Amazon officially started its initiative to omit plastic packaging on its deliveries starting with its fulfillment center in Euclid, Ohio.
Amazon Transitions From Plastic to Paper Packaging
Last July, Amazon announced its plan to eliminate single-use delivery bags by gradually transitioning to paper packaging. According to the company's 2022 sustainability report, Amazon's goal is to reduce its plastic packaging globally by 99 percent.
This means that the parcels will be packed using recyclable paper alternatives in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, the single-use air pillows used in Europe and Australia will be replaced by curbside-recyclable materials. By using such materials, the packaging can be 90 percent lighter than similar-sized rigid corrugated boxes.
"We had machines that were creating durable, right-sized, light packaging, but it wasn't curbside recyclable, so we took on a challenge and heavily invested in creating a new packaging that customers can easily recycle," Amazon's VP of mechatronics and sustainable packaging Pat Lindner shared.
Impact of Reducing Single-Use Plastic Usage Globally
E-commerce is only one of the major contributors to the immense usage of single-use plastics around the world. There is no doubt how much plastics pollute the environment. These plastics can last a lifetime and have proven to be dangerous to the environment, wildlife, and human life.
Lindner proudly announced that successfully shifting to paper packaging is a milestone. "This is just the beginning, as we continue to discover more ways to eliminate and reduce plastic packaging for our customers," he added.
Amazon did not disclose what warehouses will follow Ohio's transition but assured that the company will continue its investment in increasing curbside recyclability across all its operations.
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