What happens when one of the world’s largest retailers invests in biodegradable bags? Amazon’s pilot program in Valencia Spain holds the answer.
If you’ve ever imagined a world without plastic pollution, that reality might not be too far off. Companies are rolling out initiatives to reduce their contribution to pollution, waste, and climate change. In particular, they’re investing in alternatives to single-use plastic. Depending on where you live, you might be one of the lucky few to test-drive these initiatives. In Valencia, Spain, Amazon launched a pilot program for Amazon Fresh orders to be delivered in bio-based bags instead of single-use plastic bags. Depending on the success of the program, more cities could see the conglomerate roll out similar programs with biobased bags. As one of the world’s largest retailers, this program is a major indicator for how companies can create roadmaps to reduce single-use plastic packaging.
Plastic pollution is a global problem. Since 1950 global plastic production has increased 200-fold. So too has plastic pollution, with an estimated 21 million tons of plastic polluting water resources yearly that can take as long as 200 years to decompose. “The way we produce, use, and dispose of plastics is polluting ecosystems, creating risks for human health, and destabilizing the climate,” states Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. Plastic pollution is a global problem that needs to be addressed with major shifts like this one- swapping single-use plastic for bio-based materials.
The Biodegradable Bag Trials
Engaging customers in a closed loop system is the end goal of Amazon’s bio-based program. The company has started its biodegradable bag trials in several regions across the globe to assess how effectively these bags can handle various products. The trials offer bags made from various materials that decompose effectively. Some bags are made from PLA (polylactic acid), a corn-based material while others are made from vegetable oil byproducts.
To date, the initial feedback is generally positive with 75% of customers expressing satisfaction. This is important, as it’ll be a deciding factor as the company decides whether or not to expand its offer of bio-based bags for Amazon Fresh customers.
The Potential Impact of Biodegradable Bags on E-commerce
Amazon’s sustainable delivery bags are made from a biobased material called Mater-bi. This plastic-like material is made from vegetable byproducts like corn or potato starch, and vegetable oil. Traditional plastic bags are made from fossil fuels, but this bioplastic material is plant-based and has the ability to decompose naturally within months. It also has the potential to be recycled and made into new bags.
If used on a global scale, Mater bi could significantly reduce waste across the e-commerce sector. And when used at scale, it could lead to less plastic in landfills and oceans which in turn leads to healthier ecosystems.
Consumer Tips: Choosing Sustainable Alternatives
Until Amazon and other delivery services offer sustainable packaging solutions for all of their customers, there are several steps we as consumers can take to avoid single-use plastic.
- Choose recyclable packaging like paper, aluminium, glass, or zero packaging. If there’s a choice between two products, choose the product with recycled or refillable packaging.
- Shop for certifications. Paper products will have an FSC label to guarantee that the paper was sourced from trees protected by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Familiarize yourself with environmental terms such as “Compostable”, “Circular” or “Biodegradable.” These indicate that the product meets specific standards for breaking down safely.
- Support companies that prioritize sustainable practices. Your purchasing decisions can influence retailers to adopt greener solutions.
If the trial proves successful and is adopted on a larger scale it has the potential to monumentally shift the e-commerce sector towards more plastic-free solutions. As ecommerce evolves, so must its practices. And, biodegradable packaging stands as a roadmap towards reducing plastic pollution on a global scale.