Walmart announces major change to delivery options for customers

WALMART has announced that its packaging on delivery orders will change across pickup and delivery.

The giant retailer will switch its plastic mailers on delivery orders for paper ones that can be recycled curbside in an effort to eliminate waste.

Walmart estimates it will cut over 2,000 tons of plastic by transitioning to its paper bag mailers.

The company also stated that it will likely eliminate 65million plastic bag mailers from circulation in the US by the end of the current fiscal year.

Additionally, this will offer customers new waste-reducing options across pickup and delivery.

Other changes include "right-sizing cardboard box packaging" which will give customers the option to consolidate shipping on eCommerce orders.

This means shoppers will be able to opt out of single-use plastic bags for pickup and last-mile delivery orders, per a Walmart statement.

The move will likely save shoppers money as bag fees range between 74 cents and $3.98.

While the company has rolled out the option, by the end of the year the move will be across every store.

"Our commitment to regeneration is core to who we are and how we innovate at Walmart," Karisa Sprague, senior vice president of fulfillment network operations for Walmart US, said.

"Customers have told us how excited they are about these enhancements to make it easier for them to make more sustainable choices that support the planet and the next generation," she added.

In addition to the paper mailers, Walmart plans to cut the amount of cardboard used to ship products.

This means the company will transition to what's called "right-sized packaging" using technology in nearly half of its fulfillment network.

The technology creates a package that is custom fitted to the shopper's order.

Cutting all unused box space also reduces the need for filler by 60 percent, per Walmart.

Additionally, it cuts waste caused by oversized boxes by about 26 percent.

All Walmart customers shopping online may now request fewer boxes.

As consumer spending shifts, the giant retailer will increase its investments in fulfilled pickup and delivery centers.

With more centers, Walmart will be able to streamline its operations without relying on slower distribution.

In fact, the retailer opened up its first high-tech Market Fulfillment Center in Bentonville, Arkansas last week.

The new centers will drastically increase the number of orders the store is able to fulfill in a day.

Additionally, Walmart+ members will likely have more options when it comes to free unlimited delivery.

"This new order fulfillment system is truly game-changing," Ryan Simpson store manager told Arkansas Money & Politics.

"Not only does it enhance the customer experience through quicker, more accurate online order fulfillment, it also provides us the runway to continue growing our business now and in the future," Ryan added.

Walmart shoppers are scooping up a $799 luxury item slashed in price to just $397.

Plus, The U.S. Sun breaks down Walmart Plus - how much does it cost, and is it worth it?