Amazon will replace plastic air pillows with recycled paper in its packaging to reduce plastic waste.
Amaris Encinas reports for USA TODAY.
In short:
- Amazon will eliminate plastic air pillows from its packaging by the end of the year, switching to recycled paper.
- The company used around 15 billion plastic air pillows annually, which will be replaced to cut down on plastic waste.
- The change follows a report highlighting Amazon's significant plastic waste, which reached 599 million pounds in 2020.
Key quote:
"We want to ensure that customers receive their items undamaged, while using as little packaging as possible to avoid waste, and prioritizing recyclable materials."
— Amazon news release
Why this matters:
Reducing plastic waste is essential to minimizing environmental damage, particularly in oceans. Amazon's move could set a precedent for other companies to adopt more sustainable packaging practices.
