Amazon Reports Cutting Plastic by Nearly One Quarter in Just Three Years
Oceana calls on other large companies to follow suit by reducing single-use plastic packaging
Press Release Date: July 18, 2025
Location: Washington, DC
Contact:
Gillian Spolarich, Lindsey Godbout | email: gspolarich@oceana.org, lgodbout@oceana.org
202-467-1909, Lindsey Godbout
This week, Amazon, in its annual sustainability report, announced a 16.4% reduction in single-use plastic delivery packaging globally. The decrease is a continuation of a first major cut reported in 2023, resulting in a total reduction of nearly a quarter (23.7%) in just three years. Amazon attributed this progress to reductions in single-use plastic products at its biggest fulfillment sites, including the removal of plastic air pillows from delivery packaging.
Amazon also reported that 56% of fulfillment centers in North America did not ship plastic delivery packaging and that the number of shipments in North America that contained single-use plastic declined from 65% of shipments in 2023 to 37% in 2024. This news follows years of campaigning by Oceana and its allies for the company to reduce its use of plastic packaging.
In response, Oceana released the following statement from Matt Littlejohn, Oceana’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives:
“The reported decline in plastic packaging used by Amazon shows that real progress is possible when companies commit to change. In three years, Amazon’s single-use plastic packaging use has declined by nearly 25%. While the company needs to continue with its efforts to reduce plastic and develop even more sustainable solutions like reusable packaging, these numbers are a step in the right direction. Amazon has shown that big – and even rapidly growing – companies can swiftly transition away from single-use plastic packaging if they make the necessary investments and commitments. As the next round of negotiations for a global plastic treaty grows closer, it is important to recognize that companies can break free from plastic. It’s time for others to take notice and follow suit.”
About Oceana:
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
