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One of the top requests we get from customers is to use fewer bags when we pack orders. Since we hear this so often, I wanted to let you know how we use bags and what we're doing to address your concerns.

We use bags for a few reasons: (1) There are some cases, such as produce, meat, and cleaning products, where the bags form an extra protective barrier to prevent cross-contamination. (2) In the case of pantry (room-temperature) items, the bags help groceries stay packed efficiently and safely in the totes. Without the bags, the items would be loose in the totes and could roll around and damage each other during transportation.

We are doing some testing of two things that we hope will help reduce the number of bags:

1. We are packing your pantry and chilled orders heavier. We are putting more items in each tote while still maintaining safe weight limits for our drivers and associates.



2. Because we are packing totes more densely (item #1), we think the possibility of grocery items rolling around and getting damaged is much lower. So, starting on 24 February, daytime Doorstep deliveries will have pantry items packed directly into totes. We will still use some plastic bags for cleaning products, room-temperature produce like bananas and avocados, and health and personal care items. But most of the items will be packed right into the delivery totes. Please share your feedback on whether packing directly into the totes is working for you.

After we understand the results of our experimenting, we'll decide what to do next to help reduce the amount of packaging. Our hope is that the results of the bag-less test (#2, above) will be positive so that we can use it operationally and not just experimentally.

In the meantime, you should know that all of our bags are made of recycled material and are themselves recyclable. We currently do not re-use bags at AmazonFresh, but we will recycle them for you if you put them back into the delivery totes.

At my house, we use bags for picking up after the dog, lining garbage cans, wrapping packages, and sometimes making costumes like these:



As always, we love to hear from our customers. So if you have feedback for us, please send it!

Cheers,
Heidi