Parcel Lockers in Europe 2025: Adoption, Growth, and E-commerce Impact

Parcel lockers are reshaping the last mile in Europe. With networks expanding across the continent and consumer adoption rising, lockers now represent a core component of e-commerce logistics. Growth is strongest in Poland, the Nordics, and Germany, where lockers have become mainstream delivery options. Drivers include convenience, cost savings, and measurable CO₂ reductions.

That’s why today we want to take a look at the current status of parcel locker deliveries inside Europe.

What Are Parcel Lockers in E-commerce?

Parcel lockers, also known as automated parcel machines (APMs), are self-service terminals where consumers can collect and return online orders. They are part of the wider out-of-home (OOH) delivery ecosystem, alongside staffed pickup points.

Market Growth and Usage Trends

Out-of-Home Adoption Across Europe

  • In 2023, 44% of European e-shoppers selected OOH delivery options, including lockers and pickup points.
  • Home delivery preference is gradually declining as consumers shift to more flexible and reliable solutions.

Rapid Expansion of Locker Networks

  • Europe had almost 155,000 parcel lockers by the end of 2023, up 29% year-on-year.
  • Pickup and drop-off points reached over 349,000 locations.

Cross-Border Growth

  • Cross-border OOH deliveries increased 43% in 2023.
  • In Q1 2024, cross-border OOH volumes grew a further 75%, showing strong international momentum.

Country Highlights

Poland: A Global Leader

  • InPost delivered over one billion parcels in 2024.
  • Nearly 47,000 lockers in operation.
  • Lockers are the most popular delivery method among Polish consumers.

Germany: Packstation Expansion

  • DHL plans to have more than 15,500 Packstations by mid-2025.
  • The company plans to scale to 30,000 units by 2030.
  • The growth of carrier-neutral lockers adds competition.

Nordics: Strong Locker Penetration

  • Lockers are the most popular delivery method in Finland.
  • More than 150,000 individual locker doors installed.

France: Solar-Powered Locker Rollout

  • Around 1,000 solar lockers are expected by the end of 2024.
  • Partnerships add hundreds of new units.
  • InPost expands with innovative battery-powered lockers.

United Kingdom: Growth From a Low Base

  • Only about 10% of parcels are delivered via OOH today.
  • Royal Mail is targeting more than 21,000 access points and over 2,500 lockers.

Spain and Italy: Accelerating Networks

  • Spain: 4,200+ Correos CityPaq terminals in major cities.
  • Italy: DHL eCommerce and Poste Italiane JV aiming for 10,000 lockers.

Why Consumers Prefer Lockers

Convenience and Accessibility

  • 24/7 access.
  • Located along daily routes.
  • First-time delivery success is nearly guaranteed.

Simplified Returns

  • Label-free and code-based returns.
  • Reduced waiting times compared to staffed locations.

Economic and Sustainability Benefits

Lower Delivery Costs

  • Last mile represents 60–70% of the total delivery cost.
  • Lockers consolidate parcels, reducing route time and failed delivery attempts.

Improved Reliability

  • Failed home delivery attempts can reach 25% in cities.
  • Lockers virtually eliminate missed deliveries.

Reduced CO₂ Emissions

  • Dense urban locker networks cut emissions by up to two-thirds.
  • Studies show reductions of 13–32% across Europe.
  • Simulations confirm an average 21% reduction compared to home delivery.

Strategic Takeaways for Retailers

Highlight Lockers at Checkout

  • Position lockers as a main option in Poland, Finland, and Germany.
  • In lower-adoption markets, promote lockers as faster and more reliable alternatives.

Leverage Network Density

  • Display nearest lockers in real-time during checkout.
  • Provide clear service-level information for faster adoption.

Build Locker Returns Into Strategy

  • Encourage locker-based returns to simplify the customer experience.
  • Reduce costs during peak return periods.

Prepare for Cross-Border Growth

  • Integrate locker delivery with local partners in international markets.
  • Improve first-time success rates for cross-border customers.

Outlook to 2030

Locker networks are set for sustained growth. Germany targets 30,000 Packstations, France is deploying solar-powered lockers, and Italy is building a 10,000-unit network. By 2030, lockers are expected to account for a significant share of European e-commerce deliveries, approaching parity with home delivery in key markets.