Single Use Plastic Ban – Packaging Alternatives for Sellers [New Amazon Guidelines]

Amazon India has made some announcements in lieu of the recent regulatory guidelines regarding the single use plastic ban by Govt. of India under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

We all are aware of the recent announcement that proposed restricting the use of Single-Use Plastic by the Government by Oct 2, 2019. In fact, plastic has already been banned in some states like Maharashtra.

[UPDATE: 2nd Oct 2019] Even though Government of India has, for now, shelved the plan of the country-wide ban on single-use plastic, but sellers are still advised to start moving towards alternative packaging solutions highlighted in this article.

Reason being, Amazon has already committed to eliminating 100% single-use plastic from Amazon Fulfilment Centers by June 2020. In its effort of moving towards using environment-friendly packaging material, Amazon has also laid down some packaging guidelines for Amazon Sellers.

I will share updates as and when any new announcements are made in this regard.

In this article, I have tried to address the new packaging requirements and guidelines for Sellers along with the Amazon suggested alternatives. I have also listed the Amazon approved aggregators from where you can purchase the packaging material.

Jump to: New Packaging Guidelines Packaging Alternatives Where to Buy?

What is Single-Use Plastic?

Single-use Plastics are defined as the plastic items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. The most common examples are:

• Plastic forks and knives
• Plastic coffee cups and lids
• Plastic soda and water bottles
• Straws and stirrers
• Polybags
• Styrofoam and plastic takeaway containers
• Food wrappers etc.

Examples of Single-Use Plastic packaging material

If we talk specifically about the single-use plastic used in packaging, below are the examples:

• Plastic air pillows and Bubble Wraps (to provide cushioning to the product)
• Plastic based adhesive tapes (Selloptapes)
• Plastic Air Shocks (used for packing fragile items)
• P-slip pouch (that is often attached to the package to hold the invoice)
• Shrink Wraps

Why Single-Use Plastic Ban?

Every year millions of tons of plastic is produced each year, half of which is Single-use or disposable. Most of it ends up in garbage dumps or Oceans. Moreover, it is extremely difficult to recycle such plastic as their properties do not even allow recycling without the addition of new material and chemicals.

Thus, in the wake of alarmingly high levels of non-degradable plastic waste in our environment, the Government of India has taken an appreciative step to put a complete ban on single-use plastic.

It will, no doubt, create inconvenience for everyone as we have all become used to these products. But it is an essential step towards creating a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.

How will it affect the Sellers?

As sellers, we use a lot of packaging material that is based on Single-Use Plastic. With the Single-Use Plastic Ban, the biggest question for the sellers is – How can we pack the products without using plastic? What are the alternatives to plastic packaging?

First of all, I would like to clear one thing – Only Single-Use Plastic is being banned. You can still use plastic-based packaging material that qualifies as non-single use, requirements for which I will discuss later in this article.

We have become so used to plastic packaging that it is almost as if nothing else exists. As listed above, there are so many things that we use for packaging that are sing-use plastic-based.

Also, another reason is that the packaging material being used currently is cheaper and even though alternative eco-friendly packaging options are available, they are not as cheap. Or maybe we have not yet figured out the cheaper options.

So below I am going to share with you the latest policy updates by Amazon and the packaging alternatives that you can use once the Single-Use Plastic Ban comes into effect.

Types of Packaging

There are two types of packaging – primary packaging and secondary packaging. If you are not aware of these terms, no need to worry.

Primary Packaging basically refers to the packaging materials that are in direct contact with the product and is done by the manufacturer.

Secondary Packaging is the packaging done by the Sellers to ship the products to their customers.

As a seller, you need not worry about the primary packaging, as that is taken care of by the manufacturer. The guidelines being discussed below are primarily for secondary packaging.

In case you are also the manufacturer of the products, you will also have to look for alternatives to single-use plastic once banned by the Government. But make sure you adhere to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 on the requirement of PDP (Principal Display Panel) being available/visible on the package. Only then, Amazon will accept the shipment.

Steps Taken By Amazon India To Ensure Compliance With Single Use Plastic Ban

Amazon India, joining the cause, has made an appeal to the sellers to join the mission and work towards saving the environment. Amazon, on its part, has already been working on creating long-term and sustainable solutions for alternative and environment-friendly packaging.

And, in light of the same, Amazon recently announced that they will now be using only such plastic material that is more than 50 microns (with at least 20% recycled content). This material will be procured only from those vendors who are registered with CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) or SPCB (State Pollution Control Board).

Measures To Be Taken By Amazon Sellers

As part of the Amazon community, sellers are also expected to ensure compliance with the same and move towards eliminating the use of sing-use plastic. For this, Amazon has listed certain measures that sellers have to take as given below (in order of priority):

1. Start by replacing plastic dunnage (air pillow/bubble wrap) with manual grade paper dunnage. Some of you use Plastic Air shocks (packaging for fragile items). Amazon encourages you to use paper-based cushion wrap alternatives.
2. If you are using a plastic-based pouch/cover to hold p-slip/invoice you should evaluate replacing those with 100% paper-based p-slip pouch/covers.
3. Plastic based adhesive tapes should be gradually phased out in favor of either paper-based tape or tapes with more than 20% recyclable content.
4. Move to the usage of Shrink Wrap that can work as the current material, including adhesion capability but is compliant with the above plastic guidelines – Min 50 micron thick (film thickness) with 20% recycled content.

Requirements To Qualify As Non-Single Use Plastic

The foremost requirement for the material to qualify as a Non-Single Use Plastic is it should be at least 50 microns thick with at least 20% recycled content.

Below are the complete requirements and declarations that need to be printed on each plastic packaging:

1. Manufacturer’s Name
2. Complete address of the manufacturing facility
3. PCB (Pollution Control Board) Certificate Number
4. Type of Plastic (100% Recyclable LDPE)
5. Thickness (Minimum 50 microns must)
6. 20% Recycled Content
7. Buyback Price
8. “Keep your city clean” and PET/HDPE/V/LDPE/PP/PS/OTHER logo should be printed (whichever is applicable)

Amazon recommended Aggregators for purchasing packaging Material

Amazon has recommended certain regional aggregator from where you can procure the packaging material that follows the above guidelines. Below is a list along the with the contact details:

Region	Vendor Name	Phone	Email Id	Website
North	Cosmos	7827982186, 7827982192	sales@cosmosint.com
West	Sarvodaya	022-26832668/69, 022-66913230/31	siflex@sarvodayaind.com	http://sarvodayaind.com
South & East	National Corporation	9972319018, 080-41224559	flex.order@natcorp.in	http://natcorp.in

Sellers using Easy Ship or MFN (Merchant Fulfilled Networks) for shipping the packages can also purchase the packaging material from the above vendors.

Further, you can also purchase the packaging material online directly from Amazon at https://amazon.in/securement.

This is just a recommendation but it is not necessary to purchase the packaging material from these vendors. You can also source your packaging/shipping supplies from your chosen vendor. Just ensure that the packaging requirements are met and the material is in compliance with the applicable law and policies.

Packaging Alternatives To Avoid Single Use Plastic

Ban is only on Single Use Plastic. Sellers are still allowed to use plastic packaging material that satisfy the requirements of min. 50 micron thickness and 20% recycled content. Check complete requirements for plastic to qualify as non-single use Plastic

Following are the options/alternatives that Amazon suggests itself:

• You can replace the Plastic dunnage (air pillow/bubble wrap) with Manual Grade Paper Dunnage or carton waste shredded material.
• For packaging fragile items, in place of Plastic Air shocks, you can use Paper-based cushion wrap.
• Plastic based p-slip pouch can be replaced with 100% Paper-based p-slip pouch.
• Plastic based Tapes/Shrink Wraps that meet the requirements of plastic-based packaging without affecting its adhesion properties (i.e. Min. 50-micron film thickness and containing 20% recycled content).
• Plastic of min. 50-micron film thickness with 20% recycled content in place of Polybags/ Opaque bags.

Video (in Hindi)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Government of India has shelved the plan of putting a complete ban on single-use plastic. So, now do sellers still need to use these packaging alternatives? 
2. From when do Sellers need to adhere to the above-mentioned Guidelines? I have already purchased X amount of packaging materials which may or may not be in compliance with the requirements. Can we use the existing materials for packaging?
3. Are these guidelines applicable for primary as well as the secondary packaging?
4. What are the alternatives/ options we can use for FBA inbound packaging to avoid the single-use plastic?
5. Can we use non-plastic based packaging material (like – paper, cloth bags) for inner packaging of my products while sending shipments to FCs?
6. Where can I get the packaging guideline to ensure the safety of my products?
7. From where can I procure the packaging material that adheres to these guidelines?
8. Can we purchase the material from local vendors? If yes, then how can I ensure that it is adhering to the guideline of “more than 50 microns and at least 20% recycle content”?
9. Will Amazon reject/ refuse to pick-up packages that are not in-line with the requirement or will there be any enforcement action on my seller account?

1. Government of India has shelved the plan of putting a complete ban on single-use plastic. So, now do sellers still need to use these packaging alternatives?

Yes, irrespective of the fact that there will be no single use plastic ban from Govt. of India, Amazon has decided to eliminate all single-use plastic from its fulfillment centers by 2020 and thus Amazon Sellers need to go by the packaging guidelines suggested by Amazon.

Government of India has shelved the plan of the country-wide ban on single-use plastic for now, considering the fact that alternative are still not immediately available and alternative packaging solutions have not yet been figured out for certain industries like Pharma. As such, the move might be too disruptive for the industry.

However the big players like Amazon have already started taking initiatives and moving towards eco-friendly solutions.

Further, the states will be expected to enforce the existing rules against storing, manufacturing and using some single-use plastic products such as polythene bags and styrofoam.

2. From when do Sellers need to adhere to the above-mentioned Guidelines? I have already purchased X amount of packaging materials which may or may not be in compliance with the requirements. Can we use the existing materials for packaging?

Amazon is moving towards environment-friendly packaging material and is committed to eliminating 100% single-use plastic from Amazon Fulfilment Centers by June 2020.

Yes, you can use the existing material. However, going forward we encourage you to buy compliant packaging material. The Government may provide clearer guidelines in the future with the exact dates after which usage of non-compliant packaging materials may result in punitive actions by legal authorities.

3. Are these guidelines applicable for primary as well as the secondary packaging?

Primary packaging is the one that is in direct contact with the product and used by the brand/manufacturer.

Guidelines are primarily with respect to consumption of plastic in secondary packaging, and reduction/removal of plastic use wherever possible.

4. What are the alternatives/ options we can use for FBA inbound packaging to avoid the single-use plastic?

Amazon suggests the following options/alternatives:

• Use Manual Grade Paper Dunnage or carton waste shredded material in place of the Plastic dunnage (air pillow/bubble wrap).
• Paper-based cushion wrap in place of Plastic Air shocks (used in packaging for fragile items).
• 100% Paper-based p-slip pouch in place of Plastic based p-slip pouch.
• Plastic based tape/Shrink Wrap should meet the same requirement like the other plastic-based packaging without affecting its properties including adhesion – Min 50 micron (film thickness) with 20% recycled content.
• Polybags/ Opaque bags should be replaced with plastic of min 50-micron film thickness with 20% recycled content

5. Can we use non-plastic based packaging material (like – paper, cloth bags) for inner packaging of my products while sending shipments to FCs?

Yes, you can use non-plastic material.

Please make sure you adhere to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 on the requirement of PDP (Principal Display Panel) being available/visible on the package. Only then, Amazon will be able to inbound the Shipment even if the rest of the packaging is brown paper/cloth bag.

6. Where can I get the packaging guideline to ensure the safety of my products?

Amazon provides Sellers with relevant and updated details from time to time. The updated details will soon be available on Amazon Seller Central Help Pages.

You can also subscribe to this blog or follow us on your favourite social media channels (Instagram, Youtube or Telegram) to receive timely updates whenever Amazon makes a change or revises its guidelines.

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7. From where can I procure the packaging material that adheres to these guidelines?

Below is a list of Amazon recommended regional aggregator with their contact details:

Region	Vendor Name	Phone	Email Id	Website
North	Cosmos	7827982186, 7827982192	sales@cosmosint.com
West	Sarvodaya	022-26832668/69, 022-66913230/31	siflex@sarvodayaind.com	http://sarvodayaind.com
South & East	National Corporation	9972319018, 080-41224559	flex.order@natcorp.in	http://natcorp.in

Easy Ship/MFN Sellers can also purchase packages from the above vendors or online here https://amazon.in/securement.

You can also source packaging/ shipping supplies from your chosen vendor but you will have to ensure that the packaging requirements are met and are in compliance with the applicable law and policies.

8. Can we purchase the material from local vendors? If yes, then how can I ensure that it is adhering to the guideline of “more than 50 microns and at least 20% recycle content”?

You can check the above-mentioned guidelines printed on the outermost packaging of every plastic material purchased from any vendor.

9. Will Amazon reject/ refuse to pick-up packages that are not in-line with the requirement or will there be any enforcement action on my seller account?

For now, Amazon will not reject/ refuse pick-up packages. But if there is a policy announcement from the Govt. of India in near future, then they will adhere to the same.

So I would advise and encourage you to move towards more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging at the earliest.

In case Amazon introduces any new seller policy around the rejection/refusal of packages on the basis of packaging material, it will definitely notify the sellers.

I will also keep updating this article accordingly and share all updates on various Social Media channels as and when such changes are announced by Amazon. Subscribe Now

Conclusion

Ban on Single-use plastic is a reality and Amazon will follow the guidelines. Even though Amazon has said that it will not reject packages using single-use plastic for now, it will eventually phase it out. Also, if the Government comes out with a strict policy regarding the same, then Amazon will also follow it. So it is better to look for solutions and be prepared in advance than to panic later on.

Good thing is that Amazon always updates sellers about its policy changes from time to time and gives enough time to the sellers to be able to adapt. It also rolls out regular suggestion and tips for Sellers so that we can make the most out of the platform. As long as you stay updated and follow Amazon’s guidelines, you are safe.

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