Amazon Deploying 18 Automated Packaging Machines Across UK Fulfilment Centres
Amazon is installing 18 automated packaging machines in UK fulfillment centres, with a rollout extending to other EU sites through 2027. The systems create custom‑sized cardboard boxes or paper bags, cutting waste and may trigger new dimensional‑weight or handling fees for FBA sellers.
Overview
Amazon is installing 18 automated packaging machines across its United Kingdom fulfillment network, marking the company’s biggest sustainable‑packaging investment to date. The equipment creates custom‑sized cardboard boxes or paper bags for each order, cutting excess material and lowering transport emissions. Sellers using Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) need to understand how the new system will affect product protection, potential fee structures, and upcoming packaging compliance requirements in Europe.
Key Points
- 18 machines deployed — Amazon is fitting the new units in UK fulfillment centers now, with a rollout plan that adds more devices through 2027.
- Tailor‑made cartons — Each system measures the exact dimensions of an item and builds a box or paper bag that fits the product without unnecessary void space.
- Paper‑first material — The technology replaces plastic fillers with recyclable cardboard and paper, moving the packaging mix toward fully recyclable components.
- Reduced carbon footprint — By shrinking parcel size and weight, carriers can load more packages per trip, decreasing last‑mile emissions.
- EU regulation readiness – The rollout aligns Amazon with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which tightens targets for waste reduction and recyclability.
- Potential fee implications – As Amazon’s own packaging becomes more efficient, the marketplace may adjust handling or dimensional‑weight fees for sellers whose inventory does not meet tighter standards.
How the Automated Packaging System Works
- Dimension capture — When an order is released for picking, a scanner records the length, width, and height of each SKU. Example: a 2 × 2 × 1 inch Bluetooth earbud case is measured in milliseconds as the picker places it on the conveyor.
- On‑demand box creation — The system feeds the dimensions into a cutting module that punches and folds a cardboard sheet into a box that matches the item’s size. Example: the earbud case receives a 3 × 3 × 2 inch box, just large enough to hold it securely.
Analysis & Recommendations
Why This Matters
Sellers using FBA must ensure their listed dimensions match the actual packed size, or risk oversized custom boxes and higher handling charges. The shift to paper‑first packaging also aligns with EU Packaging Waste Regulation, so non‑compliant prep could lead to penalties after 2027.
Key Takeaways
- 18 automated packaging machines are being deployed in UK fulfillment centres, with expansion to Germany, France, Italy and Spain planned by 2027.
- The machines produce custom‑sized cardboard boxes or paper bags, eliminating generic filler and reducing parcel weight.
- Potential new handling or dimensional‑weight fees may apply if seller‑provided dimensions are inaccurate or items exceed weight thresholds.
- The rollout supports compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, tightening recyclability targets.
Recommended Actions
- →Log in to Seller Central > Inventory > Manage Inventory and verify each SKU’s dimensions reflect true packed size.
- →Update product listings to match the reduced dimensions and test internal cushioning for fragile items.
- →Monitor Seller Central > Notifications for any fee‑structure announcements and adjust pricing or packaging accordingly.
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