Overpackaging, the other side of e-commerce that must deal with oversized packages and packaging

Overpackaging is a significant issue in e-commerce, leading to excessive waste from oversized packaging. A study by LIUC University highlights that this phenomenon arises from a defensive response to uncertainties in the supply chain. The e-commerce sector, which accounts for over 23% of global retail sales, generates substantial waste, with 150,000 tons of unnecessary cardboard consumed annually. New European regulations will limit empty space in transport packaging and mandate reusable packaging. The study reveals that many companies do not measure overpackaging, and a lack of key performance indicators (KPIs) in contracts contributes to the problem. The logistics sector operates in silos, hindering effective waste reduction efforts.