Plastic Packaging from Online Orders

The question

How to approach this problem and solution question

A problem and solution essay needs specific causes or problems first, then realistic solutions that match them.

1. Introduce the issue and why it matters.
2. Body 1: the main problems or causes, with examples.
3. Body 2: solutions that clearly link to each problem, saying who should act.
4. Conclude by summarising the best solution.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the rise in plastic packaging from online orders and outline the main problems and solutions you will discuss.
2. Body 1: the main problems and their causes, such as materials that kerbside recycling does not accept, oversized boxes and filler, and returns that are repackaged.
3. Body 2: the first solution, such as reusable mailers or take-back schemes, explaining how it would work and one limitation.
4. Body 3: the second solution, such as right-sized boxes or paper-based padding, with its likely results and drawbacks.
5. Conclusion: summarise your recommendation and explain how the solutions could be combined in practice.

Idea bank

• Recycling gap: bubble wrap and polythene mailers are often rejected by kerbside collections, so they end up in landfill or incineration.
• Oversized boxes: retailers often use boxes larger than the product to speed packing, and the empty space is then filled with more packaging.
• Returns: items that are returned must often be repackaged, which doubles the packaging and transport involved.
• Reusable mailers: retailers could send goods in reusable mailers and collect them, although this requires customers to change their habits.
• Paper or fibre padding: materials such as paper or mushroom-based padding are alternatives, but they cost more and have not been proven at large scale.
• Right-sizing: software can select the smallest suitable box, which reduces waste, although small sellers may lack the data and investment to do this.

Useful vocabulary

• single-use packaging: Single-use packaging accounts for much of the waste from online orders.
• kerbside recycling: Kerbside recycling rarely accepts thin plastic film.
• to be landfilled: Mixed plastics are often landfilled rather than recycled.
• over-packaging: Over-packaging adds weight and waste without protecting the product.
• void fill: Void fill can make a small parcel look far bulkier than its contents.
• a take-back scheme: A take-back scheme would let customers return mailers for reuse.
• to right-size: Retailers could right-size boxes to match each product.
• to phase out: Governments could phase out plastic mailers over several years.
• to fall short of: Voluntary pledges may fall short of what is needed.
• a closed-loop system: A closed-loop system reuses the same packaging repeatedly.

Common mistakes

• Describing the problem as 'too much plastic' without naming the items, such as bubble wrap and mailers, that cause it.
• Suggesting a solution that creates new problems, such as heavier paper packaging, without acknowledging the trade-off.
• Failing to explain how a solution would work in practice, for example who collects the reusable packaging.
• Assuming all household recycling bins accept plastic film.
• Writing limitations that restate the solutions rather than identifying real risks such as cost or product damage.

Examiner tip: Link each problem to its cause and each solution to one realistic limitation, such as cost, customer habit or product damage, so the advice reads as a practical plan.