As we approach the season of giving, the love for online shopping goes into full force. Billions of parcels are sent around the world, and in Singapore alone, an average of 186,000 parcels are delivered every day. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), this results in almost 16,000 tonnes of mailing packaging waste each year. As festive deliveries ramp up this December, so too does the environmental footprint, from excess cardboard and bubble wrap to single-use plastic mailers that end up incinerated or discarded in landfills. 

 

To address this growing challenge, the Alliance for Action (AfA) on Packaging Waste Reduction for the e-Commerce Sector has introduced the Guidelines on Sustainable e-Commerce Packaging. The Guidelines were developed by fourteen companies across the e-commerce value chain, including marketplaces, retailers and packaging producers. The Alliance is co-led by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation and SingPost, with support from NEA.

 

The Guidelines aim to help businesses adopt more sustainable practices through the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling packaging. Key recommendations include:

●      Reduce: choosing appropriately sized boxes and mailers to reduce material use.

●      Reuse: encouraging the use of returnable mailers or recyclable fillers.

●      Recycle: using compostable or recycled content instead of virgin plastics.

●      Benchmarking: adopting the guideline’s built-in Sustainability Scorecard to track progress.

Businesses stand to benefit in several ways. Reducing packaging material through improved design can lower operating costs. Early alignment with national guidance strengthens ESG reporting and builds investor confidence. Companies can also participate in collaborative initiatives and recognition programmes supported by NEA. In addition, brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility often see stronger customer loyalty, especially among consumers who prioritise sustainability.

At Ecorigin, we believe that packaging sustainability requires collective action. Our support includes helping businesses to shift to our innovative bio-based materials without compromising on durability and performance. We produce molded pulp component trays made with bio-based fibres that are fully recyclable and repulpable, as well as bio-based cushioning foam that provides effective shock absorption while reducing reliance on plastic based fillers. We can also help to evaluate packaging impact in line with national sustainability guidelines and internal ESG targets.

This December, as millions of parcels change hands, we have a chance to redefine what giving means; it is not just about the exchange of gifts, but giving back to the planet. By rethinking how we pack, deliver, and receive, we can gift responsibly.