Hesham Malik’s installation goes beyond traditional art exhibitions, intending to stimulate conversation about packaging re-use and recyclability.
At his shows around the world, he is known for his ability to bridge cultures while promoting environmental awareness through his art. His latest work demonstrates how ordinary packaging can become a vehicle for beautiful artwork. And he created three of the pieces on show using packaging from Amazon orders: a cardboard box with its distinctive smile logo, a paper delivery bag, and the packaging for a Philips Egg Cooker — which the item was shipped in as part of Amazon’s Ships in Product Packaging programme.
“Amazon is among the companies that is actively engaged in sustainability practices, not only by reducing material usage but also by supporting educational exhibitions such as Life of a Box,” said Malik. “This exhibition raises awareness of recycling and highlights the benefits of reusing and repurposing cardboard and paper.”
The opening in Duszniki-Zdrój is part of a larger, international initiative supported by the Czech Ministry of the Environment and other organisations. The project’s aim is to build ecological awareness through art and education.
What was made from Amazon delivery packaging? See below:
Less packaging, more benefits
Amazon is actively involved in reducing packaging waste and since 2015, our global packaging reduction initiatives have avoided more than 4 million metric tons of packaging materials. In Europe, all of our delivery packaging — the boxes, bags and cardboard envelopes — are fully recyclable. This applies to products sold by Amazon and orders we fulfil for our selling partners. We strive to use lighter, more flexible packaging where possible, which helps reduce delivery emissions per package by using less material and taking up less space in delivery vehicles.
Amazon’s Ships in Product Packaging programme also plays a significant role in our packaging reduction efforts. Eligible products are shipped to customers without added delivery packaging — nothing more than a shipping label is added.
“Hesham Malik's beautiful exhibition reimagines recyclable packaging as art,” said Thais Blumer, Head of Sustainable Packaging, Amazon Europe. “At Amazon, the 'life of a box' has truly transformed over the past few years — evolving beyond traditional six-sided corrugate boxes into paper bags and slim cardboard envelopes. Today, as a result of our packaging reduction efforts, more than half of our European shipments now come in reduced, recyclable delivery packaging, or in the case of 1 billion shipments since 2019, no added packaging at all."
The Life of a Box exhibition is at the Museum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój to from July 3 2025 until September 14 2025.