Amazon eliminates single-use plastics at fulfilment centres

The steps to achieve complete the elimination of single-use plastic in its fulfilment network include replacing plastic materials such as bubble wraps and air pillows with paper cushion in its packaging. The company also introduced plastic-free and biodegradable paper tape earlier this year, which is used to seal and secure customer shipments.

In addition, the company replaced thin cling films for customer deliveries among other material with packaging options that are not single-use plastic in nature. And all other plastic packaging material originating from the fulfilment centres is 100% recyclable through the available collection, segregation and recycling channels, claims the company.

Prakash Kumar Dutta, director, customer fulfilment and supply chain, Amazon India said, “The elimination of single-use plastic in our packaging across our fulfilment centres marks an important milestone in our relentless journey towards building a sustainable supply chain. We aim to minimise environmental impact while elevating the customer experience.”

Furthermore, the company recently announced the expansion of its packaging-free shipping initiative in more than 100 cities in the country. The company claims that it has been using reusable totes for its deliveries and is securing multiple shipments together in a reusable crate or a corrugated box to reduce secondary packaging.

It also claims that it has been collecting and recycling plastic waste equivalent to its usage at a national level from September 2019, and has identified collection agencies to help collect all plastic waste generated from usage across its fulfilment networks.

“While navigating through unprecedented challenges with the lockdown and pandemic in the last few months, we have continued to take progressive steps towards ensuring that we meet our commitment. We strongly believe that moving towards sustainable practices is good for the planet, the customers, and the business, and we will continue to invest and innovate on this front,” added Dutta.