Amazon’s packaging in Europe is now recyclable

All boxes, bags and envelopes used by Amazon for deliveries in Europe are now recyclable. The company also states that an increasing number of products are being sent to customers without any additional packaging.

Amazon proudly announces the milestone of 100 percent recyclable packaging, stating: “We are thrilled for our customers to receive packages in flexible paper bags, cardboard envelopes, and corrugated cardboard boxes, which are easily recyclable in household recycling across Europe.”

FBA-orders

This applies to both the orders on Amazon sites in Europe where the company is the selling party itself, and to purchases from third-party sellers for which Amazon handles order processing (Fulfilment by Amazon or FBA).

Amazon also mentions that the number of products shipped without any additional packaging has grown by more than 50 percent in Europe, thanks to agreements with suppliers. The packaging is robust enough to make the journey to the customer, with Amazon adding only an address label after the order is placed.

In the Netherlands, Amazon recently introduced a program to promote shipping without an outer box, called ‘Ships in Product Packaging’. All products have passed drop tests to ensure they arrive safely at the customer in their original product packaging. The customer is informed during the ordering process that the item will be delivered without additional packaging, but they can request it if needed, for example, if it is a gift.

More and more orders are being sent without any additional packaging

The initiatives contribute to reducing plastic usage, emphasizes Amazon in its press release: “We estimate to have avoided using more than one billion single-use plastic delivery bags from our European distribution network since 2019.”

Continuous investments

Pat Lindner, VP of Mechatronics and Sustainable Packaging at Amazon, says: “This is part of our long-term work to be a leader in sustainability. We will continue to invest in innovative technology, machine learning, and more sustainable materials to ensure packaging – whether used by us or other companies – is good for our customers, communities, and the planet.”

Amazon works to be a leader in sustainability

Amazon is piloting innovative packaging solutions across Europe, including padded envelopes made only with paper, reusable delivery bags, and incentives for selling partners to reduce their packaging.