Environmental concerns mount over Amazon's plastic packaging

Amazon Prime truck credit Elvert Barnes CC BY SA 20
Sustainability

A recent Oceana study sheds light on the increasing plastic packaging waste generated by Amazon in the United States.

According to the report titled "Amazon’s United States of Plastic," the e-commerce giant produced an estimated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2022, marking a significant 9.6% rise from the previous year. This surge in plastic waste, primarily in the form of air pillows, underscores a growing environmental concern.

The calculation of Amazon's plastic footprint was based on available market data, with adjustments made considering recent public disclosures by the company regarding changes in its plastic packaging practices. While Amazon has reported a reduction in its global plastic delivery packaging by 11.6% in 2022 compared to 2021, efforts to curb plastic usage have predominantly focused outside the U.S., particularly in Europe, where the company has transitioned to 100% recyclable paper and cardboard packaging.

Despite these global efforts, a substantial amount of plastic packaging waste still finds its way into marine environments. Oceana estimates that up to 22 million pounds of Amazon's plastic packaging waste from 2022 may contribute to marine plastic pollution, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable packaging solutions.

Amazon Prime truck © Elvert Barnes (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Matt Littlejohn, Oceana’s Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, said: Amazon’s failure to reduce plastic in the U.S. is troubling. The company has dramatically reduced plastic packaging in other major markets including India and Europe. Why are U.S. customers being left behind? According to research by YouGov, 85% of Amazon customers in the U.S. reported being concerned about plastic pollution. It’s time for Amazon to step up and commit to a global plastic packaging reduction everywhere it operates — including in the U.S.

Latest Packaging News

Bradman Lake to showcase compact cartoner and case packer at PPMA Total Show
Supplier News

Bradman Lake to showcase compact cartoner and case packer at PPMA Total Show

Bradman Lake, a global leader in packaging technology, will present its compact cartoner and case...
The ultimate guide to commercial packaging solutions
Supplier News

The ultimate guide to commercial packaging solutions

In today’s competitive market, commercial packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring products are...
Amazon advances global packaging reduction and sustainability efforts
Sustainability

Amazon advances global packaging reduction and sustainability efforts

Around the world, Amazon continues to focus on reducing packaging and making the materials it uses...
Amcor announces shortlist for latest Lift-Off competition
Business

Amcor announces shortlist for latest Lift-Off competition

Four innovative start-ups selected for solutions that provide barriers for compostable substrates...
Bradman Lake unveils WR6X: A revolutionary robotic case packer designed to maximise output without expanding footprint
Supplier News

Bradman Lake unveils WR6X: A revolutionary robotic case packer designed to maximise output without expanding footprint

Bradman Lake, a leading British manufacturer of integrated packaging technology, is proud to...