Amazon makes changes to parcels delivered to UK addresses
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.
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.
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."