Amazon declares war on plastic in packaging
Do you sell your products on Amazon? If so, you are probably busy trying to keep up with and, above all, comply with the online giant's ever-changing packaging regulations. With our sustainable packaging solutions and our pre-test, you are on the safe side.
In Amazon's business model, packaging is not ‘just’ a protective accessory, but an important factor for customer satisfaction and loyalty. And that is Amazon's top priority. Now, the online giant wants to further reduce the amount of plastic in its packages: Amazon's own packages as well as those of companies that send their products via Amazon (Fulfillment by Amazon) should not contain air cushions made of plastic, but should be secured in the packaging with wrapping paper made of 100% recyclable material.
However, since product protection remains a top priority and Amazon does not want to overburden its logistics efforts, there are still exceptions to the new rule: exempt from the plastic ban are manufacturers who sell through Amazon Marketplace independently of the mail order company. The strict rules also do not apply to bags with liquid contents or to fragile items. Orders placed on customers' doorsteps can also be wrapped in plastic in bad weather.
Pre-test for the ISTA 6 exam avoids unpleasant surprises
The current regulation to reduce plastic is the last link in a chain of requirements for packaging design by Amazon. The internet giant launched its FFP (Frustration-Free Packaging) programme in 2019. Since then, tests in accordance with the ISTA 6 (International Safe Transit Association) standard in specially certified laboratories have been mandatory for all frustration-free shipping packaging. This should be robust and always designed in such a way that it is easy to open, requires as little packaging material as possible and always offers the customer a positive unboxing experience.
Retailers who do not have these tests carried out on their packaging have to pay a fee, which can be significant depending on the value and quantity of the goods shipped via Amazon. The ISTA 6 tests are therefore very important - and it is extremely reassuring to go into this test with a sense of security. After all, if you find out from the laboratory after a long wait that your packaging is not compliant, you have to think about alternatives. While your products are in the warehouse.
You can avoid this: Because as a certified member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) network, we can carry out pre-tests on your packaging to examine its "Amazon suitability". These include the original ISTA 6A drop test and a static BCT, which we can use to assess whether the ISTA 6 vibration test is passed or failed. A final test report contains the test results as well as an assessment of whether or not your packaging will pass the ISTA test.
If the pre-test is successful, you can then order the full APASS test from an ISTA-certified laboratory. However, if your packaging does not pass our pre-test, we will adapt it to the Amazon APASS guidelines - or develop a new one.
Short tests for packaging for non-sensitive goods
On 1 June 2021, Amazon also introduced a further regulation: packaging that does not contain anything fragile, liquids or sensitive electrical items and weighs less than 22.7 kg no longer has to be ISTA 6-certified. Retailers can now test this packaging themselves and make it fit for the Frustration-Free Packaging Standard.
But here, too, it is good to know in good time! That's why we offer retailers who sell corresponding goods via Amazon a so-called "short test": The centrepiece is a drop test, which we carry out for you, including a test report and photographic documentation.
The short test is cheaper than the more complex Amazon packaging test according to ISTA-6 - and if you then purchase your packaging from us, the costs can be offset against the packaging price.
It is worthwhile for all e-commerce retailers to invest in sustainability. We will be happy to advise you on how you can save material in your packaging, how you can replace plastic with recyclable Wellpappe and how you can optimally protect your products at the same time. This is good for your budget - and the environment. That should be worth a call, shouldn't it?
APASS
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