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Bill

A 4116

Prohibits use by certain retailers of shipping box greater than two times volume of product being shipped.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 4 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill limits retailer shipping boxes to maximum twice the product volume to reduce packaging waste and associated environmental impact.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
#environment #solidwaste
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Bill Summary · A 4116

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4116 would require retailers in New Jersey to limit shipping box sizes to no more than twice the volume of the actual product being shipped. The bill targets excessive packaging practices commonly used in e-commerce and retail shipping.

Why is this important

Oversized shipping boxes generate significant waste—they require more packaging materials (filler, tape, cardboard), increase shipping costs, and contribute to landfill volumes. This bill addresses both environmental concerns and the economic inefficiency of "slack fill" packaging, which has become a widespread industry practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement complexity: Determining product volume versus box volume for millions of daily shipments would require clear definitions and practical measurement standards that may be difficult for retailers to implement consistently
  • Cost and compliance burden: Retailers may need to invest in new packaging equipment, redesigned boxes, and logistics retooling; smaller retailers could face disproportionate costs compared to large corporations
  • Product protection concerns: Stricter box-size requirements could reduce cushioning protection for fragile items, potentially increasing damage rates and returns, which paradoxically increases waste
  • Interstate commerce friction: New Jersey-specific requirements may create logistical complications for national retailers and could invite legal challenges on commerce clause grounds

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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