Amazon has wiped out all single-use plastic delivery bags across its own UK distribution network as it ramps up its sustainability drive.
The etailer has committed to delivering all items sold directly by Amazon, or by third-party sellers using its fulfilment services, in paper bags and cardboard envelopes.
Amazon is also increasing the number of products it sells that can be shipped to customers in their original packaging provided by the manufacturer, rather than being placed inside an additional cardboard box.
The online giant said, however, that customers would continue to receive larger deliveries in cardboard boxes.
Amazon said the removal of single-use plastic bags does not apply to third-party sellers who ship orders directly to customers and retain control over their own packaging. But the online giant said it would continue to “share our expertise on more sustainable packaging options and encourage selling partners to use them”.
Amazon’s UK boss John Boumphrey said: “We have made changes in our supply network that enable us to remove single-use plastic delivery bags in the UK.
“Customers are already receiving more deliveries in easily recyclable paper and cardboard, and we will keep innovating and finding ways to use more sustainable packaging.”
The move marks the latest step from Amazon on its journey to become net-zero carbon by 2040.
As part of The Climate Pledge commitment it co-founded, Amazon plans to reach 100% renewable energy across its operations by 2025 and has ordered more than 100,000 electric delivery vehicles globally.
Just last week, Amazon launched its first-ever fully electric fleet of heavy goods vehicles. The five 37-tonne vehicles, which have started operating from its fulfilment centres in Milton Keynes and Tilbury, will prevent 170 tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted every year.
Although Amazon has come in for criticism from some quarters for not moving fast enough with its green goals, consumers ranked the behemoth among the UK’s top five retailers in the sustainability stakes.
Findings from the Retail Week report, Green Is The New Black, saw Amazon finish in fifth in the list of most sustainable retailers brands in the eyes of consumers. It finished behind only H&M, Nike, Primark and Marks & Spencer.
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