Amazon has begun a pilot program in Valencia, Spain, to deliver groceries using new biobased bags. These bags, developed in collaboration with Italian company Novamont and supported by Amazon’s materials scientists, are made from renewable plant-based materials such as corn starch and vegetable oils.
The biobased bags are designed to be durable, food safe, and weather-resistant. They are intended to potentially replace traditional fossil-based plastics in grocery packaging. According to Alan Jacobsen, Amazon’s Materials & Energy Sciences Director, the bags also provide protection against spills and condensation while having a lower environmental impact due to their biodegradability and compostability.
Currently, customers receiving Amazon Fresh orders can return these biobased bags to drivers for mechanical recycling, enabling the material to be repurposed into new bags. Early feedback indicates that 75% of customers have expressed satisfaction with the new packaging, particularly noting its biodegradable properties.
In addition to the pilot program, Amazon is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s BOTTLE Consortium to develop a low-temperature recycling process for bio-based, biodegradable materials, which aims to enhance recycling efficiency and maintain material properties.
Looking ahead, Amazon and Novamont are exploring various food-safe biobased solutions for a variety of packaging applications. The initiative is part of Amazon’s broader commitment to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainable practices, which have already resulted in significant reductions in packaging materials across Europe since 2015.
