Advanced Sustainability *
Since its beginnings in 1994 as an online bookseller, Amazon has become one of the world's most recognised and trusted brands. Rooted in a passion for innovation, Amazon has continually reshaped how we shop, connect, and experience the world. Built on a spirit of curiosity and customer obsession, bold ideas and a commitment to operational excellence mark its journey.
Today, Amazon’s ambition extends far beyond retail. The company is embracing a future where technology and sustainability walk hand-in-hand. From investing in renewable energy projects to reinventing packaging for a smaller environmental footprint, Amazon is focused on solutions that combine convenience, progress, and responsibility. Every step is taken carefully, driven by transparent action and a dedication to doing better for communities, customers, and the planet.
This means Amazon are above average compared to other companies in the E-Commerce.
Amazon positioning within the E-Commerce
The e-commerce industry faces essential sustainability challenges, particularly environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance. Carbon emissions from transportation and the growing issue of packaging waste are significant environmental concerns. Social responsibility covers fair working conditions, inclusivity, and data protection. Good governance means building trust through ethical behaviour and clear, responsible business practices. Across the sector, these challenges call for thoughtful action to ensure that convenience does not come at the cost of people or the planet.
Amazon is taking meaningful steps to address the sustainability issues facing the industry. It leads with investments in renewable energy and continues to innovate in reducing packaging waste, showing more decisive environmental action than many peers. Regarding social responsibility, Amazon is progressing by promoting equity, inclusion, and worker well-being. However, regarding governance—particularly transparency and regulatory compliance—Amazon still has room to grow. Recognising this, the company is strengthening its ethical practices and building deeper trust with all its stakeholders.
Amazon combines millions of products across every category—from everyday essentials and books to technology, fashion, and groceries. Its services, like Prime, Amazon Fresh, and Alexa, offer convenience at the touch of a button, supported by fast delivery, entertainment, and smart home solutions. Amazon Marketplace also empowers small businesses to reach customers worldwide, offering various choices in one trusted place.
Amazon is working to make more sustainable choices accessible without raising consumer costs. Through initiatives like Climate Pledge Friendly, it highlights products with credible sustainability certifications, helping shoppers make informed decisions. Investments in renewable energy, improved packaging, and zero-emission deliveries aim to lower environmental impact without compromising affordability or convenience. Amazon’s approach reflects a belief that sustainability should not be a luxury but part of everyday living.
Amazon is taking action through bold sustainability initiatives designed to make a real difference. Its "Shipment Zero" ambition targets making 50% of deliveries net-zero carbon by 2030, reducing the environmental footprint of each parcel. Amazon is also the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy, investing in wind and solar projects across the globe. Through the Climate Pledge Fund, Amazon supports pioneering companies creating sustainable technologies for the future. Its efforts to rethink packaging, champion resource reuse, and invest in community programmes reflect a broader commitment to environmental care and social progress. Every initiative is a step towards building a more sustainable and inclusive tomorrow.
Amazon shows strong environmental action, particularly in responsible material sourcing and pollution prevention. Its strategies focus on using resources more thoughtfully and reducing pollutants across its operations. Energy management and careful land use further highlight Amazon’s commitment to lowering its environmental footprint. While significant progress is being made, increasing efforts around greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous waste management would strengthen its overall impact. By embracing recognised certifications and pursuing new opportunities for improvement, Amazon demonstrates a clear intention to protect the planet. Continued progress on environmental compliance will be key to deepening its sustainable contribution in the years ahead.
Amazon shows meaningful progress in social sustainability, particularly through its strong focus on corporate giving and community engagement. Programmes supporting education, skills development, and workforce training highlight a genuine investment in helping people thrive. Amazon’s initiatives extend beyond its own walls, aiming to create lasting value for the wider community. However, challenges remain around data privacy, digital security, and ensuring consistently fair labour practices. Strengthening these areas will build greater trust and ensure respect for human rights across its global operations. Overall, Amazon’s social actions reveal a genuine commitment to positive change, alongside clear opportunities to grow further.
Amazon’s governance approach is strengthened by building resilient, sustainable operations and promoting ethical business practices. Efforts around transparency and open dialogue with stakeholders reflect a genuine intention to act responsibly and with integrity. At the same time, there are areas for further growth, particularly in strengthening shareholder rights and enhancing corporate compliance. By improving these areas, Amazon can build deeper trust and foster a more inclusive and accountable governance culture. Strong governance remains vital to ensuring that Amazon’s growth is responsible, fair, and future-focused.
Amazon’s unique strength lies in combining innovation, convenience, and commitment to a lower environmental footprint. As a founding member of The Climate Pledge, Amazon is pushing towards net-zero carbon by 2040, backed by real investments in renewable energy and electrified delivery. Shoppers can easily identify Climate Pledge Friendly products, making more thoughtful, straightforward, and clearer choices. With a vast product selection, reliable service, and increasing focus on sustainable operations, Amazon offers customers what they want and better ways to shop responsibly, helping to create a more convenient, inclusive, and climate-conscious future.
Amazon is working towards a more responsible future, embedding sustainability across its operations. With clear action in environmental care, community engagement, and ethical governance, Amazon’s journey highlights both progress made and opportunities ahead.
When you shop with Amazon, your choices can help support this movement towards positive change. Here's how you can easily find lower-impact options:
Every purchase is a small but meaningful step. By choosing lower-impact products, you help support a future where shopping is better for people and the planet. Together, small choices lead to big change.
* Disclaimer: We use publicly available information, licensed data, information generated by artificial intelligence tools and information obtained directly from brands in order to determine our Sustainability Ratings. We recognise that you will be consulting various sources in order to do your due diligence and/or to inform your buying decisions, which may include considering our Sustainability Ratings. Please note that our Sustainability Ratings are for general information only and you must not use any part of the content on our site (including the Sustainability Ratings) for commercial or business purposes without first obtaining a licence to do so from us or our licensors. The Sustainability Ratings are not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on our site, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees that the content on our site or the Sustainability Ratings are accurate, complete or up to date. We therefore disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such content by any visitor to our site, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. Please refer to our Terms of Service or contact us at if you have any questions.
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