Are Amazon Shipping Boxes Made from Recycled Cardboard?

Yes, Amazon's shipping boxes are often made from recycled cardboard. This aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability, aiming to use more eco-friendly materials in its packaging. Many of their boxes are designed to be recyclable and typically contain a significant percentage of recycled content. The exact percentage can vary based on the specific box and its intended use. Amazon encourages customers to recycle these materials after use.

Guidance on Recycling and Reusing Amazon Boxes

For those looking to recycle the shipping boxes, it's important to ensure they are free of food or chemical residue. You can cut the boxes down to a smaller size or collapse the folds into flat pieces and then place them in a recycling bin. Alternatively, you can reuse the boxes if you intend to ship something else as a gift or in sales. To prevent the box from opening, you can put some opaque packaging tape over the Amazon logo or turn the box inside out and cover the joint with tape.

Understanding the Composition of Corrugated Boxes

In the United States, all corrugated boxes, including those used by Amazon, have at least 30% recycled content. Many boxes are made entirely from 100% OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) recycled materials, and some use 100% post-consumer waste. These materials are sourced from various reclaimed waste streams, making the final box a mixture of recovered materials. Amazon works with many corrugated companies, so all their boxes indeed contain recycled materials.

It's important to note that stopping the use of virgin fiber would cause a significant depletion of recycled material feedstock within a short period. The linerboard, the outside layers of the corrugated box, consist of content from farmed trees, which is considered a sustainable crop. The medium, the inner layer, is predominantly made from 100% recycled paper. Environmental organizations generally ensure that paper companies plant more trees than they cut down, so the industry remains sustainable.

Ensuring Proper Use and Disposal of Amazon Boxes

Any box can be reused as long as any identifying markings are removed to prevent confusion. However, it's crucial to ensure the box is clean and free of any harmful substances. If the box has any markings indicating alcohol, explosives, or chemicals, or is considered hazardous, your package will be returned. For items like detergents or other powders, it's advisable to place a note on the inside of the package with your contact information, along with a clear identification of the contents. This can help prevent unexpected visits to your doorstep.