Good things come in small parcels, so why do some companies deliver their goods in excessive packaging?
It’s hard not to feel a little rush of excitement when the postman or a courier hands you an unexpectedly big parcel to unwrap.
That excitement can quickly change not just to disappointment but full-on disgust when you realise that huge package is actually half-empty.
Nowadays, more and more of us are shopping online. And we’re also becoming increasingly conscious of the waste we produce.
A few months ago, I ordered a couple of tiny batteries from Amazon for a set of weighing scales. I was shocked to find them delivered in a box that could have fitted dozens of the things.
Similarly, look at this photo of a cosmetic concealer ordered from make-up brand Benefit. The volume of packaging far surpasses the size of the actual product.

Environmental costs
While it’s important to make sure products are protected from damage, sometimes they come so ridiculously overpackaged and covered in plastic that it’s shameful.
According to government statistics, the UK produced 11.5 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2016. Some 71% of that was either recycled or recovered, but that still leaves an awful lot that wasn’t.
And it’s not just the packaging itself that’s the issue. Bigger boxes take up more room on delivery vans and that leads to more delivery vans on our roads. In turn, that means more fuel burned and more emissions polluting our atmosphere.
Have you had a delivery that came in excess packaging? Do you have any photos of ridiculously oversized packaging that you could share with us in the comments below? Are you consciously trying to reduce your packaging waste? If so, what are your top tips and tricks?