Amazon shoppers may notice changes in their packages in the next few weeks
Amazon shoppers may notice a difference in their parcels in the coming weeks as the online giant has made a significant change. As part of its commitment to avoiding unnecessary packaging wherever possible, Amazon scientists and engineers worked with a packaging industry expert to develop a new paper-padded envelope with shock-absorbent, paper-based lining.
This means Amazon parcels may appear slightly different from previous versions. The new envelopes, which have started landing on UK doorsteps, protect deliveries without using any plastic content — unlike envelopes lined with bubble wrap which had been used previously.
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Due to the lightweight lining, Amazon said the package itself is much lighter than equivalent-sized cardboard boxes. The new paper-padded envelope uses engineered lightweight paper for the outer package and is paired with a corrugate inner lining that provides resilience and protection, despite only being a few millimetres thick.
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The design of this lining also features multiple ridges, allowing the packaging to fold around its contents. The new paper-padded envelopes are available in three sizes and can be used to protect single and multiple items.
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These include common everyday purchases ranging from skincare and health supplements to home and office items, as well as toys. Thais Blumer, European head of sustainable packaging for Amazon said: “Amazon stopped using traditional bubble-wrap padded envelopes in Europe several years ago, which presented a challenge to develop light, flexible and fully recyclable paper packaging that provides the same protection.
“Achieving both low weight and maximum protection with a 100% recyclable paper envelope was not an easy task, but these envelopes are easy to pack, simple for customers to recycle at home, and enable damage-free deliveries.”