In a decisive move towards sustainability, Amazon has announced plans to phase out plastic air pillows from its packaging by the end of this year. This initiative marks a substantial step in the company’s efforts to reduce plastic waste, a pressing environmental concern.
The decision comes after Amazon successfully eliminated 95% of single-use box fillers in North America, with recycled paper emerging as the preferred alternative. Not only is recycled paper easier to recycle, but it also provides effective protection for products during transit, ensuring that customers’ purchases arrive safely.
Amazon’s move addresses significant environmental challenges it faces. Earlier estimates by nonprofit organization Oceana highlighted the e-commerce giant’s substantial plastic footprint, amounting to 208 million pounds of plastic waste generated from packaging products in the US alone in 2022. Although global plastic packaging use saw a decrease of 11.6% that year, the US operations saw a 10% increase.
The shift towards paper-based packaging isn’t new for Amazon, having already phased out plastic packaging in Europe and India. By eliminating nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows annually from circulation, Amazon anticipates a notable reduction in its plastic waste output.
“This represents our most significant commitment yet to reducing plastic waste,” stated Amazon spokesperson in a press release. The company’s dedication to sustainability reflects a broader corporate responsibility to environmental stewardship, aiming to set a precedent for the industry.