consumer perception significantly, with 90% of consumers favoring those employing recyclable and appropriately sized eCommerce packaging. These insights underscore the evolving landscape where consumer expectations are reshaping industry norms and driving sustainable innovation.
