Amazon announced on Thursday that it has removed 95% of the plastic air pillows from its packaging in North America. These will be replaced with paper fillers made from 100% recycled content.
This initiative is Amazon's largest effort to reduce plastic packaging and will help eliminate nearly 15 billion plastic pillows annually.
"We aim to fully remove plastic air pillows in North America by the end of the year. We will continue to innovate, test, and scale to prioritize curbside recyclable materials," said Pat Lindner, VP of Mechatronics and Sustainable Packaging.
Amazon began transitioning away from plastic filler in October 2023, announcing its first U.S. automated fulfillment center to eliminate plastic-delivery packaging. The company collaborated with suppliers to source paper fillers that are also curbside recyclable.
This is not Amazon’s first step to reduce packaging waste. In 2015, the company launched the Ships in Product Packaging program, aiming to reduce the use of its signature brown box by shipping products in their original packaging.
Key Points
Amazon's transition will result in the annual use of nearly 15 billion fewer plastic pillows.
The paper fillers introduced are made from 100% recyclable materials and are suitable for curbside recycling.
This transition commenced in October 2023, with the opening of Amazon's first U.S. automated fulfillment center designed to eliminate plastic delivery packaging.
FAQs
Q1. Is this Amazon’s first effort to reduce packaging waste?
No, in 2015, Amazon launched the Ships in Product Packaging program to reduce the use of its brown boxes by shipping products in their original packaging.
Q2. How does this change benefit the environment?
This change reduces plastic waste and promotes using recyclable materials, helping protect the environment.
Q3. What other steps is Amazon taking to improve sustainability?
Amazon is continuously innovating, testing, and scaling new solutions to prioritize using curbside recyclable materials in its packaging.
Q4. What will replace the plastic air pillows?
The plastic air pillows will be replaced with paper fillers made from 100% recycled materials.
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