45 Times Product Packaging Was So Wrong, It Was Shared In This Online Group
Packaging, packaging, PACKAGING! Ugh, it gets on our nerves so much when companies use far too much packaging for their products. ‘Excessive’ doesn’t even cut it when you look at all the plastic, paper, and bubble wrap needed for a single tiny thing. Meanwhile, the Environment’s sitting in the corner, weeping, wondering what it did wrong to deserve this and why companies don’t change their outdated business models.
Some packaging is so horrifyingly unnecessary, it gets shamed on the r/EgregiousPackaging subreddit, a place that shows that excess is far from the positive thing that some customers are led to believe. Scroll down to see the very worst offenders and let us know in the comments what the very worst example was that you’ve seen with your own two eyes, Pandas.
When you’re done with this list, you can find more fuel for your outrage by reading these two Fashion Life articles about excessive packaging right here, as well as here.
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Sephora At It Again For A .05oz Concealer
What’s crazy about this is that they have to pay for that extra large amount of packaging not only is the packaging cutting the money but so is the size of the packaging. SMH
This also takes up space on a plane/truck that could be used to transport something else!
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They are as bad as Amazon. When I reviewed an item which I’d received from Amazon over-packaged, they refused to publish my review because it contained criticism of Amazon!
You think that's bad, When I get my Ford Part’s order for a 1 X 3/8 inch bolt and it comes in a box that is 3ft long 2ft high and 1.5ft wide that has Ford is doing it's part to recycle stamped on said box. Complete waste when they could have shipped it out in a FedEx extra small envelope instead. This happens multiple times a week. It infuriates me every single time.
I truly believe this is a plan from cats around the world! Big boxes for all deliveries to please the cats everywhere!!!
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Ok but like, why are you ordering one, tiny, single item online to have shipped? Yeah, it could be sent in a smaller package, but it's still wasteful in general for such a teeny, tiny order anyway.
They package like this so when others see it on your porch, they might look online and purchase something
Oooo, running neck and neck with the FabFitFun submission. This item might actually weigh a micro-gram more.
I hate ordering from the for reasons like this. I have absolutely received packages like this from them and countless ones from Amazon.
Then they would have to buy envelopes. They buy one style of packaging, they buy a lot, and they get very good pricing.
Walmart is doing this too. You buy 10 items and get about 7 boxes. Sometimes, as in this photo, a small item can be mailed safely in a bubble envelope, but noooooooo. They have to put it into a box that is so damn huge! That takes up space on the planes and the delivery trucks. It makes no sense at all!!
I know what I said on the amazon and nail file one, but this is excessive.
Take it or leave it, and you may think Amazon is a vehicle for the Antichrist, but there are actually well thought out reasons that one may not consider. This was informative. https://www.distractify.com/p/amazon-huge-boxes
First of all why order such a small amount of product online ?
Ordered Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes From A Zero Waste Store - Came In 100% Non-Degradable Bubble Wrap And Plastic Bags
The r/EgregiousPackaging online community is fairly new. Founded in early 2019, it will be celebrating its 3rd birthday on January 16, 2022. In that time, the group has grown to 16.3k.
A while back, I spoke to four experts about packaging, plastic, business, and recycling. They went in-depth with Fashion Life about the reasons why companies actually focus on having more packaging than we might think is necessary, and highlighted what we as consumers can do to affect their decision-making process.
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace's Global Project Leader for the Plastic-Free-Future, told Fashion Life that companies have convinced people that they can use something once, for a few minutes, and then simply throw it away. “The problem is, we know now that there is no such thing as ‘away,’” he said.
Not Sure If This Counts, But This Is For Only Three Things At CVS
[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting
![[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting](https://fashionlife.online/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/61a7416fa047f_lwv4v3duhta21__700.jpg "[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting")
“Less than 10 percent of the plastic waste ever made has actually been recycled, with the vast majority ending up in our oceans, landfills, or incinerated—polluting communities around the globe,” Forbes, from Greenpeace, warned.
“Companies are still stuck in this outdated business model that uses unnecessary packaging and puts the onus on the consumer to clean it up. It is up to all of us to demand accountability from these companies that continue to churn out throwaway plastic. It's time to demand systems of reuse rather than polluting throwaway packaging,” he said.
Plastic Packaging For A Cd Disk......but Without A Cd Disk In It
Just Why?
“By utilizing reusable bottles, bags, or containers, we can start to build the systems that we want to see from large companies. Ultimately, large-scale systemic change will depend on companies like Nestle, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo changing their business models to reject throwaway plastic packaging. By rejecting throwaway culture, we can move them in a better direction quickly,” Forbes explained to Fashion Life.
Meanwhile, Kara Pochiro from the Association of Plastic Recyclers noted that “packaging often has a variety of uses that the general consumer does not realize such as protection and preservation.” In short, there are clear reasons why companies add a lot of packaging that we might find egregiously excessive. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t change how companies operate. By changing our spending habits, we can affect the business models that corporations go for.
My Father Ordered 15 Fence Posts… Legends Tell Of A Second Truck, Out There Somewhere Going To Deliver The Last One
Really Glad My Made From Recycled Materials & Biodegradable Sponges Came Wrapped Together And Individually In Plastic
“If consumers purchase products and packaging made with recycled content, this will encourage companies to use more recycled content, can boost demand for that material, and increase recycling rates,” Pochiro said.
“Consumers play a big role in the success of recycling programs. They need to recycle and buy products and packaging made with recycled content.”
Chocolate Air
The CEO of Plastics for Change, Andrew Almack highlighted the fact that getting rid of plastics in packaging would require a lot of effort on the part of companies.
“Removing unnecessary plastic requires companies to redefine their supply chain. They have to do RnD while keeping in mind challenges like the visual appeal of product packaging, the durability of alternatives, sustained supply of alternatives, costing, and manufacturing,” he told Fashion Life that this may be part of the reason why some companies don’t make the switch.
An Office Supply Company Bubble-Wrapped Their Bubble Wrap
Ordered 27 Books From Amazon On A Single Order. Got 27 Boxes With 1 Book Each Delivered
Individually Wrapped Vegetables In A Vietnamese Supermarket
“It is important for customers to purchase and use products made by businesses that focus on sustainability. When people start buying from eco-friendly businesses, the demand for such goods would increase and ignite other players to cater to this trend which could be done by a simple change in current company policies,” Almack said that customers can be a force for change.
“Being more conscious about our throwaway culture is where one should surely start. Simple changes to eliminate single-use plastic go a long way: avoid gum and plasticware, reuse storage containers and use razors with replaceable blades,” Almack explained what we can do as individuals to help the environment. Every small bit of effort matters, even if it’s the large multinational companies who hold most of the power to affect change.
A spokesperson from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste stressed the fact that plastic waste is harming our environment and that change needs to happen.
“Everyone agrees: plastic waste does not belong in our oceans, or anywhere in the environment. And despite the many benefits of plastic to health, safety, sustainability, and convenience, plastic waste has become a challenge in parts of the world because it is not managed properly,” they said in an interview with Fashion Life.
Must Have Been Out Of Envelopes
Dude you could have gone to a gas station and bought batteries Edit:I understand that some people might not be able to leave the house to get stuff so it would be better if this came in a smaller box or envelope
So I Only Get This Much Actual Cream?
It looks more like a pump bottle that has a plunger moving upwards from the bottom and a dispenser withdrawing the product. This package isn't too ergonomic as there's still plenty of product left when it doesn't have enough pressure to withdraw and also requires lots of plastic and a whole mechanism to dispense
Big Box For A Small Bottle With Only Enough Pills To Fill The Cap. Lame
“To help address the challenge in a globally coordinated and transformative way, over 40 companies around the world, from across the plastics value chain—companies that make, use, sell, process, collect and recycle plastics—have joined together with a clear mission: to help end plastic waste in the environment,” they said that some companies do focus on helping the environment. Not everyone’s a villain when it comes to packaging—some choose to be superheroes.
There Was Nothing In This Box But A Card And Packing Material
If Only Shallots Had Natural Layers Of Protection From Their Environment. Thanks, Walmart And Suppliers
“The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has pledged 1.5 billion dollars over the next five years to develop, accelerate and bring to scale solutions to minimize and manage plastic waste, catalyze investment, engage communities and promote solutions including reducing, reusing, recovering, and recycling materials. Alliance efforts will be implemented in a coordinated way with support and resources from both the public and private sectors, facilitating comprehensive, meaningful, and lasting change that will help end plastic waste in the environment.”
When You Run Out Of Small Boxes At The Package Station But If You Go Get More You’re Pack Rate Percentage Will Go Into The Yellow
Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic
Yeah and then the government and the companies blame the customers that they create so much waste... shame on you, customer! 👹😇
I Find This Disgusting, Lazy, And So Damn Harmful To Both The Environment And The Consumer's Psyche...
Not Only Is It Egregious, But It's Infuriating
I am quite sure there was a knife and a glass inside, after all it is a "Good morning KIT". And the jar of Nutella looks quite big. So this is a hoax.
I Bought A Nail File
In fairness it wouldn't be financially viable to have packaging for every possible size and depending on setup there is a minimum practical size to packaging.
For Crying Out Loud...
Hopefully 2020 Brings Less Of This
My grandmother (god rest her) used to get these. You puncture some holes into the plastic, pop it in the microwave and it steams up into a nice "baked" potato.
Ordered A Tube Of Thermal Paste
the deal with bigger packaging for small is that your more likely to break whats inside then small packaging for smaller items.
Tiny Little Amount Of Eyeliner In A Huge Plastic Container
It is much cheaper to buy professional cosmetics like mac and such. The prices appear higher, but they pack a lot of (high quality pigment rich) product in each item.
Hi Y'all, Im A Designer At Tic-Tac. Hope You Enjoy Our Newest Optimized Design For Tic-Tacs!
How They Sell Bananas In Japan. Bonus: If You Don't Explicitly Decline, The Cashier Will Give You Another Bag For The Banana
Technically Correct!
It is actually better, because you can move three vehicles while only driving one.
This Tea That I Got For Christmas
I'm going to stick up for this one. It's what they do (http://www.regaloteas.com/Gift-Collection.php). They're those fancy-schmancy pyramid tea bags in different flavours, so packing them together would ruin the taste. They're also packaged for gift-giving. Not a big fan, still killing the environment, but not scammers as so many others on the list are.
Note: this post originally had 83 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.
For people saying individually wrapped fruit and veg is "safer" during COVID times, just wash the damned fruit/veg before you eat it! Problem solved!
After watching 'ice cream Girl' I will not buy anything unless it's totally sealed. People are disgusting.
True that people can be disgusting... however, a seal or two can do wonders to protect the contents of containers of all kinds.
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I get paid over 90$ per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. I never thought I'd be able to do it but my best friend earns over 10k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. The potential with this is endless. Heres what I've been doing.. :) AND GOOD LUCK.:) ===))> 𝐖𝐰𝐰.𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.𝐂𝐨𝐦
I had to stop at #30 because I got so angry. Some of these are unavoidable (postal orders) but a lot can be avoided by not buying this and if necessary being a Karen (I know I know) and complaining. It's the only way. Oh and if it comes in too much plastic you can return it with a note ...
Some of these could be avoided if people would support their town by buying locally.
Absolutely, well said 👏
Unfortunately, in the US at least, the options are very limited now. Once we allowed Walmart and Amazon to kill small businesses, it took away a lot of choice and opportunity. We still can, but we have A LOT of work to do to bring small businesses back.
Caro: This is one time when being a 'Karen' can actually benefit the world. The loud, argumentative type can find a real, proper target for a rant!
I can save up all my frustrations and let it out in one big KarenRant AAAAAARHG
Impossible!... Her power is... over 9000!
There were loads of them where the OP could have bought the item locally and avoided all that packaging. And probably more cheaply too.
I only got to number 9 and feel exactly the same as you.
The waste of most of these is so shameful, I couldn't keep going. There are some that have reasons. Sometimes hygiene requires items in public places to be individually wrapped. Also, because of the way Amazon loads their vans, they have to have a box big enough that it will load properly with the other boxes. However, I see no reason why they couldn't have a rack with envelope type packages in the van so they could just post the items through the door, instead of having boxes.
But they do have envelope type packages!
I had to stop as well, mostly because of the laughter in the photos. It's not funny.
The irony of someone ordering a nail file or a bottle of Mio on Amazon, then complaining about how it's packaged. Go to the store FFS.
I'm sure a lot of the Amazon ones happen because the people packing these are in a hurry, aren't paid enough, and grab the closest box to where they are standing so they don't get yelled at by their supervisor for being away from their station.
while I fully agree that there is a severe packaging issue, I don't think most people know that there is a reason why packaging in too big of a box is happening. Amazon has strict rules, and packers do not have a choice in most cases.
This is ridiculous, how did straws become an issue when this obviously excessive plastic garbage is here everywhere everyday
Deliberate misdirection by the 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions?
Because you show a picture of a turtle with a straw in its mouth you have more outrage than someone throwing away packaging. People need to learn when they are being manipulated
Most of these have reasons, not all of them, and certainly not always good reasons, but still reasons. Why attack those explaining those reasons? Explaining something doesn't mean they are condoning it.
You had wonderful explanations, Kira. I really appreciated your input, and I know your helpful information was not in defense of packaging, but just providing context. I’m sorry people were often downvoting you or being jerks. Self-righteousness and shaming seem to be more popular than understanding and then considering actual solutions that match the situations. Well done on ALL your comments throughout the thread.
I think some of these are due to the items being so small, that they want to ensure that they do not get lost in the post, so I get that part. However, at least then use organic packaging material inside as well. Like starch-based foam peanuts.
I reuse and recycle, so the paper and boxes are used
PS I received something in the post from USA in 1997 which had starch-based foam peanuts, so yes, they are a thing, and they are not new.
And the govt says people need to do better. It's the companies that need to buck up
These companies are only half of the problem. It's us the consumer that add to this problem. By buying or wanting things we truly do not need in the 1st place. These companies know our weaknesses better than we do. If we only consumed natural things we needed to live. Things could be better, but unfortunately not enough people are willing to do what needs to be done to help our environment. That's the truth, I'm afraid.
+1000. We gotta think carefully about why we think we need to buy so many things and find another way to fulfill that need. And stop judging others who don't have a lot of shiny new gadgets and things, instead of thinking they're losers or something.
Exactly! When you think about humanity and what we truly need to exist and live. It's only food, shelter, water, clothing, and keeping up with our health. There is nothing else that a human needs other than those natural things already on Earth. All the other material stuff is not a need in anyway. We've been made to think our wants and desires are needs. But they aren't! Unfortunately getting people to see that truth is hard because people have grown accustom to convenience and all these material things that aren't needed for humans to actually live and thrive. It's only going to get worse and we are all to blame because none of us will do what needs to be done. Or sacrifice for the future generations to come. I'm afraid we all have a hand in our own downfall as a species. But not many people care to admit it. There are ways to fix all our problems but people just won't do it. That's what's truly heartbreaking about it all. We are our own worst enemy rings truer every single day.
It's so easy for world leaders to start putting fines but they just gather and pretend they speak about climate change! Let the next generations try to figure out what to do i guess
You said it, Vicky! This is exactly the bottom line, otherwise, if packaging continues to be up to the individual sellers, these are the results. With the first executive decision + hefty fine, only then will things start changing.
I think one thing we need to remember is that none of these large companies are saying, "hey let's waste a lot of money on packaging." These things happen usually in response to past complaints by customers. For example, pharmaceutical companies have all the extra packaging because of past lawsuits. It started back in the 80s with the Tylenol tampering that actually killed 7 people....So, because of one a-hole in the 80s, we all have to suffer. The companies have to spend billions on the packaging, and we have to suffer opening it! So, I think we just need to get rid of all the a-holes in the world and then we can decrease the waste on packaging..... argh, not so simple.
It is a marketing ploy in many instances as well. If you have a small product, sitting on the shelf next to a larger item, it will be overlooked either because of size, or the perception that larger is better.
I see the waste, I do. But honestly, you can reuse a box several times. You can reuse bubble wrap if you don't pop it. We have to start thinking of new ways to use existing things. That really is what people used to do before the age of convenience.
Bruuu this madden me >:O Lots of companies want us to reduce package use to protect environment BUT they still send so much excessive package It's them not us who r destroying the environment I wonder if these companies spend more on packaging then their actual products XD HOPE THEY CHANGE. STOP DOING DIS
I recently and accidently threw one thing away, still in the box, only later realised that the tiny thing must have been in the kilo of wrapping paper. There was a medium sized item in the huge box,I got this out, but apparently somewhere in the paper the tiny thing must have hidden. Quite annoying.
They constantly attack the consumer to cut down on plastic use, why? who are the guilty?
We learned one of the reasons for big boxes in math which was so they could be stacked easier in the shipping process I think but individually wrapped fruit and so much plastic stuff in the boxes is stupid and there's not really a reason for it
Meanwhile in local grocery store. Fruit is usually loose, but when It's 50% off, it has to be wrapped in plastic. 1638468110...3add5c.jpg
Companies like Amazon have logistics software which decides which size package to put something in...not based on the smallest size packaging but on how the package will ship. Using bigger boxes that then fill up the shipping container decreases the amount of damage the packages are exposed to. It also helps to distribute weight along with volume. People would also complain if their packages showed up dented so. If you don't like it and don't want to waste then but local...the carbon footprint shipping you a package with a tiny object takes is way more detrimental than some extra packaging. This is as much on the consumer, if not more, than the companies who ship.
Coming from a generation of cereal box toys and drinking from the water hose, you can't have it both ways. One generation had kids so special, the FDA had to regulate all this individually packaged business to prevent choking hazards. Now, there's too much plastic everywhere. Here's a tip, when you order from Amazon, order everything at once. You are provided with the delivery option to wait until all items are available before delivering to prevent individual packages like this. We're just impatient and wan