Sofia Martinez
Amazon has been criticized for its plastic packaging waste, which has contributed to environmental and public health issues. In 2022, Amazon's plastic packaging waste was estimated at 208 million pounds, with single-use plastics being a major concern. However, Amazon has taken steps to reduce plastic packaging, such as eliminating plastic air pillows and transitioning to paper-based packaging. Amazon has also retrofitted automated packing machines to create made-to-fit paper bags and has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. While Amazon makes efforts, consumers can also play a role in reducing plastic waste by contacting customer service to request minimal and eco-friendly packaging, consolidating orders for bulk delivery, and opting for frustration-free packaging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amazon's plastic packaging reduction | In 2023, Amazon decreased its average plastic packaging weight per shipment by 9% across its global operations network, building on a 17% reduction in 2022. |
| Amazon's total packaging reduction | Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the average per-shipment packaging weight by 43% and avoided a total of more than 3 million metric tons of packaging. |
| Amazon's single-use plastic packaging reduction | Amazon has avoided 80,500 metric tons of single-use plastic packaging since 2020. |
| Amazon's orders shipped without packaging | In 2023, Amazon shipped 12% of its orders globally without any additional packaging. |
| Amazon's removal of plastic air pillows | As of October 2024, Amazon has removed all plastic air pillows from its delivery packaging used at its global fulfillment centers. |
| Amazon's transition to paper filler | Amazon has expanded its use of paper filler made from 100% recycled content across North America to replace plastic air pillows. |
| Amazon's new paper-padded envelope | Amazon has introduced a new paper-padded envelope with a shock-absorbent, 100% paper-based lining, available in Europe. |
| Amazon's retrofitted automated packing machines | Amazon has retrofitted more than 120 of its automated packing machines that previously made plastic bags to now create made-to-fit paper bags across the U.S. |
| Amazon's commitment to reduce plastic packaging | Amazon has committed to phasing out plastic air pillows and plastic padded shipping bags from its shipments. |
| Customer actions to reduce plastic packaging | Customers can contact Amazon's Customer Service and request plastic-free or minimal packaging for their orders. |
| Customer use of Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging service | Customers can opt for Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging service, which promotes recyclable packaging and ships products without additional shipping boxes. |
| Customer grouping of orders | Customers can group their orders to reduce the number of boxes and deliveries, thereby minimizing packaging waste. |
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What You'll Learn
Amazon's initiatives to reduce plastic packaging
Amazon has been taking several initiatives to reduce plastic packaging and boost sustainability.
In 2019, Amazon and Global Optimism announced The Climate Pledge, committing to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early. The company aims to be net-zero carbon by 2040 and run on 100% renewable energy by 2030. As part of this pledge, Amazon has been working on sustainable packaging initiatives, including the Frustration-Free Packaging program, which promotes easy-to-open, recyclable packaging and eliminates the need for additional shipping boxes.
In 2023, Amazon began making commitments to reduce plastic packaging from their shipments after receiving petitions from environmental groups and customers. By the end of 2024, Amazon plans to phase out plastic air pillows from its shipments in North America, avoiding the use of 15 billion air pillows annually. The company has also stopped using plastic air pillows and single-use plastic delivery bags for orders from its fulfillment centers in Japan, except for certain services like chilled or frozen products.
Amazon has also retrofitted over 120 automated packing machines in the US to create made-to-fit paper bags, helping to avoid more than 130 million plastic bags in 2023. The company is also working on innovations to create new paper-based packaging, such as the paper-padded envelope with a shock-absorbent, 100% paper-based lining available in Europe.
In December 2023, two-thirds of Amazon's shipments in North America included plastic delivery packaging, and the company aims to reduce this to one-third by December 2024. Amazon has designed models to determine the most efficient type of packaging for each item, reducing the number of cardboard boxes, filler, tape, and bags used. These models are widely used in fulfillment centers in North America and Europe and are being rolled out in India, Australia, and Japan.
Amazon has also been investing in innovations to address water scarcity and has reduced its average per-shipment packaging weight by 43% since 2015, avoiding more than 3 million metric tons of packaging. In 2023, Amazon shipped 12% of its orders globally without any additional packaging and decreased its average plastic packaging weight per shipment by 9% across its global operations network.
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Customer service requests for less plastic
Amazon has been taking steps to reduce its plastic packaging. In 2023, the company received 138,000 petitions from the public, urging them to reduce their plastic packaging. Since then, Amazon has committed to reducing its plastic packaging and has avoided 80,500 metric tons of single-use plastic packaging since 2020. In 2023, 12% of Amazon's orders were shipped without any additional packaging.
However, Amazon customers can also take steps to reduce the plastic packaging in their orders. One way to do this is to contact Amazon's customer service department and request that they avoid plastic-heavy, excessive packaging when shipping your orders. While Amazon does not guarantee that they will honour your request, it is important to let them know that their packaging is wasteful and that you demand a more environmentally responsible option.
> "Hello, I have an Amazon account associated with this address. I'd like to request that in the future, my packages are wrapped as minimally as possible. This means opting out of bubble wrap, plastic pillows, or any other additional plastic packaging that can be avoided. I want plastic-free Amazon orders. Thank you."
You can also request that multiple items be sent together, which will likely result in less plastic packaging, as well as less cardboard and other materials. Amazon also offers a "frustration-free packaging" service, which sends your item without a box around a box. However, not all items are available with this packaging option, and it may not be entirely plastic-free.
Another way to reduce plastic packaging is to shop locally. You can check if your local stores offer the item you need and have it delivered or pick it up in-store.
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Grouping orders to reduce packaging
Amazon has been taking steps to reduce its plastic packaging waste. In 2023, Amazon received 138,000 petitions from the public, including many PIRG supporters, urging the company to reduce its plastic packaging. Amazon has since made commitments to reduce some plastic packaging from their shipments. In 2024, Amazon removed all plastic air pillows from its delivery packaging used at its global fulfillment centres, replacing them with paper filler made from 100% recycled content across North America. Amazon has also retrofitted more than 120 of its automated packing machines that made plastic bags to now create made-to-fit paper bags across the U.S.
As a consumer, you can also play a part in reducing plastic packaging waste from Amazon. One effective way is to group your orders so that they come in fewer boxes and deliveries. This means that instead of receiving multiple items in separate packages, you can request that they be sent together in one bulk delivery. This may take a few days longer, but it will result in less cardboard and plastic packaging.
You can also contact Amazon's customer service department and request that they avoid plastic-heavy, excessive packaging when shipping your orders. While it is ultimately up to Amazon's fulfillment centre to abide by your request, it is important to make your preferences known. You can ask them to make a note in your account to avoid plastic packaging or extra packaging when possible. You can also opt for Amazon's ""Frustration-Free Packaging" service, which promotes easy-to-open, recyclable packaging and ships products in their own packages without additional shipping boxes.
In addition to reducing plastic packaging, you can also reduce your overall carbon footprint by choosing the ""no rush" shipping option, which allows your order to be consolidated with many other orders going to your area. This means that the delivery truck can make fewer trips, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
By combining these strategies of grouping orders, requesting reduced packaging, and choosing slower shipping options, you can significantly contribute to reducing plastic waste and lowering your carbon footprint when shopping on Amazon.
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Phasing out single-use plastic bags
Amazon has been taking steps to reduce its plastic packaging and boost sustainability. In 2023, Amazon committed to reducing some plastic packaging from its shipments after receiving 138,000 petitions from the public. Since 2020, Amazon has avoided 80,500 metric tons of single-use plastic packaging. In 2024, Amazon removed all plastic air pillows from its delivery packaging used at its global fulfillment centers, replacing them with paper filler made from 100% recycled content across North America. Amazon has also retrofitted over 120 of its automated packing machines to create made-to-fit paper bags, avoiding more than 130 million plastic bags in a year.
Despite these efforts, Amazon still has a long way to go in reducing its plastic waste. Amazon should set ambitious deadlines for phasing out plastic padded shipping bags and eliminating other single-use plastics from its shipments.
To phase out single-use plastic bags, Amazon can take inspiration from various countries and cities that have implemented plastic bag bans or taxes. For example, California became the first state to ban plastic bags in 2014, and as of March 2018, 311 local bag ordinances have been adopted in 24 states. Internationally, 127 countries have adopted some form of legislation to regulate plastic bags as of July 2018.
Amazon can also look to Kenya, where the 2017 plastic bag ban received favorable support from consumers, who reported increased use of reusable bags and perceived improvements in cleanliness and waste management. In contrast, some consumers in the United States have expressed dissatisfaction with new bag policies, citing issues with the durability and practicality of alternatives. However, it is important to note that reusable bag alternatives need to be reused over a hundred times to make them more environmentally friendly than single-use plastic bags.
To facilitate the transition to reusable bags, Amazon can consider providing incentives or education to customers to encourage their adoption. Additionally, Amazon can explore innovative solutions, such as developing biodegradable or compostable plastic bags that are more environmentally friendly. By combining policy measures, consumer engagement, and sustainable alternatives, Amazon can effectively phase out single-use plastic bags and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging program
Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) program is designed to address the common issue of difficult-to-open packages that often result in a poor customer experience. Unlike traditional packaging, FFP is specifically designed for e-commerce shipping, ensuring the product is protected while being easy to open. The FFP program also uses packing materials that are 100% recyclable, reducing packaging waste.
The FFP program offers several benefits to sellers and shoppers. For sellers, FFP has the potential to lower costs by reducing packaging materials, transportation, labour, and waste in the supply chain. Amazon provides free certification for the program, with a quick approval process that typically takes a couple of weeks. Positive customer experiences and improved seller feedback are also benefits of the FFP program, as customers are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase if it is conveniently packaged and easy to open.
Amazon has also implemented other initiatives to reduce its packaging weight and plastic consumption. The company has developed test methods in partnership with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) to optimise packaging and protect products during delivery. As a result, Amazon has reduced the average per-shipment packaging weight by 43% since 2015, avoiding more than 3 million metric tons of packaging material.
In addition to weight reduction, Amazon has made efforts to decrease its use of plastic packaging. In 2023, the company reduced its average plastic packaging weight per shipment by 9% across its global operations, building on a 17% reduction in 2022. Amazon has also committed to phasing out plastic air pillows and plastic-padded shipping bags from its shipments, with a goal of removing all plastic delivery packaging from its fulfillment centres. These initiatives have helped Amazon avoid 80,500 metric tons of single-use plastic packaging since 2020.
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Frequently asked questions
Contact Amazon’s customer service and request that they avoid plastic-heavy packaging for your orders. You can also ask them to make a note in your account to avoid plastic packaging or extra packaging where possible.
Amazon has committed to reducing its use of plastic packaging. In 2023, the company avoided more than 446,000 metric tons of packaging and 80,500 metric tons of single-use plastic packaging since 2020. Amazon also offers a Frustration-Free Packaging service, which eliminates the need for an additional box.
Request that multiple items be sent together in one bulk delivery. This reduces the number of cardboard boxes and plastic packaging used. You can also select the "no rush" delivery option, which allows your order to be consolidated with other orders going to your area, reducing the number of delivery trips.
Before ordering from Amazon, check if the item is available at a local store that offers delivery or in-store pickup. You can also try shopping from eco-friendly retailers that use paper, glass, or metal packaging, which can be recycled or composted.
