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Amazon has switched from plastic air pillows to recycled paper for its packaging in North America. It says that paper is more environmentally friendly and works better.
The company stated on June 20 that they have already replaced 95% of plastic air pillows in North America with paper filler and are working to remove them completely by the end of the year.
Amazon said that it wanted to make sure customers received their items in good condition, while using the least amount of packaging possible to reduce waste and prioritize recyclable materials.
Amazon is ranked No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America and No. Transport Topics’ Top 100 list of North America’s largest logistics companies ranks Amazon No. 1 and no. 1 on its Top 50 global freight carriers list. It also ranks No. 1 on the TT Top 50 Global freight carriers list. It is also ranked No. It also ranks No. 9 on the TT Top 100 Private Carriers list.
Update on our efforts to reduce plastic packaging.
Paper filler has officially replaced 95% plastic air pillows in North America’s delivery packaging.
This change will save us from using nearly 15 BILLION air pillows each year.
That means for… pic.twitter.com/i6nIDjeQhB — Amazon (@amazon) June 20, 2024
The company will reduce the use of plastic air pillows by almost 15 billion per year.
Amazon says that almost all Prime Day deliveries this year will be plastic pillows without air pillows.
Amazon began the transition away from plastic air cushions in Ohio in October, at an automated fulfillment centre. The company stated that they were able to test out and learn from the center in Ohio, which helped them move quickly to transition to recycled paper filling.
The transition process included replacing machinery and training staff on new systems and equipment.
Amazon found that its paper filler is as effective, if no better, than plastic air pillows. It is 100% recyclable and can be recycled curbside.
Christian Garcia, a fulfillment center employee at Amazon in Bakersfield (Calif.), said in a press release that the paper-filler is easier to use and that the machine gives staff more room to pack orders.
The company stated that it is continuing its efforts to reduce waste, including a campaign to ship products without any extra packaging. Amazon said that in 2022, 11% all packages shipped worldwide by Amazon were delivered without any additional packaging.
Another effort is to pilot a new technology with the artificial intelligence and robotics firm Glacier. AI-powered robots will automate the sorting and collection of recycling streams by companies. It also partners with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop new materials and recycling programmes.