MACFARLANE Group has launched a range of packaging designed to fit through standard-sized UK letterboxes to help online shoppers receive their orders the first time they are delivered.

The Glasgow-based company said it introduced the "Letterboxable" range of products because of customer feedback underlining excessively large packaging hindering deliveries.

In fact, the issue of too much extra packaging meaning parcels have to be collected or redelivered was earmarked as the most annoying aspect of online shopping, by 21 per cent of 1,000 consumers surveyed for what is the UK's largest packaging distributor.

Laurel Granville, marketing director of Macfarlane Packaging, said: "Everyone knows how annoying it can be to arrive home to the dreaded 'sorry we missed you' card behind the front door.

"It's even more frustrating when the package contains something that could easily have been popped through your letterbox if it had been appropriately packaged."

The company said the range is the first of its kind, and includes bubble ­envelopes and cardboard wraps, all of which are fully recyclable.

Which? published research last week finding that 26 per cent of consumers had a problem with an online delivery in the previous 12 months.

Macfarlane Group said last month that it was buying Wolverhampton-based Network Packaging, for a maximum consideration of about £7.5 million. It also said at the time that it had raised £3m via a share placing. This followed its purchase in May of Lane Packaging, and it said in August that it was planning further acquisitions.