How we use AI to deliver customer orders with less packaging
If you sell with FBA, the boxes or mailers that your products are sent to customers in are probably selected by artificial intelligence (AI).
We're working hard to reduce packaging waste, but choosing the optimal packaging that both reduces waste and protects products can be challenging.
Our AI model, the Package Decision Engine, uses a combination of deep machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision to determine the most efficient packaging for each product. For example, it can predict when a more durable product like a blanket doesn't need protective packaging or when a potentially fragile item like a set of dinner plates might need a sturdier box.
The model helps to reduce the number of cardboard boxes, air pillows, tape and mailers used to send purchases to customers and, along with other packaging innovations has helped avoid more than 2 million tonnes of packaging material worldwide since 2015.
Prior to the use of AI, Amazon associates used physical testing on individual products to determine how to optimise packaging, but that work was impossible to scale through human efforts alone. The Package Decision Engine has helped automate portions of this work, allowing Amazon associates to focus on addressing other sustainability challenges.
To find out more about how it works, read the full story at About Amazon
How we use AI to deliver customer orders with less packaging
If you sell with FBA, the boxes or mailers that your products are sent to customers in are probably selected by artificial intelligence (AI).
We're working hard to reduce packaging waste, but choosing the optimal packaging that both reduces waste and protects products can be challenging.
Our AI model, the Package Decision Engine, uses a combination of deep machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision to determine the most efficient packaging for each product. For example, it can predict when a more durable product like a blanket doesn't need protective packaging or when a potentially fragile item like a set of dinner plates might need a sturdier box.
The model helps to reduce the number of cardboard boxes, air pillows, tape and mailers used to send purchases to customers and, along with other packaging innovations has helped avoid more than 2 million tonnes of packaging material worldwide since 2015.
Prior to the use of AI, Amazon associates used physical testing on individual products to determine how to optimise packaging, but that work was impossible to scale through human efforts alone. The Package Decision Engine has helped automate portions of this work, allowing Amazon associates to focus on addressing other sustainability challenges.
To find out more about how it works, read the full story at About Amazon
0 replies
Seller_J2H5GprhaORbt
Unfortunately this does not replace common sense .
I would be interested to know
How much more damage is done to the environment with the amount of returns and replacements sent ?
Seller_IQo80d99W2DzP
It would be good if only AI worked correctly.
I personally have received damaged items, as not packaged at all, just in the makers bag/box.
Amazon send many items without any packaging at all. As a minimum that means the makers box/packaging has a courier label directly on it, which looks awful, especially if it is for a present.
If unwanted, then can only be returned the same way, so cannot then be resold as new.
If you tick that it is a gift, then Amazon pack things far better. Usually in a box with packaging. Or at least in a bag, etc. If in a bag can still get some damage, but at least no courier label on the makers box.
It would be better if Sellers at least outer wrap makers boxes.
Without extra wrapping, I have even had makers boxes been received opened with items missing inside. Boxes are often not factory sealed, just a flap, so if the flap opens in transit, the item/s inside can fall out. Wrapping is needed, and the AI system does not take that into account quite clearly.
I nearly always now tick everything is a gift to over come this issue. Many Buyers I am sure do not do that though, causing unnecessary returns and losses.
Some Sellers realise the issue and wrap their items, so then wrapped again, wasting packaging that was nt needed.
I only get the issue with FBA items, most Sellers wrap ok when they send themselves.
Seller_i38MVIJDH23AY
And how's it going?
I get dozens and dozens of returns due to inappropriate packaging. I am then responsible for the damage.
When this happens in the EU the item just has to be destroyed as it is too expensive to get it returned.
Amazon needs to do a review of AI use, particularly within Seller Support. It is awful.
Seller_zWpliaCE34XT0
Well that explains why we have so many damaged in transit or damaged due to incorrect outer packaging FBA returns (which Amazon no longer reimburses for)
Seller_ZJhFeE3tNKzfh
Considering I've just uploaded an SDS file, that was immediately rejected and given 3 reasons, all of which, having checked the SDS were fine, using AI developed by amazon isn't necessarily the win you think it is.
Seller_eX5PU1b0GGPXn
Sorry but your packaging is terrible
The boxes are the thinnest cardboard
Why does AI throw in a bit of grey paper
Your cardboard envelopes are marginally better but they are often overfilled so start to come apart
Or the smaller envelopes will not tear open
Seller_qZpqTwP6ldvth
Doesn't know not to put an expensive Lego set in an envelope that is too small for it. Sqashing the box, which is part of the value and sticking the envelope lip to the box!
Seller_fcnANlwB930WM
What a load of nonsense. The number of things I send back damage as there is so little packing is high. The only way you can reduce next to no packing is none at all.
