Efforts to reduce Amazon packaging waste are widely supported, with 76% of U.S. consumers favoring minimal packaging. Learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle your packaging this holiday season for a greener celebration.
Excess packaging waste from online shopping is a growing concern for environmentally conscious consumers. The holiday season amplifies this issue, as increased orders lead to more boxes and filler materials piling up.
The good news? Amazon offers several initiatives to help reduce packaging waste while keeping your deliveries efficient.
Holiday Shopping on Amazon: Sustainability and Convenience
With inflation still a concern, 61% of Americans plan to shop primarily online this holiday season, turning to platforms like Amazon for convenience and value. Last year, holiday shoppers averaged three packages weekly, highlighting the growing reliance on e-commerce during the festive season.
Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
- 36% of Americans say they are more conscious about recycling during the holiday season than at other times of the year.
- 76% of consumers favor receiving deliveries with minimal or no extra packaging.
- A remarkable 89% are likely to upcycle or reuse packaging waste, such as turning boxes into decorations or gift wrap.
Maryann Michela, Senior Director, PDI TechnologiesThere are more compelling reasons than ever for retailers and brands to understand and act upon consumer sentiment toward sustainable businesses.
Amazon's Approach to a Sustainable Holiday Season
- Combines lab testing, machine learning, and materials science to create effective and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Designs right-sized and lighter packaging to reduce waste, carbon emissions, and ensure curbside recyclability while maintaining product safety.
- Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) program to use the manufacturer’s original packaging to minimize additional packaging and shipping weight.
- Innovates to replace single-use plastics with easily recyclable alternatives across its packaging processes.
Why Sellers Need to Join the Green Movement
Sellers should prioritize sustainability in packaging to meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. The Simon-Kucher Global Sustainability Study 2024 shows that while affordability matters, consumers increasingly choose brands that prioritize sustainability.
By targeting the right segments, offering certified sustainable products, and being transparent, sellers can build trust and loyalty. Explore ways to repurpose, recycle, and reduce Amazon packaging waste to stay competitive and make a positive environmental impact.
CoolCaliforniaPracticing sustainability can also lead to an improved brand image and competitive advantage.
6 Ways to Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste
1. Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste By Combining Orders
This holiday season, Prime members can use Amazon Day to choose one day a week to receive all their packages. This helps reduce the number of deliveries by combining orders into fewer shipments.
In 2024, this has led to a 20% reduction in boxes and lower carbon emissions compared to other delivery options.
2. Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste By Upcycling Packaging
Repurpose cardboard boxes and paper filler into holiday decorations, custom gift boxes, or wrapping materials. A recent Harris Poll survey shows that 89% of Americans plan to creatively reuse Amazon packaging this season.
3. Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste By Donating Packaging
Use a Give Back Box. The holiday season is about giving, and with Give Back Box, you can donate items in your Amazon boxes. Simply print a shipping label, fill the boxes with items in good condition, and send them to those in need—helping others, recycling your boxes, and clearing space at home.
4. Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste By Reusing Packaging
Make custom gift boxes or wrapping. According to a survey, 68% of Americans want to save on gift-wrapping costs this season. Amazon boxes and paper fillers can be creatively reused for gift boxes, tags, and wrapping.
5. Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste By Using SIPP
The best solution is often using what’s already available. With SIPP program, eligible items are shipped in their original packaging, without extra Amazon packaging. This reduces waste and delivery weight.
Amazon identifies and certifies items with suitable packaging, and encouraging vendors to redesign their packaging to meet SIPP standards.
6. Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste By Designing Eco-Friendly Packaging
Designing eco-friendly packaging for your Amazon business is a strategic choice that benefits the environment, society, and your bottom line. To create sustainable packaging, focus on three key pillars:
1. Material Selection
Choose materials that minimize environmental impact. Opt for renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials, like recycled cardboard or plant-based plastics. Avoid single-use synthetic plastics, which contribute to waste and pollution.
2. Efficiency
Streamline your packaging to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Use as little material as necessary, ensuring packaging is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. This lowers shipping costs and reduces the carbon footprint of your deliveries.
3. End-of-Life Considerations
Ensure your packaging can be reused, recycled, or composted. Avoid materials that create waste at the end of their useful life. Consider innovative solutions like reusable containers or a circular economy model, where packaging can be returned and refilled.
As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, adopting eco-friendly packaging can enhance your brand’s reputation, build customer loyalty, and reduce business risks. By aligning your packaging practices with eco-conscious values, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position your business for long-term success.
Capitalize on Eco-Friendly Packaging to Reduce Amazon Packaging Waste
1. Highlight Eco-Friendly Practices Across Your Listings
Mention your sustainable packaging in your product descriptions to attract environmentally-conscious consumers. Showcase your eco-friendly packaging in listing images to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
Use A+ Content to dive deeper into your sustainable packaging efforts and educate customers. Feature your eco-friendly approach on your Brand Store, highlighting your environmental responsibility.
2. Create Compelling Videos
Share the story behind your sustainable packaging with videos, demonstrating the positive impact on the environment. Use videos to showcase how your eco-friendly practices align with your brand values, boosting customer trust.
3. Promote Sustainability on Social Media and Marketing Channels
Regularly post about your sustainable packaging on social media to engage with eco-conscious followers. Use your marketing materials to emphasize how your products contribute to reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability.
4. Collaborate with Environmental Organizations
Partner with environmental organizations to amplify your sustainability message and reach a broader audience. Highlight these partnerships in your marketing to show your commitment to meaningful environmental change.
5. Educate Through Webinars or Workshops
Host webinars or workshops focused on sustainability and packaging to educate and involve your community. Use these opportunities to explain how your brand is actively reducing Amazon packaging waste and involving customers in the process.
Reduce Amazon Packaging Order Waste, But Don't Forget Your Brand
Sellers should never underestimate the power of branding when designing product packaging. Packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand, so it’s essential to make it memorable.
Strong, cohesive branding on your packaging can reinforce your identity, build customer trust, and create a positive unboxing experience. Want to learn more about the impact of branded packaging? Watch this video:
Adopting practices to reduce Amazon packaging waste, such as designing sustainable packaging that meets both environmental and Amazon’s guidelines comes with challenges. Educating customers about these efforts and effectively showcasing them on product pages can also be difficult.
Partnering with an Amazon agency helps you overcome these challenges by optimizing listings, showcasing eco-friendly packaging, and ensuring compliance with Amazon’s standards, maximizing your sustainability impact.
