Flipkart introduces complete paper-based packaging in Maharashtra

As part of its efforts to move towards zero waste, the Indian eCommerce major said it has been able to reduce plastic packaging in its supply chain, and has cut down the usage of plastic packaging in its own supply chain to 50%.

Flipkart has also started phasing out plastic packaging from its own supply chain in Maharashtra through usage of paper-based packaging starting 1 May 2020.

The company adopted sustainable initiatives such as introduction of eco-friendly paper shreds, replacing poly pouches with recycled paper bags, replacing bubble wraps and airbags with carton waste shredded material and two-ply roll to name a few.

For its supply chain in Maharashtra, Flipkart has started replacing plastic security bags with security envelopes made of paper. In addition, all fillers and wrapping films have been replaced with cushioning materials made from recycled paper.

The company is also working with all policymakers, including state governments and other stakeholders to understand how it can provide a conducive and feasible transition path to lakhs of its seller partners to gradually adopt sustainable packaging alternatives, which could be affordable, scalable and widely available to them.

Rajneesh Kumar, chief corporate affairs officer, Flipkart Group, said, “Flipkart is strongly committed to environmental sustainability and is working actively with various partners on long-term sustainability initiatives, helping drive ecosystem awareness. We are pleased with the progress made in our own supply chain to introduce and explore different packaging concepts to have an impact now and in the future.”

Flipkart’s broader environmental sustainability efforts include introduction of electric vehicles in its last-mile delivery network, resource efficiency and use of renewables, waste reduction and management, and ISO 14001 certification for its strategic facilities, a crucial benchmark for the preparedness to prevent environmental pollution in the workplace.

Started in 2007, Flipkart works with over 200,000 local sellers, mostly MSMEs across the country, many of whom also ship customer orders directly and make their own packaging decisions. The company has a registered customer base of over 200 million, offering over 150 million products across more than 80 categories.