Bad packaging risks festive delivery delays and broken items
Brits will buy 145 million extra presents online this year, taking the UK total to over one billion for the first time, according to research by DS Smith.
The company surveyed 2,000 people and also found that poorly designed packaging on these presents will mean an excess 86,488 tonnes of packaging being transported.
This will result in nearly 150,000 unnecessary delivery journeys and almost 2,500 extra tonnes of CO2 being released.
Despite this, two-fifths of UK shoppers admitted that the environmental impact of their online spending – good or bad – is not a priority for them this year, as they feel it is the easiest way to buy gifts this winter due to Covid-19.
Just one in six would be willing to buy again from a brand if their item was delivered damaged and only 17% if their package arrived late.
43% would request a refund were there any damage to their purchases. Furthermore, four in nine would expect a replacement free of charge, were anything to arrive not in mint condition.
27% would also look to cancel an order if they found out it was going to arrive late, while 22% would expect a refund.
Robyn MacDonald, DS Smith Packaging Design Consultant, says: “Christmas is usually a time where you come together with family and friends to celebrate, and with Covid-19 impacting our in-person celebrations, many are turning online to buy and send thoughtful presents to show their love.”
“This, combined with the rapid growth of e-commerce over the lockdown period, is putting unparalleled pressure on the behind the scenes logistics operation.”
“Where poorly designed packaging is used it has consequences – it leads to more journeys which means it take longer for precious presents to get from A to B. Businesses need to carefully consider how they pack goods effectively and with sustainable packaging materials,” MacDonald concludes.
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