Cyber Monday’s Environmental Cost: Scope 3 Emissions

Cyber Monday has grown from a single-day event into a digital shopping marathon spanning weeks.
What began as a day for post-Black Friday deals has become a central feature of the online retail calendar, with promotions stretching well into December. While this shift offers convenience and a wider choice for consumers, it also carries significant environmental consequences.
This extended shopping season highlights the environmental impact of ecommerce, from delivery emissions to packaging waste. These issues, particularly tied to Scope 3 emissions are forcing businesses and consumers to rethink their role in the digital economy.
The Scope 3 impact of Cyber Monday
Though Cyber Monday shopping takes place online, its environmental effects are tangible.
The emissions associated with ecommerce are primarily Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect impacts such as energy use, packaging, delivery logistics and waste.
According to industry data, delivery vehicle emissions during Cyber Monday weekend spike by 94% compared to a typical week, while retailers report that nearly 98% of their carbon emissions stem from value chain activities.
Packaging waste is a major contributor. Globally, packaging accounts for 40% of plastic waste, much of which is non-recyclable.
During Cyber Monday, the surge in online orders results in mountains of discarded cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and single-use plastics. This waste not only contributes to landfills but also worsens microplastic pollution, as many packaging materials cannot be adequately recycled.
Another overlooked issue is returns. Cyber Monday - and the subsequent "Return Tuesday" - see a rise in returned goods as consumers take advantage of lenient policies, often ordering multiple items to compare and then sending some back.
These returns generate additional emissions due to reverse logistics and increase the strain on supply chains, often resulting in unused goods being destroyed rather than resold.
This isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an obligation to future generations.
However, no single entity can drive this transformation alone.
Consumers play a crucial role by rethinking their habits and championing sustainability in their everyday choices.
Moving towards sustainable e-commerce
In response to these environmental challenges, brands are adopting strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and align with consumer demand for sustainability.
A study by IBM shows that 62% of consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to lessen environmental harm.
Carbon-neutral shipping options, where customers can offset the CO2 generated by their delivery, are growing in popularity. Many companies are also replacing traditional packaging materials with recyclable or biodegradable alternatives, reducing the waste created during peak shopping periods.
Some businesses are going further: Patagonia is leading the way with circular shopping models that encourage repair, reuse and resale. Caudalie funds reforestation projects to balance emissions, while Paynter Jackets has embraced a made-to-order model that reduces overproduction.
These examples show how innovative approaches to ecommerce can both reduce environmental harm and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Technology is also playing a critical role in improving efficiency. Retailers increasingly rely on AI and connected supply chain platforms to minimise emissions.
This year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend isn’t just about discounts. For retailers it’s a full-on data showdown.
In this high-pressure season, success isn’t purely about what you sell—it’s about how efficient and agile your business is as you manage what can be a hectic and challenging sales period.
Retailers who harness AI-driven platforms to streamline operations and spend, and intelligently monitor supply chains, will be able to rise above the competition and optimise margins. When data drives your strategy, you can make every decision count.
AI helps brands forecast demand more accurately, ensuring inventory levels are optimised, and delivery routes are planned to reduce fuel consumption. These tools are also transforming how returns are processed, prioritising sustainable methods of handling unwanted items.
However, the rise of ecommerce has also expanded the need for warehouses and fulfilment centres.
Over the past decade, warehouse space in the UK has grown by 813%. These facilities are often responsible for significant Scope 2 emissions, tied to energy usage for heating, cooling and lighting.
Ben Whitby from Staci UK points out that "operational inefficiencies in warehouses can drive up emissions significantly." Improving energy efficiency in these spaces is essential for sustainable ecommerce.
Redefining Cyber Monday success
While Cyber Monday 2023 broke records in the UK for sales and digital engagement, the environmental costs cannot be ignored.
As retailers celebrate their success, they must also reckon with the emissions, waste and resource consumption generated by their operations.
To remain competitive, brands must integrate sustainability into their Cyber Monday strategies. This means offering eco-friendly options, educating customers about responsible consumption and meeting verifiable ESG standards.
Mindful shopping is becoming a trend, with consumers questioning the value and long-term impact of their purchases.
Matt Gregory of Körber Supply Chain Software observes: “Today’s consumers are far more conscious of the value they’re getting during Black Friday deals and whether the prices are at their lowest.
"This, coupled with greater awareness around sustainability, means we expect to see consumers approach this year’s Black Friday with much less enthusiasm."
As the ecommerce landscape evolves, the success of Cyber Monday will no longer be measured solely by sales figures.
Instead, retailers will be judged on their ability to balance consumer demand with environmental goals, delivering convenience and choice without sacrificing sustainability.
"This, coupled with greater awareness around sustainability, means we expect to see consumers approach this year’s Black Friday with much less enthusiasm."
As the ecommerce landscape evolves, the success of Cyber Monday will no longer be measured solely by sales figures.
Instead, retailers will be judged on their ability to balance consumer demand with environmental goals, delivering convenience and choice without sacrificing sustainability.
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