Île-de-France: 315 million packages in 2025 signal 'spectacular acceleration' straining road traffic

Île-de-France residents received an average of 17 packages each in 2025, contributing to a total of 315 million deliveries across the region. This dramatic increase in e-commerce, fueled by major global online retailers, is straining road traffic and posing significant environmental challenges, according to a two-year study by the Institut Paris Region.

The study highlights that 75% of these packages weigh less than 3 kilograms, and 12.5% originate from China. Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, a key hub for international freight, processed between 200 and 250 million packages in 2024 alone. This surge in deliveries translates to 3.5 million packages being picked up or delivered weekly by light commercial vehicles in the region.

These vehicles account for 20% of road traffic but occupy nearly 30% of road space due to frequent stops. The environmental impact is considerable, with high volumes of cardboard packaging and unresolved issues regarding the management of returns. In some cases, returned items are destroyed when logistical costs exceed their value.

Large European online platforms, such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, are frequently criticized by public authorities, environmental groups, and retailers for their massive influx of small parcels. Critics accuse them of environmental pollution and of not adhering to European regulations, creating unfair competition. As Europe grapples with 5.8 billion small parcels delivered in 2025, member states are exploring ways to control this growing flow of goods, predominantly from China.