How Packaging Can Help Tackle Furniture's Biggest Challenges
The furniture sector is evolving rapidly, with new challenges emerging at every stage—from manufacturing to delivery. Having served clients in this industry for decades, we’ve seen it all, and, most recently, have noticed a particular pair of challenges rising to the forefront. So, what are those challenges? And why/how is packaging so pivotal to tackling them head on? Great questions. Let’s take a closer look.
Furniture Makers’ Most Pressing Challenges
The Rapid Rise of Direct to Consumer
The prevalence of Direct to Consumer (DTC) can be traced squarely back to the pandemic. By the end of 2020, ecommerce revenue for furniture and home decor grew by 14.5 percent. That growth hasn’t slowed since. In fact, over the past five years, the online home furnishing sales industry in the U.S. has grown at a CAGR of 9.4%, reaching an estimated $15.5 billion in 2024 (IBISWorld). Not only does this bring the proficiency of a shipping operation (quite literally) to customers’ doorsteps, it also demands that packaging protection is flawless, at the risk of returns and negative customer experience.
Functional and Sustainable Must Go Hand in Hand
Commitment to sustainability has become as important as anything else for shopper decision making. As such, the rise of DTC has made for an exceedingly thin line for packaging to toe. As furniture is more often delivered directly to shoppers' front doors, packaging and shipping materials used for protection have become increasingly visible. With this visibility, consumers are demanding more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions. “Less material” cannot necessarily be the simple answer as the environmental cost of damaged shipments—from remanufacturing replacements, reships, disposal, etc.—can be huge.
The Solution: Packaging Makes the Difference
There’s power in choosing a true partner in a packaging provider. For every furniture maker, the challenges that arise are unique and nuanced. It’s why a fit-to-purpose packaging strategy can make all the difference. Along with the Pregis IQ, where we develop customized solutions, we have a plethora of products that protect furniture in different ways and at different stages—from manufacturing, to transit, to final assembly. Two versatile products in this space that protect and perform are Pregis Centerfold Laminated Bags and Pregis Furniture Guard Bags.
Pregis CenterFold Laminated Bags
Designed for oversized items that need protection, Centerfold bags provide a cost effective, strong, resilient cushioning alternative that offers superior protection for any type of packaging, moving or storage need. CenterFold bags feature virtually tear proof material; they resist scratching, marring, and abrasion; and boast waterproof protection.
Pregis Furniture Guard® Bags
Furniture Guard bags offer another effective, strong, resilient cushioning option for oversized items. Like our Centerfold bags, they are virtually tear-proof, fully water-resistant, and easily heat-sealed for superior seam strength. On top of all this, these bags are flexible, lightweight, and industrial recyclable—and made with up to 30% recycled content. Protection, decreased material usage, and recyclability: check, check, and check!
The Pregis IQ®
By utilizing the Pregis IQ, our Innovation Headquarters, we are able to work closely with furniture makers to develop customized solutions that address their unique challenges. It’s a collaboration that has become pivotal with the rapid rise of DTC shopping. No approach is one-size-fits-all, and starting in the Innovation Headquarters allows us to ensure we make the biggest cost impact, while staying rooted in specific customer goals.
Partnering with Pregis: Know-How and Breadth of Solutions
From cushioning, to surface protection, to specialty solutions and beyond, Pregis provides an extensive portfolio of protective packaging offerings tailored to furniture makers. It’s an industry that’s filled with challenges—that’s why we’re here to help you navigate to success, in 2025 and beyond!
IBISWorld. (n.d.). Online home furnishing sales in the US - market research report (2014-2029). IBISWorld Industry Reports. https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/online-home-furnishing-sales/5072/
