Amazon’s SIOC Rebranded as SIPP; Brands Still Flock to Participate

Several examples illustrate the SIPP program’s success. For instance, the Melissa and Doug toy brand redesigned its packaging to eliminate unnecessary components, resulting in a solution that is 58% smaller and easier for customers to recycle. Similarly, Fisher-Price created a minimalist right-sized box that reduced packaging components by 18 and decreased the packaging cube by 88%.

Another notable example is SC Johnson's Windex glass cleaner. The company faced challenges in shipping liquids with trigger spray fitments, which often resulted in leaks. By redesigning the packaging to include a simple component that keeps the trigger spray in place, SC Johnson was able to reduce the package size by 70% and improve the customer experience, Fenton said.

The SIPP program not only benefits the environment but also enhances customer satisfaction. According to Fenton, “Three quarters of our customers believe that many of the products that they receive don't need any additional packaging.” This sentiment is echoed by the 80% of customers who care about the environmental impact of their purchases.

Beyond the immediate benefits of reduced waste and improved customer experience, the SIPP program also saves money. By minimizing the amount materials used in packaging, companies can lower their shipping costs and reduce the environmental footprint of their logistics operations. This is particularly important as the demand for e-commerce continues to grow, putting additional pressure on supply chains and increasing the volume of packaging waste.

The initiative also seems to encourage innovation in packaging design, pushing brands to think creatively about how they can make their products more sustainable. For example, the concept of reversible boxes, where one side serves as a traditional shipping box and the other as part of the product experience, is gaining traction. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the unboxing experience for customers, adding value to the product itself.

The impact of Amazon's e-commerce packaging mission extends beyond the company's immediate operations. It sets a precedent for the industry, encouraging other retailers and manufacturers to rethink their packaging strategies. By demonstrating that sustainable packaging can be both cost-effective and beneficial for customer satisfaction, Amazon is paving the way for broader adoption of these practices across the sector.

Echoing a major theme at SPC’s Advance conference, SIPP initiative highlights the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. From material suppliers to testing labs, each stakeholder plays a role in developing and implementing packaging solutions that meet comparatively rigorous, many-touch e-commerce demands. This collaborative approach not only accelerates the development of innovative packaging designs but also ensures that these solutions are practical and scalable.SC Johnson's Windex glass cleaner reduced both its e-comm package's footprint and leakers.

Does your product qualify?

To qualify for SIPP, products must meet the following criteria: 

·     Be shipped in a rigid 6-sided box, rigid or padded mailer, or bag 

·       Have minimum dimensions of 6 in. x 4 in. x 0.375 in. 

·       Have maximum dimensions of 18 in. x 14 in. x 6 in. for flexible packaging 

·       Be securely sealed and meet all labeling requirements 

·       Pass physical performance tests through a self-drop test or International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 6 lab test 

SIPP is available to all sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). The program allows sellers to ship products in their own branded packaging, instead of using an Amazon box, bag, or envelope. This can help reduce costs, damages, and FBA fees.