Amazon's Plastic Waste: The True Environmental Cost

Amazon, America's largest online retailer, has been criticised for its contribution to the global plastic pollution crisis. The company has been called out for its excessive use of plastic packaging, which is difficult to recycle and often ends up in oceans and other waterways, posing a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. While Amazon has taken some steps to reduce its plastic waste in certain markets, such as India and Europe, it has yet to make a comprehensive global commitment to phasing out single-use plastic packaging. Environmental advocates argue that Amazon has the resources and tools to do more and should be held accountable for its waste. With an estimated 7.7 billion packages shipped in 2021, Amazon's plastic waste is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action.

Amazon's plastic waste in the US

Amazon has been criticised for its contribution to plastic waste in the US. The company has taken steps to reduce its plastic packaging in other countries, but its plastic waste in the US continues to grow. In 2022, Amazon generated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in the US, a 10% increase from 2021. This includes the ubiquitous blue-and-white mailers, pouches, bags, and plastic cushioning. If laid end to end, this waste would circle the Earth more than 200 times.

Amazon's plastic packaging falls under the category of "plastic film", which is notoriously difficult to recycle and is not accepted by most curbside recycling programs in the US, the UK, and other large markets. As a result, most of it ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. Plastic film is among the most common forms of marine plastic litter near ocean shores, where it kills large marine animals and leaches harmful chemicals. A study estimates that the effects of plastic additives cost $249 billion in healthcare in just one year.

Amazon has reduced its plastic packaging in other markets, such as India and Europe, but has not committed to similar reductions in the US. Oceana, a nonprofit conservation organisation, has called on Amazon to phase out plastic packaging in the US, its largest market, and reduce its total plastic packaging by at least one-third by 2030. Amazon has started a "multiyear effort" to transition US fulfillment centers from plastic to paper packaging, but without a timeline.

Environmental advocates argue that Amazon is capable of doing much more to reduce plastic waste. In response to legislation in other countries, Amazon has eliminated single-use plastics in India and no longer uses plastic bags, pouches, or air cushions for orders in the EU. In the US, Amazon's progress may be hindered by the lack of federal regulation on plastic production. However, state-level policies, such as California's Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act, could push Amazon to reduce plastic use in the state by 25% between 2023 and 2032.

Amazon's plastic pollution in oceans

Amazon, America's largest online retailer, has been criticised for its contribution to the global plastic pollution crisis. In 2021, the company produced an estimated 709 million pounds of plastic packaging waste, with 26 million pounds of this expected to pollute oceans and waterways. This waste endangers ecosystems and poses a significant threat to environmental and public health.

Amazon ships 7.7 billion packages worldwide annually, frequently utilising plastic air pillows, bags, and protective sleeves to cushion items during transit. These plastic materials are non-recyclable and, due to their lightweight nature, easily drift into oceans, where they inflict harm on marine life. The breakdown of plastic over time results in the release of microplastics and nanoplastics, which accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, including humans.

Despite Amazon's pledges to reduce plastic packaging, its plastic waste has continued to increase, particularly in the United States, its largest market. In 2022, the company generated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in the US alone, marking a 9.6% increase from 2021. This waste could circle the Earth over 200 times in the form of plastic air pillows.

However, Amazon has taken steps towards reducing plastic waste in certain markets. Following plastic reduction policies and bans on specific single-use plastics in the European Union and India, Amazon has replaced plastic packaging with paper or cardboard alternatives. The company has also expressed intentions to phase out padded plastic bags, but a timeline for this transition has not been provided.

Environmental advocates and organisations like Oceana urge Amazon to take more significant action, emphasising the need for a global commitment to eliminate single-use plastic packaging and adopt more sustainable practices. Amazon's plastic waste problem is not an isolated issue, and it underlines the broader crisis of plastic pollution threatening our oceans and ecosystems.

Amazon's plastic packaging waste

According to estimates, Amazon generated 700 million pounds of plastic waste in 2021, with 26 million pounds expected to pollute aquatic ecosystems. In 2022, Amazon's plastic waste in the US alone amounted to 208 million pounds, a 9.6% increase from 2021. Despite making pledges to reduce plastic packaging, Amazon's plastic waste continues to grow, especially in its largest market, the US.

Amazon has taken some steps to reduce plastic waste in certain countries. Following bans on single-use plastics in the European Union and India, Amazon replaced plastic packaging with paper or cardboard. However, Amazon has yet to commit to similar reductions in the US and other major markets. Environmental advocates call for Amazon to take more significant action, reduce its plastic packaging, and address its plastic footprint globally.

The plastic waste generated by Amazon has severe consequences for marine life and biodiversity. Sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals mistake plastic bags and air pillows for food, leading to ingestion or entanglement. As plastic breaks down into microplastics, they accumulate in the soil, water, and bodies, posing further environmental and health risks.

While Amazon cannot solve the plastic waste problem alone, it has the resources and tools to make substantial reductions in its plastic packaging. Amazon should commit to phasing out single-use plastic packaging, increasing recyclable and biodegradable alternatives, and taking responsibility for the climate impact of its products and packaging.

Amazon's plastic waste reduction

Amazon's plastic waste is a significant contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. With 7.7 billion packages shipped in 2021, the company's extensive use of plastic air pillows, bags, and protective sleeves poses a severe threat to marine life and ecosystems.

In response to legislation and advocacy, Amazon has taken some steps to reduce its plastic waste. Following bans on single-use plastics in the European Union, Amazon stopped using plastic delivery bags in Europe and replaced them with paper or cardboard alternatives. Similarly, in India, Amazon eliminated all single-use plastics in compliance with local policies. These actions demonstrate that Amazon has the capacity to reduce its plastic waste when compelled by laws or public pressure.

To address its plastic waste issue more effectively, Amazon should commit to a global phase-out of single-use plastic packaging and promote reusable systems. The company should also enhance transparency by publicly reporting its plastic packaging footprint for all products sold and taking responsibility for the climate impact of its packaging.

Additionally, Amazon can explore more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, such as easily recyclable and biodegradable options. By committing to these changes, Amazon can play a pivotal role in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.

Amazon's plastic waste compared to other corporations

Amazon's plastic waste has been a significant contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. In 2021, the company generated an estimated 709 million pounds of plastic packaging waste, with approximately 26 million pounds expected to pollute oceans and waterways. This plastic waste poses a severe threat to ecosystems, public health, and the environment.

Amazon's plastic waste is not an isolated case, as other corporations also contribute significantly to the issue. For instance, companies like Unilever and Mondelez have disclosed their plastic packaging usage and set targets to reduce their environmental impact. However, they may be falling short of meeting these targets. Additionally, legislation and consumer pressure have influenced Amazon's plastic waste reduction efforts. Following bans on single-use plastics in the European Union, Amazon discontinued the use of plastic delivery bags in Europe, opting for paper or cardboard alternatives. Similarly, in India, Amazon eliminated single-use plastic packaging from its fulfillment centers.

Despite these positive steps, Amazon's plastic waste reduction efforts have been criticized as insufficient. Environmental advocates and organizations like Oceana urge Amazon to take more significant action, arguing that the company has the resources and tools to make a more substantial impact. Amazon's plastic waste is part of a broader crisis, with corporations worldwide contributing to the problem.

Compared to other corporations, Amazon's plastic waste appears significant, especially considering its position as America's largest online retailer. However, the company has shown a willingness to reduce its plastic packaging in regions with stricter regulations, indicating that legislative action is essential in compelling corporations to prioritize environmental sustainability over profits.

While Amazon alone cannot solve the plastic waste problem, its actions influence other companies. Each commitment by a major corporation sets a precedent for others to follow, collectively reducing plastic waste and improving the health of our planet.

Frequently asked questions