We don’t just say this—we act on it. Every step in our process is a conscious choice. From the type of cardboard we use to how we pack and what we do with cardboard at the end of its life, we make choices that support the planet and reduce waste.

1. Sustainable production

Facts:
- 98% of our cardboard consists of recycled material.
- FSC®-certified: The materials used in our packaging come from responsibly managed forests that preserve and protect biodiversity.

For us, quality and sustainability go hand in hand. That’s why Janssen Packaging supplies our cardboard boxes. They are sturdy enough for safe shipping and consist of 98% recycled material.

2. Less air and less cardboard through a smart packing process

Facts:
- In 2024, 9 million parcels were shipped without a box.
- 85% of packages are sent without filler material.

Did you know that our packing machines can process up to 10,000 packages per hour? Choosing an eco-friendly box is one thing, but the next crucial step is optimizing the packing process itself. Over the past few years, we have made concrete investments in our fulfillment center in Waalwijk to make our packing process more efficient and environmentally friendly. Four key improvements are:

No packaging, no emissions
The most sustainable packaging is no packaging at all. Whenever possible, we skip the recognizable bol packaging. For example, an air fryer that already comes in a sturdy box doesn’t need additional packaging. How do we decide when an item can be shipped without an extra box? Product Packaging – Items with fragile or protruding parts may still need extra protection. Product Type – High-value items like phones or laptops have a greater risk of theft. Result? In 2024, more than 9 million packages were sent without a bol box.

Smart packing, smart savings
We've invested in fast and intelligent packing machines in our Waalwijk fulfillment center. These machines scan a package’s dimensions and create a custom-fit box around it. This results in 2.7 liters less air per package, or 30% less air compared to standard boxes. This also has a positive impact on cardboard usage. In 2024, we used 5% less packaging material per parcel than in 2023.

All-in-one packaging
A few years ago, if a customer ordered three different items from the same warehouse, they were packed together in a standard-sized box. Now, with our multi-packing machines, we can package multiple items in a single, customized box. The biggest challenge? Our enormous product range, with millions of different item sizes. Our multi-packing machine is the first in the world that can pack such a diverse range of products in a single, tailor-made box. The result: less packaging material per customer; fewer separate boxes at home.

No filler material
85% of all packages are shipped without filler material. By packing items to fit precisely, we eliminate the need for extra padding. We also provide filling advice for our employees when manual packing is required. A tablet shows whether filler material is necessary or not.

3. From waste to raw material

We don’t see used cardboard as waste—we see it as a new resource. All cutting waste in our Waalwijk fulfillment center is 100% recycled. All cardboard packaging we receive from suppliers is reused as raw material for new products through advanced recycling technology. Where possible, we repair cardboard boxes instead of recycling them. For example, if a product's packaging is damaged during transport, we repair it with a durable sticker instead of discarding it. This allows us to resell the item as new, reducing unnecessary waste. Our stickers use biodegradable adhesive, unlike traditional glue, which often contains chemical compounds.

Our commitment doesn’t stop here. Minimizing our impact on the planet is our daily focus. That’s why we continue to innovate and work toward reducing cardboard use—day by day, year by year. Want to learn more about how bol is making a difference? Check out the articles below.