Amazon is transitioning to an all-paper packaging solution, aiming to eliminate plastic from its shipping materials. The e-commerce company reported a 16.4% reduction in single-use plastic delivery packaging globally last year. This shift is part of its broader sustainability efforts, which include the use of recycled paper for cushioning, replacing the previously used inflated plastic pillows.
At the Packaging Innovation Lab in Sumner, Wash., products undergo rigorous testing to guarantee they arrive undamaged without plastic. The lab features advanced automated devices that help produce paper bags and boxes designed for efficient shipping. John Sly, senior lab and field manager at Amazon, confirmed the company's focus on using paper due to its superior recyclability.
As of 2024, more than half of Amazon's North American fulfillment centers have moved away from all plastic materials in shipping. However, despite these advancements, Amazon's carbon footprint increased by 6% last year, attributed to data center expansion. The company has yet to set a definitive timeline for the complete phase-out of plastics but tracks its progress in annual sustainability reports.