Amazon has announced that all its delivery packaging in Europe is now recyclable.
This includes items sold directly by the online retail giant, as well as third party partners through Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA). All customers are now receiving their orders in flexible paper bags, cardboard envelopes and corrugated cardboard boxes.
Amazon says the number of products shipped without any additional Amazon packaging has also increased by more than 50% in Europe. Products are shipped with just an address label added.
Pat Lindner, VP of mechatronics and sustainable packaging at the retailer, said: “We’re excited that our European fulfilment network is now using recyclable packaging for customer orders. This is part of our long-term work to be a leader in sustainability, and we’ll continue to invest in innovative technology, machine learning, and more sustainable materials to ensure packaging - whether used by us or other companies - is good for our customers, communities, and the planet.”
It comes after Amazon introduced a new charge for Prime members for same-day delivery. The new fee of £1.99 now applies if your same-day delivery order comes under £20. This kicked in from September 18.
Not all Prime deliveries are eligible for same-day delivery. If same-day delivery is available, you normally need to place your order before midday to get your package by 10pm. The fee for customers who are not Prime members will remain £5.99. Amazon Prime membership costs £8.99 a month or £95 a year.
In an email sent to Prime members, Amazon wrote: "As we invest to improve our same-day delivery service we are writing to let you know about an update to the same-day delivery options available for Prime members in eligible postcodes. The majority of Prime members currently receive most of their Prime orders with one-day delivery, while free same-day delivery can be manually selected for eligible orders.
"From September 18, 2023 eligible Prime orders under £20 will continue to be shipped with free one-day delivery. Where available, same-day delivery can be selected at checkout, but there will be a fee of £1.99 per delivery for orders under £20.”