5 ways Coupang is building a more sustainable future

This Earth Day, Coupang is celebrating what it means to put customers first using AI-driven innovation while building a more sustainable, reliable and efficient future. Here are five ways we’re turning vision into action.

Reducing emissions with smarter delivery 

Coupang’s integrated end-to-end fulfillment and logistics network is built for efficiency, leading to lower emissions. For example, our merged delivery option decreases transportation-related emissions by consolidating multiple orders into a single, scheduled delivery. Through the Coupang app, customers can opt to merge separate orders placed within a compatible timeframe into a single delivery, minimizing redundant trips without compromising customer experience. In 2024, our merged delivery program contributed to a reduction of an estimated 12.43 million miles in total driving distance. This efficiency led to a savings of over 2,500 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Reinventing packaging to reduce waste 

Coupang is tackling packaging waste with data-driven innovation. In 2024, nearly 85% of global shipments were sent without extra box packaging, and one in five products were shipped in their original manufacturer packaging through our Shipping in Own Container (SIOC) model. In Taiwan, SIOC adoption rose by 15 percentage points year-over-year, while our U.S. fulfillment center cut traditional box use by 30% over two years. Through Eco-fresh bags, our reusable cooling bags, Coupang eliminated an estimated 61,000 tons of polystyrene in 2024, and wider use of polybag packaging reduced global cardboard consumption by about 100,000 tons. Together, these innovations make our operations cleaner, more efficient, and better for the planet one package at a time.  

Accelerating lower-carbon food delivery 

Coupang Eats is optimizing restaurant food delivery to lower emissions and improve efficiency. Our advanced dispatch algorithms and route optimization systems reduced the average delivery distance per order by 35%, preventing nearly 10,000 tons of CO₂ emissions in 2024. At the same time, 78% of deliveries in Korea – and 92% in Seoul – were completed via two-wheeled vehicles or on foot, significantly lowering emissions in dense urban areas. Coupang also launched a discount program for electric motorcycles, helping delivery partners adopt cleaner transportation options. 

Championing circularity in fashion 

Farfetch, Coupang’s luxury fashion marketplace, offers circular services enabling customers to trade pre-owned items for store credit. Farfetch Second Life is a buyback service for luxury second-hand bags, while Farfetch Refresh is a closet clear-out service run by our partners which allows customers to refresh their closets by sending in their pre-owned clothes they no longer need. These programs help divert waste from landfills and incinerators, extending the life of these items. In 2024, the number of pre-owned products sold on Farfetch increased by more than 60% year-over-year, and more than $2 million in Farfetch credits were provided to customers.  

Engaging communities and employees in environmental action 

Employees across the U.S., Korea, and Taiwan come together for initiatives that celebrate everything from tree planting and blood drives to global walking challenges. More than 2,800 employees joined Global Walking Challenges to support UNICEF in 2024, linking wellness with social impact. We also responded to crises with support, donating more than $95,000 worth of food and essential supplies to support those impacted by the Los Angeles fires. In Taiwan, Coupang contributed over $60,000 to the Taoyuan City Government to aid relief efforts following the Hualien earthquake.