Parcels

It's cheaper or a distributor to buy a restricted range of boxes (say 3 sizes) than a more varied size range.
It's easier, more space efficient and more importantly faster, for the packer to have few packing size options.
The smaller the package the more likely it is to get lost.
They will claim the packaging is recyclable and that's them off the hook.

I just read the opposite opinion, namely that sending small items in big boxes means that the companies are sending a parcel that mainly consists of air, that the bigger than necessary boxes fill up the vans transporting them faster than boxes of graduated sizes would and the delivery points' shelves as well.

These factors make delivery time longer, affect the environment, as not all packaging is recycled and more fuel s used for transporting the goods than would be needed if goods were packed in boxes that suited the amount of items.

There would be no point in my providing my source as it was the Danish Co-op's magazine for customers and therefore in Danish.

If it was delivered in a matchbox-sized parcel it could have easily got lost in the sorting process, there is a minimum parcel size that Royal Mail will take.

Theexwife

If it was delivered in a matchbox-sized parcel it could have easily got lost in the sorting process, there is a minimum parcel size that Royal Mail will take.

That makes sense.

I need boxes to send family gifts within the UK and abroad. I send up to 2kg and the relevant box size costs me £5.40 at the Post office. I am therefore glad to receive decent sized boxes.
I consider it recycling.

I don't care so long as my parcel gets to me safely, and I can recycle the packaging.

I think some people must have too much time on their hands

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I completely understand your frustration! It's definitely wasteful when companies use unnecessarily large packaging for small items. Unfortunately, sometimes it's done to ensure products are protected during transit, but it would be great if companies considered more eco-friendly options. Hopefully, more will adopt sustainable practices soon!

OTOH I had a large item (a requested toy for Gds) just left on the step, totally unwrapped! It’s a big item in a box, with the illustration showing clearly what is inside. This was amazon - TBH I was amazed at the carelessness. Just as well we live in a relatively safe area, or it would very soon have been nicked for sure.

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I agree with the eventual need for decent box sizes but in the meantime I'm just grateful for the arrival of deliveries in one piece! And boxes / cardboard etc can be reused or recycled. The delivery staff themselves are always helpful with big items and give a friendly wave.
My family visited Amazon recently and was amazed how everything was packaged.

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Like hearing the first cuckoo or spotting the first swallow of summer - is this the first Christmas post of 2025? 🎄 🎅

I find

Coopers of Stortford

The Cat Gallery in York

The Westminster Collection

So...? Fragrance

are brilliant, they only use the packaging they have to and don't over bulk but some companies are demons for all the drama!

Witzend

OTOH I had a large item (a requested toy for Gds) just left on the step, totally unwrapped! It’s a big item in a box, with the illustration showing clearly what is inside. This was amazon - TBH I was amazed at the carelessness. Just as well we live in a relatively safe area, or it would very soon have been nicked for sure.

If you say itsa gift (Anazon have that tick-box) then it won't come unwrapped.
It will always be in a bag or a box.

RosieandherMaw

Like hearing the first cuckoo or spotting the first swallow of summer - is this the first Christmas post of 2025? 🎄 🎅

😂

With memories of my Granny I smooth out the paper and re-use it. The brown paper that comes in Amazon boxes is good quality and has gone back into the postal system when I have sent parcels and packets. Much better than bubble wrap.