UPDATED: January 24, 2019
You’ve probably noticed while shopping on Amazon that some products are available in “frustration-free packaging.” I usually ignore this unless it happens to be cheaper because I’m frugal AF. But, my curiosity got the best of me recently so I did some quick-and-dirty Google research on the topic. This is what I found.
What Is Frustration-Free Packaging?
In 2008, Amazon introduced frustration-free packaging, or “easy-to-open packaging,” as a way to deal with “wrap rage.” This malady is caused by the consumer losing their mind trying to remove their goods from plastic clamshell packaging, boxes with dozens of metal twist ties, or the neverending packages within packages.
Amazon teamed up with several manufacturers, including Belkin, Hamilton Beach, Logitech, Fisher-Price, and more, to remove all of the unnecessary packaging. After all, when you buy something online, the flashy packaging isn’t really necessary to close the sale. As of 2013, they offer more than 200,000 items with user-friendly packaging.
Another perk of this type of packaging is that all of the materials are 100% recyclable. This means there are no clear-plastic inlays, no Styrofoam, and the packages are smaller. Don’t worry about your goods getting destroyed, though. They use enough packaging to protect your contents.
Is Frustration-Free Packaging Worth It?
With a lot of brands, such as the ones mentioned above, the items are automatically frustration-free. Just look for the “easy-to-open packaging” designation under the price of the item. For other products, you can choose between frustration-free and standard packaging. I looked at a few examples, and the frustration-free packaging was actually cheaper for each one. So, you are essentially paying less for less hassle. Sounds like a deal to me.
See! It looks like this!
In the first five years of the program, Amazon has kept 25 million pounds of waste out of landfills. And, smaller and lighter packages mean fewer fossil fuels.
If you want to do your part, I recommend checking the box next to Frustration-Free Packaging under the Packaging Options category in your Amazon product searches.
Of course, even the best programs have their detractors. The most recent negative article I could find about Amazon’s frustration-free packaging was from 2011. I’m assuming the lack of other articles in the last eight years can be attributed to Amazon taking packaging feedback seriously.
Overall, I think this is an excellent program and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates being alive. Have you had experiences with frustration-free packaging that you can no longer contain within yourself? For heaven’s sake, share them below!
