Experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk project that 351 million items will be purchased during Amazon Prime Day 2026, up from 300 million last year.
The prediction is based on a 17% compound annual growth rate derived from Prime Day sales data stretching back to 2018.
Although this year’s event runs for three days, slightly shorter than 2025’s four-day sale, data shows that event duration has little bearing on total sales. Both 2024’s two-day event and 2025’s four-day event resulted in identical sales figures of 300 million items, suggesting demand remains consistent regardless of how long the sale runs.
Amazon has stated that in 2024, they used 20% fewer boxes on average due to customers making use of their ‘Amazon Day’ delivery option. Accounting for this reduction, an estimated 280,800,000 boxes could be shipped out during the event.
With the retailer shipping in three different box sizes, it’s hard to determine the exact amount of cardboard that will be used. A middling estimate of one medium-sized container for each of the 280.8 million orders would mean 70,200 tonnes of cardboard could be used.
Mark Hall, cardboard waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, commented: “Amazon regularly shouts about its efforts to reduce packaging waste and it is great to see the retail giant using mostly card and paper, a far more sustainable alternative to plastic.
“However, it’s hard to ignore the enormous scale of cardboard waste created by the e-commerce site, and as a result, we urge consumers to be mindful of this.
“Realistically, the event encourages overconsumption, so it’s important for people to consider if they really need these products before purchasing. However, if you do find yourself snagging some bargains, just make sure to sustainably dispose of any packaging.”
Amazon’s next major Prime Day event is officially scheduled to run from June 23 to June 26, 2026.
