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The new paper replacing Amazon's plastic packaging
Amazon is implementing "extensible paper" packaging across its North American network to replace single-use plastics. This stretchier, stronger material allows the company to use automated packaging machines while improving sustainability.
Why it matters
This shift reduces the amount of non-recyclable plastic entering landfills and oceans. For customers, it means receiving packages in materials that are easier to recycle at home without sacrificing durability.
The details
Amazon developed water-soluble coatings to allow paper to be heat-sealed like plastic. The material is created by "creping" the sheet while wet to reorient fibers. The company uses a specialized lab to simulate the full fulfillment journey, including 17 drops and two shaking intervals. Testing includes "dart drop" tests to measure tensile energy absorption.
What's next
Amazon is continuing to roll out extensible paper and retrofit existing automated packaging machines across North America.
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Key connections
John Sly joined Amazon to help shift packaging away from single-use plastics.
John Sly is related to University of Washington
Sly... studied paper science engineering at the University of Washington
Alan Jacobsen works at Amazon
Alan Jacobsen, Amazon’s director of materials science
Amazon uses extensible paper
Amazon is applying it to e-commerce packaging at scale in North America.
Amazon is a partner of International Safe Transit Association
Amazon developed its standard test route in collaboration with the International Safe Transit Association
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