Ecommerce Brands Look to New Sustainability Measures as More People Shop Online

Carbon output and packaging waste are among the biggest concerns

Achieving ‘Mainstream Green’ is key to a more sustainable economy. Read the new report on the CMO Sustainability Accelerator hub to learn more and take action.

Americans have made so many pandemic purchases that ecommerce has essentially experienced two winter holiday shopping seasons in the 12-month period from March 2020 through February 2021. Last year, U.S. consumers spent $813 billion online, up 42% compared to 2019, according to Adobe’s Digital Economy Index. Adobe predicts ecommerce will surpass $1 trillion in 2022.

While buying via the web is more convenient for shoppers, it also puts more pressure on the environment. A handful of disjointed items thrown into a box and shipped to a home in the suburbs involves more packaging and carbon emissions than driving to a local shop.

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This story first appeared in the April 5, 2021, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.