I recently ordered some parts from Newark.com for a project. Most of the parts are surface mount packages (1206, 0805), very tiny, very light. All together, probably about 4 ounces of actual product that could easily fit in the palm of my hand. I was perplexed when I got home one day to find a rather large box from Newark at my door. The package was about 3 feet by 2 feet, and according to UPS weighed 4 pounds. As you can see in the photos, each separate item (in some cases 2 1206 resistors/capacitors) was packaged in a ziplock bag, pretty standard. But that ziplock bag was packaged, in a bubblewrap insulated THICK paper envelope. AND, each product envelope was accompanied by a “Master Packing List” color printout, which featured 4 removable stickers at the bottom with the part information.

I get that manufacturers, or businesses might find this necessary in some way. Well actually I don’t get it, but I’m guessing they do? But really, there has to be a better way…. thanks to the bubblewrap and other special packaging most of the garbage, which was most of the package, isn’t even recyclable.