LOGISTIK HEUTE: What was the trigger for introducing new packaging solutions at the European level?
Thais Blumer: Our goal is to develop packaging solutions that support our long-term sustainability strategy without compromising the protection of shipments. Therefore, in 2019 we began gradually phasing out single-use plastic packaging in our European logistics centers. Instead, since 2023 we have fully switched to recyclable, paper-based alternatives, such as padded paper envelopes and paper filling material.
Why did you decide to save material by reducing packaging volume?
We are convinced of our strategy to reduce packaging as much as possible. Because lighter, more flexible and precisely fitting packaging helps reduce emissions per shipment: they require less material and thus less space in delivery vehicles. More than 50 percent of our European shipments now arrive in reduced packaging—such as paper bags or flat cardboard mailers—or with no additional shipping packaging at all. I am particularly proud of our recyclable, paper-padded envelopes, which we rolled out across Europe last year. They replace equally sized cartons and reliably protect both single and multiple items. Thanks to their light weight and the fact that no filler is
needed, we save an average of 44 grams of packaging per shipment.
Are reusable shipping packaging not an option for you?
We continuously explore various approaches to reduce packaging. Currently our focus is on minimizing packaging material overall—whether through a smaller volume or by completely forgoing additional shipping packaging. In this regard we are working with manufacturers to test and certify products that can be shipped securely in their original packaging—without any extra carton or Amazon envelope. We simply apply a shipping label and the shipment is ready for dispatch. In Europe we have already delivered more than a billion such shipments—this represents enormous savings in shipping packaging.
How did you come up with the idea to retrofit an existing machine for your precisely sized paper envelopes?
After we had stopped using single-use plastic packaging in Europe, our packaging engineers looked for clever solutions to continue using the existing machines. By developing a particularly lightweight and durable recycled paper, we were able to convert the former plastic packaging machines into fully automatic systems for paper packaging. These use sensors to capture the product's dimensions in real time and cut
the packaging precisely to size. The result is a stable, heat-sealed paper bag that requires no adhesive and thus minimizes empty space. Based on this success, at our innovation event "Delivering the Future" in May 2025 in Dortmund we announced plans to roll out this technology across Europe. By the end of this year we plan to deploy more than 70 of these machines in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain — more than 30 of them in Germany alone. The machines can save on average more than 26 grams of packaging material per shipment. And the paper bags used are up to 90 percent lighter than equally large cartons.
Cartons are a good lead-in. You’ve also introduced a new solution for them, right?
Yes, in addition to the machines for paper bags, we are now progressively also deploying machines for manufacturing tailor-made cartons for heavier or more delicate items. In addition, high-speed labelers that can apply smaller labels directly onto paper bags or onto original packaging — even on irregular surfaces. All of these innovations pursue one goal: to reduce packaging volume, avoid waste, and increase
efficiency in the European delivery network.
What advantages does this offer?
First and foremost, we require significantly less material for packaging. In addition, the paper bags are recyclable, require no adhesive, and can be used with minimal empty space. They are lighter and more flexible than cardboard packaging. Tailored packaging also helps to reduce delivery emissions — through lower material use, less waste, and better space utilization in vehicles, allowing more packages to be shipped with fewer vehicles. And because we repurposed existing machines, we did not have to invest in new systems — which significantly accelerated the rollout.
Do you plan further measures in the area of packaging?
We continuously work on innovations. Since 2015, Amazon's packaging programs have helped save more than four million tons of packaging material worldwide. In addition, we are investing in pilot projects with bio-based, biodegradable and compostable materials — for example for Amazon Fresh in Spain. Our goal is to deploy as many lightweight, flexible and reduced packaging solutions as possible — so that we can continue to package as efficiently as possible in the future.
The questions were posed by Sandra
