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Customised paper bags for online shipping

Amazon is introducing a new automated packaging technology that cuts robust and flexible paper bags individually for each product. The new machines pack the contents securely and without the need for additional padding.

Amazon is introducing a new automated packaging technology that cuts robust and flexible paper bags individually for each product. The new machines pack the contents securely and without the need for additional padding.

Amazon is currently testing new packaging machines in Europe and the USA, The paper bags can be customised according to the size of the item to be packaged. This reduces the amount of packaging required for thousands of items.

An integrated sensor scans products such as video games, kitchen appliances, sports or office supplies that were previously packed in cardboard packages and parcels. The machine cuts paper bags from paper rolls in real time, to pack the items securely. Each envelope is sealed using heat-sealing technology to pack the contents quickly and accurately while minimising empty space. The elimination of adhesive further reduces resource consumption.

By packaging the items in 100 per cent recyclable paper, which is cut to fit precisely and without padding, each envelope saves an average of 26 grams of packaging per consignment. According to Amazon, the paper bags used are up to 90 per cent lighter than similarly sized cardboard packaging. Amazon's engineers have developed Converted machines that originally produced disposable plastic packaging. These machines were scrapped when Amazon stopped using disposable packaging as plastic for shipping from European logistics centres.

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„In order to create innovations for our customers, we are constantly testing new packaging solutions and learning as we go. Our test runs already show that this technology is efficient, safe and reliable.“

Thais Blumer, Head of Sustainable Packaging for Amazon in Europe

The machine cuts the paper to size and seals the envelope without glue. (Image: Amazon)

Material science solutions

New components were used to enable the machines to process paper instead of plastic. „Our materials scientists have developed a new developed a lightweight but robust paper that is both elastic and more water-resistant than normal paper and how plastic can be heat-sealed - with the difference that it can also be recycled in the household,“ says Blumer.

The first machines in Amazon's logistics centres in Mönchengladbach and Bristol (UK) have already packed thousands of products for customers. In future, Amazon wants to be able to use this technology to pack several items in thicker paper or cardboard with minimal air space in order to save material and protect the products during transport.

Lighter shipments can help reduce emissions and support Amazon's goal to be carbon neutral by 2040. In recent years, Amazon has in Europe has replaced its single-use plastic packaging with 100 per cent recyclable paper and cardboard. In addition, recycled and recyclable packing paper is used instead of disposable air cushions.

Since 2015, Amazon has been able to reduce the average weight per shipment by 41 per cent worldwide, thus avoiding over two million tonnes of packaging material. Amazon offers its sales partners incentives, Orders without additional Amazon outer packaging to their customers. For example, a toaster can be sent in its original manufacturer's packaging with an address label. In 2022, over 11 per cent of all Amazon deliveries worldwide were sent in this way.

Source: Amazon

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