As e-commerce continues to thrive, an often-overlooked environmental issue is growing: undelivered parcels. When customers place orders but fail to accept delivery, this results in wasted resources, increased emissions, and avoidable packaging waste – all contributing to environmental degradation.
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🌍 The Environmental Impact of Undelivered Orders
Undelivered parcels cause double the environmental damage:
1. Increased Packaging Waste
Each undelivered parcel adds more packaging materials, most of which end up in landfills. According to the European Commission, packaging waste accounts for about 40% of plastic and 50% of paper waste in the EU (source).
2. Higher CO₂ Emissions
Return logistics for undelivered parcels mean extra transportation, contributing to increased carbon emissions. Studies suggest e-commerce returns generate up to five times more packaging waste than traditional retail and contribute over 24 million tonnes of CO₂ annually (source).
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🏛️ EU Regulations and Actions
The European Union is actively addressing this issue through new legislation:
• New Packaging Waste Rules
The EU has proposed targets to reduce packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. New rules will also limit empty space in parcels to 50% (source).
• Ban on Certain Single-Use Plastic Packaging
By January 1st, 2030, several types of plastic single-use packaging will be banned, aiming to reduce plastic waste significantly (source).
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✅ What Online Retailers Can Do
E-commerce businesses can reduce the environmental harm of undelivered parcels through:
• Optimised Packaging
Use packaging that fits the product size and avoids excessive material use.
• Encouraging Parcel Collection
Educate customers about the environmental and financial cost of not accepting orders and set clear return conditions.
• Deposit or Penalty Systems
Introduce small fees or incentives that encourage responsible customer behaviour.
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🌱 Conclusion
Undelivered parcels are a real and measurable threat to sustainability in the e-commerce sector. With better awareness and smarter logistics policies, retailers and consumers alike can reduce environmental damage and support the EU’s climate and waste-reduction goals.
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