Amazon is not replacing every package with paper. Its packaging strategy follows a hierarchy: avoid an extra package when possible, use less material and smaller formats, then substitute paper for plastic where protection and operations allow. That means paper filler, paper-padded mailers and made-to-fit paper bags are expanding alongside Ships in Product Packaging, while boxes and plastic remain necessary for some products.
What Amazon is changing
The most visible change is the replacement of plastic air pillows with paper filler. Amazon says the filler uses 100% recycled content and is designed to stop products moving inside boxes. Performance still depends on the item, void space, compression, moisture exposure and packing process.
Amazon is also replacing padded mailers that combine paper and plastic with paper-padded mailers. The newer format has a paper exterior and protective paper lining, avoiding the separation problem that makes many mixed-material mailers difficult to process in household recycling systems. Amazon says it worked with Mondi and scaled the design across European operations in 2024.
In the United States, Amazon has retrofitted more than 120 automated packing machines in more than 20 fulfillment centers to make paper bags sized to the product. The company says those systems avoided more than 134 million plastic bags in 2024; newer equipment expanded the range of suitable products by 20% through better dimension sensors.
#1 Best Overall
- Medium size, 9.3 x 2.36 x 13 inches ( Width x Depth x Length ), 25pcs / pack, suitable for the dress shirt, napkin set, yard, etc
- Constructed from oiled kraft paper, robust mailing bags to protected during transit
- 2 Peel-&-seal strips for easy closure and reuse, open along the perforated line, remove the strip and reseal if you wish to reuse it
- Environmentally friendly composition, 100% recyclable, popular alternative to polythene mailing bags
- Reusable mailers are ideal for round trip (two way) fulfillment of samples, replacement parts, exchanges, returns, documents, etc.
| Packaging element | What is changing | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Air pillows | Paper filler is replacing plastic cushioning in many operations. | Paper can weigh more and may not suit every moisture or protection requirement. |
| Padded mailers | Paper-padded designs replace some paper-plastic mailers. | Recycling acceptance depends on the exact construction and local rules. |
| Delivery bags | Plastic bags are being reduced or replaced in particular networks. | Rollout is regional, not uniform worldwide. |
| Corrugated boxes | Right-sizing, lightweighting and bag use reduce some box demand. | Boxes remain necessary for many heavy, fragile or irregular products. |
| Manufacturer packaging | Ships in Product Packaging can send eligible goods without an added Amazon package. | The manufacturer’s retail packaging still remains. |
The biggest reduction is eliminating an extra package
Material substitution gets attention, but eliminating packaging is usually the larger intervention. Amazon’s Ships in Product Packaging program sends eligible products in their original packaging without an additional Amazon box, bag or envelope.
Amazon reported nearly 18 million unique products certified in North America and Europe in 2024, including nearly 2 million seller products after seller participation expanded in February 2024. Its newer sustainability page reports 28 million certified products globally in 2025. Those figures cover different regions and reporting periods, so they should not be read as a simple year-over-year progression.
Amazon also uses machine-learning packaging selection, automated dimensioning and right-sized formats to reduce empty space. Bags and envelopes can be up to 90% lighter than a similar-sized box, according to Amazon; “up to” is not an average for every shipment.
Rank #2
- Medium size, 25pcs / pack, suitable for the dress shirt, napkin set, yard, etc
- Constructed from oiled kraft paper, robust and water repellent paper mailing bags to protected during transit.
- 2 Peel-&-seal strips for easy closure and reuse, open along the perforated line, remove the strip and reseal if you wish to reuse it
- Environmentally friendly composition, 100% recyclable, popular alternative to polythene mailing bags
- Reusable mailers are ideal for round trip (two way) fulfillment of samples, replacement parts, exchanges, returns, documents, etc.
What Amazon’s numbers show—and what they do not
Amazon says it avoided 4.2 million metric tons of packaging material globally since 2015 and reduced global plastic packaging by 16.4% in 2024. It separately reports avoiding 152,062 metric tons of single-use plastic packaging since 2020. These are company-reported operational figures, not proof by themselves of a matching reduction in carbon emissions or total environmental impact.
| Metric | Reported result | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging material avoided | 4.2 million metric tons since 2015 | Amazon’s cumulative global/company figure. |
| Plastic packaging | 16.4% reduction globally in 2024 | Not a 16.4% reduction in all packaging or emissions. |
| Orders without added Amazon packaging | 12% of global orders in 2024 | Amazon-reported order-based measure. |
| Packages without added Amazon packaging | 11% globally in 2025 | Different denominator and period from the 2024 order figure. |
| Lightweight packaging | Nearly 50% of North American and European shipments in 2024 | Includes bags and envelopes, not necessarily paper-only formats. |
| North American facilities | 56% shipped no plastic delivery packaging in 2024 | Facility-level metric, not a claim about every shipment. |
| North American shipments with single-use plastic delivery packaging | 65% in 2023 to 37% in 2024 | Amazon-reported operational scope and definition. |
Amazon also currently says 99.7% of mixed-material mailers were replaced with recyclable paper alternatives in the United States and Canada. That is a replacement rate for that mailer category, not the share of all Amazon packaging.
Why paper is attractive to Amazon
- Fiber packaging is accepted in household recycling systems in many markets.
- All-paper formats avoid separating plastic film from paper.
- Paper and cardboard fit established converting and fulfillment equipment.
- Bags and envelopes can occupy less space and, in some designs, weigh less than boxes.
- Recycled fiber can reduce reliance on virgin material, although manufacturing still uses energy, water and transport.
These advantages are conditional. Paper filler may be heavier than air-filled plastic. Paper can lose strength when wet, and a failed package can cause product damage, replacement shipping and returns.
Rank #3
- Reliable Weatherproof Barrier: Each mailing envelope constructed with durable polyethylene for a strong barrier against rain, humidity, and spills; our plastic shipping bags offers significantly better moisture protection than paper envelopes, protecting apparel and non-fragile goods like books and fabric during transit, ideal for humid/coastal areas; maintains USPS First-Class Mail eligibility
- Convenient Self-Sealing Design: Our strong adhesive self sealing mailers features an easy peel-and-seal closure for quick packaging—insert item, remove liner, and press to secure; reduces tape need and streamlines packing versus traditional methods, ideal for high-volume sellers
- 50 Pcs Wholesale Envelopes Bags Value: 50-count pack of 10x13 inch mailers delivers competitive per-unit pricing. (Measures 12.2in long with an additional 1.7in sealed edge — see Image 2 for details.) Ideal dimensions for S/M apparel & children's clothing 6-12 ounce beauty bundles Books & magazines Craft supplies & fabric swatches Flat-fold storage saves 85% space versus boxes. Includes space-saving tips for home businesses and direct-to-consumer brands
- Enhanced Content Privacy: Triple-layer opaque material provides complete light blockage for discreet shipping; mailers poly bags can conceals sensitive items (lingerie, electronics, documents, gifts) to reduce porch piracy concerns, ideal for subscription boxes and confidential shipments
- Durable & Recyclable: Made from recyclable HDPE (Plastic #2); reinforced construction withstands carrier sorting and resists punctures from books/electronics, mailing envelopes bags offering heavy-duty protection for jewelry and accessories while supporting eco-conscious shipping
Regional rollouts are not one global specification
North America
Amazon has reported paper filler, made-to-fit paper bags, declining use of plastic air pillows and replacement of mixed-material mailers. A 2024 North American announcement described 95% removal of plastic air pillows and a target of full removal by year-end, while another company page described global removal as complete. The differing statements may reflect different milestones or scopes.
Europe
Amazon says its European fulfillment network replaced single-use plastic delivery bags and air pillows with recyclable paper and cardboard packaging in 2022. The paper-padded mailer developed with Mondi was scaled across European operations in 2024.
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Amazon has described paper-based dunnage replacing plastic cushioning, with exceptions for fragile products and gift packages. Chilled and frozen services can require different insulation.
Rank #4
- SECURE & PRIVATE - Tear-resistant, water-resistant poly mailers made with multi-layer LDPE for secure delivery. Fully opaque to protect privacy, with a reliable self-seal strip and a label pouch for fast, clean packaging. Ideal plastic shipping bags for clothes and soft goods.
- MULTI-SIZE BUNDLE - Includes 8x12, 10x14 & 12x16 in poly mailer bags to right-size every shipment and reduce DIM weight. Lightweight, professional, and efficient for home businesses, boutiques, e-commerce sellers, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon FBA. Excellent clothing shipping bags for daily fulfillment.
- BUILT FOR HEAVY USE - Reinforced seams, stretch-resistant sides, and a tamper-evident seal keep your items protected in bags, bins, and conveyor systems. Smooth matte surface accepts thermal labels and scans accurately. Reliable poly shipping bags and plastic mailing envelopes for apparel, returns, and accessories.
- FAST, BOX-FREE PACKING - Designed for T-shirts, sweaters, jeans, catalogs, fabric, crafts, accessories, and other non-fragile goods. These shipping & packaging bags speed up order prep while keeping items clean in rain, humidity, or dust. Not padded—add inner wrap for fragile items. Versatile mailing bags for clothes and packaging needs.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SPACE-SAVING - Slim profile reduces clutter whether you pack daily or occasionally. Odor-free, crease-resistant, and simple to stack. A practical choice for small business owners needing consistent, dependable poly mailers, poly mailer bags, shipping bags, and mailing bags for clothing.
India and Spain
Amazon has reported eliminating single-use thin-film plastic packaging from its Indian fulfillment network and researching agricultural-waste paper mailers. In Spain, it began early-stage testing of bio-based bags for Amazon Fresh in 2024. These are regional programs, not evidence that the same materials are available in every marketplace.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is paper always more sustainable?
No. A defensible comparison considers the entire shipment rather than the material label. Evaluate:
- Packaging avoided: Can the item ship safely in manufacturer packaging?
- Material mass: How much fiber, plastic or other material is used?
- Protection: What are the damage, replacement and return rates?
- Transport: Does the format reduce weight, dimensional volume or vehicle space?
- End of life: Can local residents actually place the clean package in an accepted recycling stream?
Water resistance, puncture protection, tamper evidence, insulation and product value can favor another format. Food, liquids, cosmetics, electronics, glass, sharp-edged goods and temperature-controlled groceries may need coatings, barriers or cushioning that paper alone cannot provide. A product-specific life-cycle assessment is needed before claiming a lower total impact.
Best Value
- WHAT YOU GET: 20 paper padded mailers that are fully recyclable after use; interior usable space: 8.86" x 13.39"; outer dimensions: 9.65" x 13.39"
- SUSTAINABLE & DURABLE: Made from 100% recyclable materials, including water-based glue, these 8x13 mailers provide an environmentally conscious packaging solution without compromising strength or durability
- QUICK & EASY SHIPMENTS: Each kraft mailer features a self seal adhesive strip that allows for quick, hassle-free sealing—saving you time when shipping your items
- IDEAL FOR ONLINE SELLERS: Perfect for businesses or personal use, this 20-pack offers a more eco-friendly solution for shipping needs, whether you're sending gifts or operating an online store
What “recyclable” means for customers
Amazon describes particular paper-padded mailers as recyclable through household recycling, but local programs differ. Check whether the package is entirely fiber-based, whether it contains film or foam, and whether it is clean and dry. Amazon’s recycling guidance says to flatten cardboard and generally permits tape, although removing tape can make processing easier.
The FTC Green Guides caution that an unqualified recyclable claim should generally be supported where recycling facilities are available to at least 60% of consumers or communities reached by the claim. The agency also warns that broad terms such as “green” or “eco-friendly” are difficult to substantiate.
What sellers and fulfillment operators can learn
Independent merchants cannot assume Amazon’s economics or automation. Lower order volumes, minimum quantities, storage, carrier handling and damage costs can outweigh a lower per-mailer price. Compare the completed-shipment cost, not just the package unit price.
- Test puncture, tear, compression, drop and moisture performance; Amazon’s seller guidance points to product testing and, where needed, an ISTA 6 third-party test.
- Measure package weight and dimensional weight under the carrier’s rules.
- Confirm whether machines can feed, seal and label the format at required throughput.
- Document recycled content and any films, coatings, foams or plastic adhesives.
- Check actual curbside acceptance in the destinations you serve.
- Track damage, returns and replacement shipments after rollout.
TemperPack, for example, markets WaveKraft padded mailers with 50% recycled paper content, paper from FSC-certified mills, ISTA 6 Amazon Overbox testing and a “widely recyclable” How2Recycle rating. Those are vendor or certification claims, not a universal result for all paper mailers; no current public unit price was published.
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Bottom line
Amazon’s strongest packaging progress comes from shipping safely without an added package or using less material. Paper filler, paper-padded mailers and made-to-fit bags can reduce plastic and improve the odds of fiber recycling, but they are not automatically better in every use case. Region, product protection, package weight, transport efficiency and real local recycling access determine whether a paper alternative is an environmental improvement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
