ShipNaked campaign urges Amazon, Walmart and Target to eradicate “unnecessary” e-commerce packaging

10 Aug 2021 --- Environmental non-profit Habits of Waste (HOW) is calling out the wasteful packaging practices of e-commerce giants like Amazon, Walmart and Target. Dubbed “ShipNaked,” its latest campaign aims to pressure these retailers into eradicating all the “unnecessary” secondary material that is often added on top of manufacturers’ packaging.

Speaking to PackagingInsights, HOW’s founder and president, Sheila Morovati, says the idea for the campaign came to her after an online purchase. 

“Many manufacturers package their products inside boxes with plenty of packaging. The idea of ShipNaked was born when I received a handheld vacuum that came in the manufacturer’s box.”

“I was pleased to see that there wasn’t an additional cardboard box plus all the extra plastic because the item was safely packaged by the manufacturer. There are many, many products out there that do not need a second layer of packaging.” 

Innova Market Insights pegged “Home Delivery Haven,” a top trend for 2021, noting a boom in e-commerce and foodservice resulting from COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. This rise in delivery has also resulted in a spike in packaging. 

Reduction versus recycling 
Morovati asserts campaigns like this are necessary since the recycling innovations and initiatives launched by many online retailers to boost their eco-credentials often have little impact. 

Over 850 million tons of paper and cardboard is thrown away annually, according to HOW.A lack of appropriate waste management and recycling infrastructure often means recyclable materials are wasted all the same, she explains. Recycling rates for cardboard are also dropping, even as e-commerce is on the rise. 

“There are several theories about this. Some say that recycled cardboard is more expensive than virgin cardboard, so it’s not worth recycling it as they cannot compete. Another idea is that consumers aren’t recycling properly and including contaminated cardboard,” Morovati says.

“I believe that e-commerce companies should offer the choice for customers to choose recycled boxes, and this should increase demand for recycled packaging. Transparency is key to reducing this packaging crisis.” 

Efforts to improve recyclability by major online retailers include a recent move by CVS Health, Target and Walmart, who jointly launched in-store pilots testing the winning reusable shopping bag solutions from the Beyond the Bag Challenge. 

Spreading the message 
The ShipNaked campaign has struck a nerve, says Morovati. It is spreading the message that 850 million tons of paper and cardboard are thrown away annually, equating to approximately one billion trees. Amazon alone ships 1.7 million packages a day.

“We have already sent thousands of emails to Amazon, Walmart and Target. We are amazed to see how many people have shared the campaign, and now we are asking people to use the ShowUsYourPackage hashtag when they receive excessive packaging. The call to action is that they tag the company who sent it and encourage them to join the ShipNaked movement.” 

“I believe this is a sign that companies need to connect more with their customers’ wishes. People feel terrible when they receive a small item inside a huge box with tons of plastic. No one wants to harm the planet, but they also want to enjoy the convenience of online shopping. We can do better together.” 

, with additional reporting by Anni Schleicher 

By Louis Gore-Langton