Staples cuts packaging usage
Staples seeks to elevate ongoing efforts at reducing the packaging it uses in shipments.
The office products giant has been working with sustainable packaging company Packsize to reduce the amount of packaging material in its supply chain for more than a decade. Leveraging the Packsize Right-Sized Packaging On Demand solution, Staples to date has achieved a 10% reduction in corrugated use per carton, 50% decrease in void fill usage, and the total weight of plastic materials, including poly bags and air pillows, was slashed by 71%.
In addition, Staples has optimized delivery logistics through its partnership with Packsize by maximizing truck space and reducing the need for additional vehicles on the road, leading to decreased emissions and shipping costs.
In 2024, Staples intends to deepen its partnership, with Packsize. Current plans include exploring additional technologies and strategies to reduce waste further, enhance supply chain sustainability, and meet the evolving needs of environmentally conscious businesses and consumers.
“Implementation of Right-Sized Packaging reinforces our commitment to sustainable solutions for the environment and for our customers,” said Amit Kalra, chief supply chain officer at Staples. “Staples looks forward to continued collaboration on innovative new technologies and practices that will further reduce our environmental footprint.”
“Working together, we've transformed packaging standards and ignited a mindset shift toward a more sustainable future,” says Rod Gallaway, CEO at Packsize. “Staples' dedication to sustainability aligns seamlessly with Packsize's mission, and together, we are architects of change, shaping the fabric of how business, community and the environment coexist."
Staples partners with online delivery platforms
Staples is reducing packaging used to fulfill online orders as it increases its engagement with several leading third-party delivery providers. The retailer has offered same-day delivery from its U.S. retail stores in collaboration with Instacart since June 2020. It participated in the Instacart “Big and Bulky” same-day delivery program for large items since August 2022 and Instacart Business business-to-business marketplace since February 2023.
In addition, Staples began collaborating with same-day delivery provider DoorDash in August 2023. Nearly 1,000 U.S. Staples stores are now available on the DoorDash marketplace. This partnership builds upon Staples’ participation in DoorDash’s first-ever back-to-school hub, launched in July 2023.
Headquartered in Framingham, Mass., Staples Inc. operates nearly 1,000 stores, with a Staples retail store located within 10 miles of more than half of the U.S. population.