Online Shopping Leads to 2.6 Million Plastic Bags a Day as High Street Goes Green
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping, with more people opting to make purchases from the comfort of their own homes. While this change brings convenience to shoppers, it also has significant environmental implications, particularly in terms of plastic waste.
According to a report by Development Economics, commissioned by sustainable packaging business DS Smith, an International Paper company, online fashion retailers in the UK delivered a staggering 941 million plastic bags to customers in the past year alone. This equates to approximately 2.6 million plastic bags being used every day, highlighting the surging reliance on plastic packaging in the ecommerce sector.
The increased use of plastic bags in online shopping stands in stark contrast to the trend on the high street, where the implementation of a plastic bag levy has successfully reduced plastic bag use by 98% since 2015. As more shoppers transition to online platforms, the demand for plastic bags in ecommerce continues to rise, with the UK now being the largest market for ecommerce plastic delivery bags among major European economies.
It is estimated that if current trends persist, the number of plastic bags used for online deliveries in the UK is set to increase by 40% by 2030, reaching a total of 1.3 billion bags annually. Shockingly, only 9% of the plastic bags used for fashion ecommerce are being reused or recycled, leaving the majority (91%) to end up in landfills or incinerators. This means that an alarming 857 million bags were disposed of in this manner last year alone.
Stefano Rossi, Divisional CEO Packaging at DS Smith, emphasised the need for greater industry efforts to reduce plastic waste, stating, “While online shopping has grown, ecommerce retailers lag high-street stores when it comes to replacing plastic bags.” He highlighted the success of brands like Zalando, which have transitioned to using paper shipping bags instead of plastic, leading to positive feedback from customers.
The shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions is not only driven by consumer preferences but also by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic waste. Recent surveys have shown that the majority of Brits support the phasing out of plastic bags in favour of recyclable materials like cardboard or paper. Many consumers feel that the responsibility to reduce plastic waste lies with retailers, packaging companies, and government bodies.
To meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging, DS Smith has trained its designers in circular design principles and prioritised recycled content and recyclability. This proactive approach aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainability and reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to address plastic pollution.
As the ecommerce sector continues to expand, it is essential for businesses to prioritise sustainable practices and invest in environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. By taking proactive steps to reduce plastic waste and meet consumer expectations for eco-conscious solutions, companies can not only protect the environment but also enhance their brand reputation and appeal to a growing market of environmentally conscious shoppers.