Walmart announced it would introduce new packaging to reduce waste related to online orders.
Instead of plastic, the retail giant will use recyclable paper mailers, as well as right-size cardboard box packaging, officials said. The development would also allow customers to consolidate shipping on e-commerce orders and opt out of plastic bags for pickup orders.
According to Walmart, almost all orders currently shipped in plastic mailers from stores, fulfillment centers, and through Walmart Fulfillment Services will arrive in paper bag mailers.
The retailer will also implement the new right-sized packaging technology in about half of its fulfillment network. The technology reportedly creates a custom-fit package for an order. It would eliminate a box’s unused space, reduce the need for filler by 60%, and cut waste from oversized packages by up to 26%.
Walmart’s strategy aims to decrease its total number of shipments and miles driven for delivery by letting customers consolidate multiple items into fewer boxes.
Walmart expects to finish the rollout in the U.S. by the end of the year. The company also predicts that the transition will cut approximately 2,000 tons of plastic in the U.S. before the end of the fiscal year.
The transition aligns with Walmart’s goal of reaching zero emissions by 2040, the company said.
