There are small gestures that can do a lot in terms of ecology, or rather waste of resources, especially when your name is Amazon.
As part of ” The Climate Pledge “, Amazon’s commitment to achieve zero net CO2 emissions by 2040, the e-commerce giant is trying to show its credentials by continuing its efforts: it is the packaging that is targeted this time, in particular the protections they contain.
A low impact decision, always good to make
Needless to say, Amazon is the world leader in e-commerce, and this domination is found in France. Inevitably, even small gestures can have an impact for a multinational that ships no less than 10,000 parcels per minute internationally.
Amazon has thus announced the (gradual) elimination of plastic air cushions in its packaging. These elements are indeed used to protect the products to be delivered. Amazon’s logistics network will now use easy-to-recycle wrapping paper to cushion products and use cardboard envelopes rather than plastic sleeves.
The company also explains in its press release that these wrapping papers come from 100% recycled materials and are also 100% recyclable. Products from partner sellers affiliated with the “FBA” program are also affected by this new policy.
Paper yes, but not for everyone
Amazon multiplies the arguments to recolor its image in green. The company explains in particular that it has reduced the average weight of packaging per package shipped by more than 36% since 2015, by eliminating more than one million tonnes of packaging materials.
The online merchant explains, however, that its European customers are still at risk of receiving packages containing single-use plastic. Several reasons are mentioned, for example when the contents are likely to spill. The eternal bubble wrap will also continue to be used for certain fragile products and Amazon may “impose” the addition of additional plastic packaging depending on weather conditions. Also mentioned are the products of partner sellers, stored in Amazon warehouses, which are already packaged in suitable plastic bags. Finally, some partner sellers ship the products themselves, which explains why Amazon does not control the entire packaging chain.
In short, from the sale to the purchase of superfluous products, including the reception, storage and dispatch of millions of packages, the giant’s logistics chains are still far from being green and great efforts will have to be made to do ” Climate Pledge » a virtuous commitment to the planet.
Source: Press release
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