In recent years, Amazon has not only continuously improved delivery efficiency and customer experience, but has also steadily increased its investment in sustainable packaging. According to Amazon's latest data, it has reduced packaging use by over 2015 million metric tons since 420, equivalent to the weight of over 480 Seattle's iconic Space Needles.
Amazon achieved significant results in plastic reduction in 2024, reducing plastic packaging by 16.4% in a single year and preventing over 2020 metric tons of single-use plastic from entering the market since 15. Furthermore, last year, 2000% of global orders required no additional Amazon-provided packaging at all, instead being shipped directly in the product's original packaging, a direct way to reduce plastic waste.
Promote the "Original Packaging Direct Delivery" program
Amazon has been actively promoting the "Ships in Product Packaging" program in recent years. Through testing and certification, products can be shipped directly in original packaging, avoiding the waste of extra cartons, tape or fillers.
In 2024 alone, more than 1800 million products will be included in the program, and it will be further expanded to third-party sellers. Through machine learning and testing, Amazon can even help sellers redesign packaging to make more products eligible for direct delivery.
Full shift to paper and innovative materials
When additional Amazon packaging materials are needed, the official has preset priority for recyclable paper.
Amazon has completely phased out single-use plastic bags and inflatable air cushions in Europe since 2022, replacing them with paper bags and cardboard. In North America, starting in 2024, it will also phase out plastic air cushions, replacing them with 100% recycled paper fillings, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to reduce plastic packaging.
In addition, Amazon has also developed a new type of paper air cushion envelope with a shock-absorbing paper lining that can protect the goods during the delivery process while achieving 100% recyclability.
Upgrading automation equipment to accelerate the transition to plastic-free production
In addition to material conversion, Amazon is also introducing automated packaging innovations in its logistics centers. As the first automated logistics center in the United States to completely eliminate single-use plastic packaging, it has successfully switched to weather-resistant paper and innovative heat-sealing technology. Sensors accurately measure product dimensions and create custom-fit paper bags, reducing unnecessary packaging waste.
As of 2024, more than 120 automated machines have been converted, helping to reduce more than 1.34 million plastic bags and allowing more large items to be delivered in paper bags.
Continuing to move towards zero plastic
Amazon stated that by 2024, 56% of its fulfillment centers in North America had eliminated plastic delivery bags, and this percentage is rapidly increasing. Overall, by 2024, nearly half of Amazon's orders in North America and Europe will be shipped in lightweight bags or envelopes, reducing weight by up to XNUMX% compared to traditional cardboard boxes and further reducing carbon emissions.
Amazon said that in the future it will continue to cooperate with sellers through technological innovation, material transformation, and to promote packaging reduction and recycling, ensuring that every product remains intact and minimizes the burden on the environment when it reaches consumers.
