Packaging and shipping

We package as many items as possible custom-fit. This way, we reduce packaging material and air in packages. And if possible, we completely omit our own cardboard bol 'outer box'. This way, together we save a lot of cardboard.

Suitable packaging material

The packaging materials we use for Shipping via bol are constantly improved to make them as environmentally friendly as possible. For suitable product ranges, such as fashion, a packaging bag is used instead of a bol outer box to keep the packaging as small as possible.

Hand-packed

A portion of orders are packed by hand. The system calculates the most suitable box for an item and communicates this to the operator. Additionally, the system also advises whether or not to provide the shipment with protection and void fill material.

Machine-packed

Furthermore, the Fulfilment centers have several machines that make it possible to custom-package a shipment. The machine measures the item, cuts a suitable box, and folds it directly around the item. This way, we keep the packages as small as possible, and the item is protected.

Shipping without an outer box means sending the item in its original packaging, omitting the shipping box. Shipping without an outer box is a sustainable step that can also benefit you as a partner.

• Less packaging material: if an item already has sturdy packaging, it's a waste to pack it with an additional box.
• Less transport volume: by reducing packaging use, transport volume decreases. This ensures that all space in delivery vans is utilized as efficiently as possible, leading to fewer trips.
• Lower packaging costs: less packaging also means lower packaging costs. By eliminating an extra step in the packing process, we can work even more efficiently. We are happy to let our partners benefit from these improvements; by shipping items without an outer box, we can offer even more competitive rates.

Moreover, the development of shipping without an outer box is seen as a sustainable solution and is positively received by customers. Both partner and customer benefit from this.

From the Fulfilment centers in Waalwijk, we are shipping an increasingly broader product range without the bol outer box. To achieve our sustainability goals, we are gradually increasing the percentage of these shipments.

When assessing whether an item can be shipped without an outer box, we take into account several physical and commercial conditions.

• An item must have a strong exterior and be completely sealed;
• The original packaging must be larger than the shipping label;
• An item must not be wrapped in foil, plastic, or paper;
• An item must not be able to roll, be fragile, sharp, or liquid.

• An item is not privacy-sensitive (e.g., erotic items);
• An item is not easily damaged (e.g., books);
• An item does not have important packaging, for example, if an item is given as a gift (e.g., LEGO);
• An item is not prone to theft (e.g., an iPhone).

In the Fulfilment centers, we regularly check whether all items on the list are actually suitable for unpackaged shipping. We also closely monitor the effect of shipping without an outer box. If there is a significant impact on the number of returned items and the possibility of repair, an outer box is automatically added.

With Logistics via bol, your customers always benefit from the fastest delivery and our extensive bol Select delivery options. If a customer chooses one of these extensive delivery options, it costs you nothing extra.