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Packaging, packaging, PACKAGING! Ugh, it gets on our nerves so much when companies use far too much packaging for their products. ‘Excessive’ doesn’t even cut it when you look at all the plastic, paper, and bubble wrap needed for a single tiny thing. Meanwhile, the Environment’s sitting in the corner, weeping, wondering what it did wrong to deserve this and why companies don’t change their outdated business models.

Some packaging is so horrifyingly unnecessary, it gets shamed on the r/EgregiousPackaging subreddit, a place that shows that excess is far from the positive thing that some customers are led to believe. Scroll down to see the very worst offenders and let us know in the comments what the very worst example was that you’ve seen with your own two eyes, Pandas.

When you’re done with this list, you can find more fuel for your outrage by reading these two Bored Panda articles about excessive packaging right here, as well as here.

#1

My Friend Ordered Earrings From Fabfitfun. Just Earrings

My Friend Ordered Earrings From Fabfitfun. Just Earrings

UCantHaveNEPudding Report

#2

Sephora At It Again For A .05oz Concealer

Sephora At It Again For A .05oz Concealer

OldTownChode Report

#3

Ordered Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes From A Zero Waste Store - Came In 100% Non-Degradable Bubble Wrap And Plastic Bags

Ordered Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrushes From A Zero Waste Store - Came In 100% Non-Degradable Bubble Wrap And Plastic Bags

jazz_man Report

The r/EgregiousPackaging online community is fairly new. Founded in early 2019, it will be celebrating its 3rd birthday on January 16, 2022. In that time, the group has grown to 16.3k. 

A while back, I spoke to four experts about packaging, plastic, business, and recycling. They went in-depth with Bored Panda about the reasons why companies actually focus on having more packaging than we might think is necessary, and highlighted what we as consumers can do to affect their decision-making process.

Graham Forbes, Greenpeace's Global Project Leader for the Plastic-Free-Future, told Bored Panda that companies have convinced people that they can use something once, for a few minutes, and then simply throw it away. “The problem is, we know now that there is no such thing as ‘away,’” he said.

#4

Not Sure If This Counts, But This Is For Only Three Things At CVS

Not Sure If This Counts, But This Is For Only Three Things At CVS

michael_kessell2018 Report

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#6

[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting

[screw] Drinking Straws - This Is The Kind Of Plastic Use We Should Be Protesting

DrunkenStapler Report

“Less than 10 percent of the plastic waste ever made has actually been recycled, with the vast majority ending up in our oceans, landfills, or incinerated—polluting communities around the globe,” Forbes, from Greenpeace, warned.

“Companies are still stuck in this outdated business model that uses unnecessary packaging and puts the onus on the consumer to clean it up. It is up to all of us to demand accountability from these companies that continue to churn out throwaway plastic. It's time to demand systems of reuse rather than polluting throwaway packaging,” he said.

#7

Matryoshka Allergy Relief

Matryoshka Allergy Relief

Bertram_Chillfoyle Report

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Sonja
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like you may die from anaphylactic shock before you get to the pill

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#8

Plastic Packaging For A Cd Disk......but Without A Cd Disk In It

Plastic Packaging For A Cd Disk......but Without A Cd Disk In It

britishtacox Report

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“By utilizing reusable bottles, bags, or containers, we can start to build the systems that we want to see from large companies. Ultimately, large-scale systemic change will depend on companies like Nestle, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo changing their business models to reject throwaway plastic packaging. By rejecting throwaway culture, we can move them in a better direction quickly,” Forbes explained to Bored Panda.

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Meanwhile, Kara Pochiro from the Association of Plastic Recyclers noted that “packaging often has a variety of uses that the general consumer does not realize such as protection and preservation.” In short, there are clear reasons why companies add a lot of packaging that we might find egregiously excessive. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t change how companies operate. By changing our spending habits, we can affect the business models that corporations go for.

#10

My Father Ordered 15 Fence Posts… Legends Tell Of A Second Truck, Out There Somewhere Going To Deliver The Last One

My Father Ordered 15 Fence Posts… Legends Tell Of A Second Truck, Out There Somewhere Going To Deliver The Last One

Never_Lawfulness Report

#12

Really Glad My Made From Recycled Materials & Biodegradable Sponges Came Wrapped Together And Individually In Plastic

Really Glad My Made From Recycled Materials & Biodegradable Sponges Came Wrapped Together And Individually In Plastic

l1ttle_m0nst3r Report

“If consumers purchase products and packaging made with recycled content, this will encourage companies to use more recycled content, can boost demand for that material, and increase recycling rates,” Pochiro said.

“Consumers play a big role in the success of recycling programs. They need to recycle and buy products and packaging made with recycled content.”

#13

Hypocrites At Sobeys Grocery Store In Halifax Ns

Hypocrites At Sobeys Grocery Store In Halifax Ns

houseoffools11 Report

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#15

Chipotle's "Fruit Cup"

Chipotle's "Fruit Cup"

snackassassins Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That orange / tangerine already has a natural protection. It's called peel. Fu*k.

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The CEO of Plastics for Change, Andrew Almack highlighted the fact that getting rid of plastics in packaging would require a lot of effort on the part of companies.

“Removing unnecessary plastic requires companies to redefine their supply chain. They have to do RnD while keeping in mind challenges like the visual appeal of product packaging, the durability of alternatives, sustained supply of alternatives, costing, and manufacturing,” he told Bored Panda that this may be part of the reason why some companies don’t make the switch.

#16

An Office Supply Company Bubble-Wrapped Their Bubble Wrap

An Office Supply Company Bubble-Wrapped Their Bubble Wrap

bearmom513 Report

#17

Ordered 27 Books From Amazon On A Single Order. Got 27 Boxes With 1 Book Each Delivered

Ordered 27 Books From Amazon On A Single Order. Got 27 Boxes With 1 Book Each Delivered

noosette Report

#18

Individually Wrapped Vegetables In A Vietnamese Supermarket

Individually Wrapped Vegetables In A Vietnamese Supermarket

Spencerzone Report

“It is important for customers to purchase and use products made by businesses that focus on sustainability. When people start buying from eco-friendly businesses, the demand for such goods would increase and ignite other players to cater to this trend which could be done by a simple change in current company policies,” Almack said that customers can be a force for change.

“Being more conscious about our throwaway culture is where one should surely start. Simple changes to eliminate single-use plastic go a long way: avoid gum and plasticware, reuse storage containers and use razors with replaceable blades,” Almack explained what we can do as individuals to help the environment. Every small bit of effort matters, even if it’s the large multinational companies who hold most of the power to affect change.

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#19

Really… Amazon…

Really… Amazon…

EyeMucus Report

#20

Individually Packaged Slice Of Bread

Individually Packaged Slice Of Bread

boci7 Report

A spokesperson from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste stressed the fact that plastic waste is harming our environment and that change needs to happen.

“Everyone agrees: plastic waste does not belong in our oceans, or anywhere in the environment. And despite the many benefits of plastic to health, safety, sustainability, and convenience, plastic waste has become a challenge in parts of the world because it is not managed properly,” they said in an interview with Bored Panda.

#22

Must Have Been Out Of Envelopes

Must Have Been Out Of Envelopes

mhenning Report

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Animelover13ฅ(• ɪ •)ฅ
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude you could have gone to a gas station and bought batteries Edit:I understand that some people might not be able to leave the house to get stuff so it would be better if this came in a smaller box or envelope

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#23

So I Only Get This Much Actual Cream?

So I Only Get This Much Actual Cream?

Youknowh0 Report

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Justine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks more like a pump bottle that has a plunger moving upwards from the bottom and a dispenser withdrawing the product. This package isn't too ergonomic as there's still plenty of product left when it doesn't have enough pressure to withdraw and also requires lots of plastic and a whole mechanism to dispense

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#24

Big Box For A Small Bottle With Only Enough Pills To Fill The Cap. Lame

Big Box For A Small Bottle With Only Enough Pills To Fill The Cap. Lame

FriedChildren Report

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John
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Time to super tax these companies if they don't reduce packaging, and force them to change

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“To help address the challenge in a globally coordinated and transformative way, over 40 companies around the world, from across the plastics value chain—companies that make, use, sell, process, collect and recycle plastics—have joined together with a clear mission: to help end plastic waste in the environment,” they said that some companies do focus on helping the environment. Not everyone’s a villain when it comes to packaging—some choose to be superheroes.

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#25

Just... Why?

Just... Why?

ryanmacbern Report

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Storm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh what a sham it dosent natruly have a protective skin..... oh wait

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#26

There Was Nothing In This Box But A Card And Packing Material

There Was Nothing In This Box But A Card And Packing Material

magenta_zero Report

#27

If Only Shallots Had Natural Layers Of Protection From Their Environment. Thanks, Walmart And Suppliers

If Only Shallots Had Natural Layers Of Protection From Their Environment. Thanks, Walmart And Suppliers

vlgpyro Report

“The Alliance to End Plastic Waste has pledged 1.5 billion dollars over the next five years to develop, accelerate and bring to scale solutions to minimize and manage plastic waste, catalyze investment, engage communities and promote solutions including reducing, reusing, recovering, and recycling materials. Alliance efforts will be implemented in a coordinated way with support and resources from both the public and private sectors, facilitating comprehensive, meaningful, and lasting change that will help end plastic waste in the environment.”

#28

When You Run Out Of Small Boxes At The Package Station But If You Go Get More You’re Pack Rate Percentage Will Go Into The Yellow

When You Run Out Of Small Boxes At The Package Station But If You Go Get More You’re Pack Rate Percentage Will Go Into The Yellow

stoner_97 Report

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Limey Cheesehead
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this post just explained a lot of the images on this thread...

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#29

Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic

Peeled Avocados Wrapped In Plastic

averhaegen Report

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Nurichwersonst
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah and then the government and the companies blame the customers that they create so much waste... shame on you, customer! 👹😇

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#30

I Find This Disgusting, Lazy, And So Damn Harmful To Both The Environment And The Consumer's Psyche...

I Find This Disgusting, Lazy, And So Damn Harmful To Both The Environment And The Consumer's Psyche...

DKCD Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, kiwis, like all fruit with a skin has an awesome way to open and eat it. Cut a bit of the end of the kiwi off and get a spoon, eat it like you would a soft boiled egg. The spoon fits right into the fruit, skin in composter. Done

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#31

Ordered 150 Washers. This Is How They Were Packaged

Ordered 150 Washers. This Is How They Were Packaged

CoolBeansCook Report

#32

Buddy Bought Two Mini Cast Irons From Amazon

Buddy Bought Two Mini Cast Irons From Amazon

Tokin_Bs Report

#33

Not Only Is It Egregious, But It's Infuriating

Not Only Is It Egregious, But It's Infuriating

LosPenguiinos Report

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Elim Garak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am quite sure there was a knife and a glass inside, after all it is a "Good morning KIT". And the jar of Nutella looks quite big. So this is a hoax.

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#34

I Bought A Nail File

I Bought A Nail File

mobydick1990 Report

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BlackestDawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In fairness it wouldn't be financially viable to have packaging for every possible size and depending on setup there is a minimum practical size to packaging.

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#35

For Crying Out Loud...

For Crying Out Loud...

TheBlueJacket1 Report

#36

Hopefully 2020 Brings Less Of This

Hopefully 2020 Brings Less Of This

ThyfaultTime Report

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MysteriousLegBruise
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandmother (god rest her) used to get these. You puncture some holes into the plastic, pop it in the microwave and it steams up into a nice "baked" potato.

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#37

Because Mascara Is Fragile. Thanks Sephora!

Because Mascara Is Fragile. Thanks Sephora!

shirumb Report

#38

This 0.7 Ml Dogs' Anti-Flea And Anti-Tick Drops Straight Out Of The Box

This 0.7 Ml Dogs' Anti-Flea And Anti-Tick Drops Straight Out Of The Box

MajorPancernik Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hated that when I had my pup, I researched it and purchased one I could recap, I never needed a full application

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#39

Ordered A Tube Of Thermal Paste

Ordered A Tube Of Thermal Paste

Buge_ Report

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Iris_the_kilr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the deal with bigger packaging for small is that your more likely to break whats inside then small packaging for smaller items.

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#40

Tiny Little Amount Of Eyeliner In A Huge Plastic Container

Tiny Little Amount Of Eyeliner In A Huge Plastic Container

l1ttle_m0nst3r Report

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Elmie Pumpkinbush
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is much cheaper to buy professional cosmetics like mac and such. The prices appear higher, but they pack a lot of (high quality pigment rich) product in each item.

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#41

Hi Y'all, Im A Designer At Tic-Tac. Hope You Enjoy Our Newest Optimized Design For Tic-Tacs!

Hi Y'all, Im A Designer At Tic-Tac. Hope You Enjoy Our Newest Optimized Design For Tic-Tacs!

pokefinder2 Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a gift box for holidays. I've received this myself. Very handy boxes actually when they are empty - I use the small ones for thread and the big one for small fabric rems.

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#42

How They Sell Bananas In Japan. Bonus: If You Don't Explicitly Decline, The Cashier Will Give You Another Bag For The Banana

How They Sell Bananas In Japan. Bonus: If You Don't Explicitly Decline, The Cashier Will Give You Another Bag For The Banana

JohnnyPopcorn Report

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oktopus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As of mid-2020, in most cases you are now required to pay for a bag to put your purchases in (if you want/need one, that is), which is quite a change.

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#43

Technically Correct!

Technically Correct!

OklahomaMeat Report

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is actually better, because you can move three vehicles while only driving one.

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#44

Individually-Wrapped Bread Slices

Individually-Wrapped Bread Slices

schematicboy Report

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#45

This Tea That I Got For Christmas

This Tea That I Got For Christmas

kitimiti Report

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Tiny Dancer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm going to stick up for this one. It's what they do (http://www.regaloteas.com/Gift-Collection.php). They're those fancy-schmancy pyramid tea bags in different flavours, so packing them together would ruin the taste. They're also packaged for gift-giving. Not a big fan, still killing the environment, but not scammers as so many others on the list are.

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Note: this post originally had 83 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.