Amazon has decided to eliminate the plastic air pillows of their packages, replacing them with paper filling, as reported in a statement. This change is part of the company’s strategic plan to reduce the waste and use recyclable materials in their logistics centers. Pat Lindnervice president of packaging sustainable from Amazon, mentioned that the goal is to eradicate these air pillows in North America by the end of 2024.
This measure will allow Amazon to stop using around 15 billion of plastic air pillows every year. In addition, customers will begin to notice the absence of these pillows starting next month, coinciding with the Prime Day. The company explained that the new paper filler is made of content 100% recycled and provides a equivalent protection during shipments.
Amazon thus joins other large companies that have made similar commitments to reduce the use of plastics. Among them are PepsiCo, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Philip Morris International and Marsaccording to an account of the League of Women Voters. Likewise, in April, starbucks introduced a new line of cups that, according to the company, will prevent more than 6.1 million kilograms of plastic from ending up in landfills each year.
The problem of plastic in the oceans has reached alarming levels. According to data from the nonprofit conservation group Oceaniait is estimated that 14.9 million tons of the world’s plastic garbage enters the oceans every year. These materials eventually break down into small fragments known as microplastics. A 2020 study found that there were 1.9 million pieces of microplastic in an area of approximately 11 square feet in the sea Mediterranean.
Microplastics constitute a significant risk to the Marine life, which can ingest these particles. Marine fauna that consume plastics can be eaten by larger predators, which in turn could be ingested by humans. Furthermore, the costs of cleaning up the plastic, along with the related financial losses for the fishing and other industries, amount to approximately 13 billion dollars per year, according to United Nations.
Amazon’s effort to eliminate plastic air pillows and replace them with more sustainable alternatives is part of a global movement to reduce pollution. pollution plastic. Growing concern for the environment and consumer pressure have led several companies to seek greener solutions and adopt measures that minimize their environmental impact.
It is crucial to mention that the paper fill that Amazon will implement is not only made from recycled material, but has also been designed to provide a effective protection during shipments. This is essential to maintain the integrity of the products and ensure that they reach consumers in good condition.
Amazon’s commitment to sustainability is not new. The company has been working to reduce its carbon footprint and improve its environmental practices at different levels of its operation. The elimination of plastic air pillows is just one of many initiatives underway to address environmental challenges and move towards a more sustainable future.
