Festive fear around present delays and excess packaging
Leading sustainable packaging provider DS Smith is calling on retailers to rethink their packaging in order to ensure gifts arrive safely and use as little packaging as possible.
New research from packaging supplier DS Smith reveals that an extra 145 million presents will be bought online this Christmas, as the nation tries to keep its festive spirit alive, despite the impact of Covid-19.
The figure means that the total number of presents bought online in the UK will surpass one billion for the first time ever.
The increase is sure to put pressure on an already-stretched retail supply chain, as 60% of Brits report they are already buying more products online since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Additionally, experts at DS Smith have calculated that the extra 145 million presents will cause an additional 1.5 million journeys. What’s more, poorly designed packaging from the one billion presents being brought online will result in a further 86,488 tonnes of unnecessary packaging being transported. Making nearly 150,000 of those trips by delivery vans and the 2,500 tonnes of additional CO2 emissions avoidable.
Despite this, 40% 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 shop for gifts this winter due to Covid-19.
However, the sustainability issue isn’t the only negative of bad packaging. Experts at DS Smith say bad packaging also means more breakages and more delays – both of which will cause festive frustration. Indeed, just 16% of respondents said they would be willing to buy again from a brand if their item was delivered damaged and only 17% if their package arrived late.
As many as 43% said they would request a refund were there any damage to their purchases. Furthermore, 44% would expect a replacement free of charge, were anything to arrive not in mint condition; causing additional trips for busy delivery drivers.
More than a quarter (27%) would also look to cancel an order if they found out it was going to arrive late, whilst 22% would expect a refund.
In a sign that sustainable packaging is increasingly important to consumers, 44% want any packaging of products to be recyclable or reusable. Similarly, 42% believe packages should be the right size to fit the contents.
DS Smith packaging design consultant, Robyn MacDonald said “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.”