According to a recent study commissioned by Amazon, 69% of Indian consumers are content to receive their online purchases without extra packaging. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the e-commerce giant to reduce the consumption of packaging materials and minimize the environmental footprint of its delivery processes.
The survey revealed that most customers are comfortable receiving everyday items such as clothing, detergent, and stationery in just their original manufacturer’s packaging, which merely includes an added address label. However, there remains a preference for discreet packaging for personal care items like contraceptive devices, certain creams, and bikini wax strips, as well as high-value products such as mobile phones and laptops.
Amazon India’s Vice President of Operations, Abhinav Singh, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We are not just aiming to reduce packaging but are working towards eliminating it where possible,” Singh said. “By collaborating with manufacturers to design packaging capable of withstanding the shipping process without additional layers, we have successfully enhanced our operational efficiency and sustainability.”
The items eligible for no added packaging have undergone rigorous testing by Amazon to ensure they can be delivered safely. These include various products ranging from tech accessories and homeware to shoes and luggage. Fragile items and liquids, however, continue to require extra packaging to ensure they reach customers without damage.
Customers also expressed confidence in this model because of Amazon’s robust customer service policies, which assure refunds or replacements for any issues with orders received without additional packaging.
Further aiding in these decisions, Amazon employs advanced machine learning algorithms that assess the durability of a manufacturer’s packaging based on the travel distance of the package, ensuring the safety and integrity of the products during transit.
As part of its global commitment to sustainability, Amazon is a co-founder and the first signatory of The Climate Pledge — a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040. The pledge now boasts over 450 signatories across 57 industries and 38 countries. Additionally, Amazon aims to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
