What Is Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging? (Full Guide)

If you’ve ever shopped online, then you probably know firsthand what product packaging you prefer. Some packaging is better than others, Amazon included.

So what is Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, and why is it beneficial? Here is everything I have learned about this certified packaging so far!

What Is Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging?

Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging is certified packaging used on millions of Amazon products. It uses fewer materials for safe, eco-friendly product transport. There are more than 80,000 products eligible for Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, which is 100% recyclable and lab-tested to ensure excellent protection against damage.

If you want to know about Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging and why it’s better for consumers and the environment, then keep reading for our full guide. 

What Is Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging Program?

Amazon introduced its Frustration-Free Packaging 2008 in a bid to cut down on waste and make packages easier to open.

Since then, the program has expanded to cover a variety of initiatives, with packaging optimization processes in place at fulfillment centers in the U.S. and internationally. 

Amazon continues to work with manufacturers around the world to promote sustainable packaging, which is currently used for tens of thousands of products.

Additionally, certified Frustration-Free products ship in their own packaging without the need for extra Amazon packaging.

Paper products are a great example. A sturdy box of tissues can be carefully shipped as is without being put into an oversized box that takes up unnecessary space and materials.

Food, electronics, exercise equipment, and homewares are some other products included in the Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging program.

Is Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging Recyclable?

One of the best things about Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging is its all-certified 100% curbside recyclable.

To earn this special seal, products must be packaged in eco-friendly materials that are sustainable and sized just right to minimize waste while still protecting the item from damage. 

The other perks of Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging include no plastic clamshells or wire ties, with less packaging waste to get rid of once Amazon products arrive at your home.

You shouldn’t need scissors to open your packages, and you don’t need to worry about receiving giant boxes just for a tiny item. 

Why Does Amazon Have Frustration-Free Packaging?

Why Does Amazon Have Frustration-Free Packaging?

Amazon is committed to helping the environment and allowing consumers to do the same by making eco-conscious purchasing decisions.

If you’ve ever felt guilty about the number of boxes and packaging waste coming to your home, certified packaging programs like Amazon’s are designed to alleviate these concerns.

Since 2015, Amazon has eliminated upwards of 1 million tons of packaging materials. That’s equivalent to 1.6 billion cardboard shipping boxes.

At that same time, Amazon cut its outbound packaging weight by 33%

Can You Give Gifts With Frustration-Free Packaging?

Millions of gifts are purchased on Amazon annually, and some are delivered straight to the recipients, whether for a birthday or wedding registry. 

If you want to buy a gift with Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, you have the option to add Amazon packaging to conceal the gift for no extra cost. 

Just look for the notice on the item that says, “Item arrives in packaging that reveals what’s inside.” 

Select “ship in Amazon packaging” before you check out to ensure the recipient is surprised by their presence. 

Is Frustration-Free Packaging Required On Amazon?

While Amazon is working on expanding its Frustration-Free Packaging program, it’s currently not a requirement for select items or third-party sellers.

If you order from a marketplace on Amazon, you may not know the packaging details until it arrives at your front door. 

Some third-party sellers are better at eco-friendly and sustainable packaging than others, and it varies by product and location.

Amazon is encouraging third-party sellers to meet their sustainable packaging standards by issuing a chargeback fee to those who use Fulfillment by Amazon to fulfill the Tier-1 Frustration-Free Packaging requirements.

There are also Tier 2 Ships in Own Container requirements that are more sustainable than other options out there. 

What Else Does Amazon Do To Support Sustainability?

What Else Does Amazon Do To Support Sustainability?

We wouldn’t have online shopping without delivery and packaging, so Amazon is already playing a big part in increasing sustainability through Frustration-Free Packaging.

You can rest assured that each package has been tested and confirmed to protect the product from damage, so your item should not show up damaged. 

Additional Amazon sustainability initiatives include The Climate Pledge, which the company co-founded in 2019 as a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon business-wide by 2040.

That’s 10 years before the Paris Agreement deadline. 

Amazon also aims to have 10,000 electric delivery vehicles on the road by 2022.

It may not be long before your Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging products arrive in sustainable packaging materials and via electric van transportation.

It’s the way of the future, and Amazon is on board with many sustainable projects.

For more information on how to save on Amazon, you can see our other guides on Amazon Black Friday sales, if you can see who redeemed an Amazon gift card, and how to know if you have Amazon Prime.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of too much packaging, then Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging is a good option for you. This Amazon packaging program is designed to give you the same products you know and love in better packaging. 

Frustration-Free Packaging has a lab-tested protective design to minimize damage and is certified 100% recyclable.

It’s easy to open without wire tires or plastic clamshells and reduces waste by eliminating unnecessary extra space in the packaging. 

You can get Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging on over 80,000 popular products, including some best-selling products for homes and businesses. 

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

1 thought on “What Is Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging? (Full Guide)”

  1. Amazon uses stick-on labels on its frustration-free packaging, which makes them less than 100% recyclable, correct? The labels are difficult to remove completely. Why doesn’t Amazon print addresses directly onto its FFP instead, which would make them truly 100% recyclable? Thank you.

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