The shareholder resolution, filed by advocacy group As You Sow, requests that Amazon publish a report detailing strategies to reduce its use of single-use plastic packaging. These materials, often non-recyclable in standard municipal recycling systems, contribute significantly to global plastic pollution and threaten marine ecosystems.
This marks the third successful SEC ruling in 2025 in favor of As You Sow on circular economy-related proposals. Previous wins this year targeted PepsiCo’s packaging policies and Goodyear Tire’s management of microplastic emissions from tire wear. The trend reflects growing regulatory acknowledgment that plastic pollution poses material risks to business operations and reputation.
Despite the scale of its operations, Amazon does not currently disclose how much flexible plastic packaging it uses. Its lack of transparency and a defined reduction goal contributed to an “F” grade in As You Sow’s 2024 Plastic Promises Scorecard. The scorecard critiques companies on their plastic footprint and progress toward reduction targets.
The Breaking the Plastic Wave report identifies flexible plastic packaging as the most impactful area for potential reduction or elimination. With Amazon’s expanding global logistics network, investors and environmental groups argue that the company must take leadership in sustainable packaging innovation.
The SEC ruling now paves the way for Amazon shareholders to vote on the proposal during the company’s 2025 annual general meeting. A favorable vote could prompt Amazon to adopt clearer sustainability commitments, including measurable goals to reduce plastic use.
Given Amazon’s scale, any shift in its packaging approach could influence packaging practices across the retail and logistics sectors. The outcome of this shareholder initiative may signal to other corporations that investors expect more transparency and action on environmental impact.
