E-commerce Packaging & Last-Mile Delivery

June 1, 2023 · 1 min read

Overview

The rapid growth of e-commerce has created new packaging challenges that differ fundamentally from traditional retail distribution. This research explores how packaging systems must adapt to direct-to-consumer fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and changing consumer expectations.

Research Focus Areas

Consumer Perceptions of E-commerce Packaging — Understanding how consumers evaluate packaging in the e-commerce context, where the unboxing experience and sustainability concerns shape brand perception.

Last-Mile Grocery Delivery — Investigating operational challenges and packaging requirements for grocery delivery in suburban environments, including temperature-sensitive products and delivery efficiency.

Direct-From-Store Deliveries — Analyzing consumer preferences and operational execution for store-based fulfillment models in a global context.

Selected Publications

  • Analysis of Consumer Preferences for Direct-From-Store Deliveries (IAPRI 2024)
  • Investigation of Last-Mile Grocery Delivery in a Suburban Environment (ISTA 2023)
  • Investigation of Consumer Perceptions of E-commerce Packaging (IAPRI 2022)
E-Commerce Last-Mile Delivery Consumer Perceptions
Eduardo Molina, Ph.D.
Authors
Eduardo Molina, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Associate Director
Packaging science researcher at Virginia Tech focused on cold chain packaging, transport packaging optimization, corrugated fiberboard performance, and sustainable packaging systems.