Package boxes ready to ship

Stacked package boxes on an urban sidewalk reveal the rapid growth of e-commerce and last-mile logistics in Brazilian cities.

About this subject

The image shows a pile of cardboard boxes ready for shipping, arranged on an urban sidewalk. This scene has become common in Brazilian metropolises like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where e-commerce generated over R$268 billion in 2023, according to the Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm). Last-mile logistics, responsible for final delivery to the consumer, faces challenges such as traffic congestion and lack of public space, leading companies to use external areas for temporary sorting of volumes.

The standardized corrugated cardboard boxes are chosen for their lightness and strength. Brazil is the world's fourth largest producer of corrugated cardboard, with 7.9 million tons in 2022, according to the Brazilian Association of Paper Packaging (ABEP). Recycling rates for this material are high: approximately 90% of packaging is recycled in the country, boosted by waste picker cooperatives.

Street photography captures this logistic phenomenon as part of the contemporary urban landscape. The contrast between the rigid boxes and the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic around them is a visual commentary on the consumer economy. In many cities, the presence of boxes on sidewalks also raises questions about public space usage and delivery regulations, a topic debated in city councils since 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are package boxes often left on urban sidewalks?

Last-mile logistics companies use sidewalks for temporary sorting due to lack of space in dense urban centers. This practice is common during peak delivery hours but can cause conflicts with pedestrians and municipal regulations.

What is the environmental impact of cardboard boxes used in deliveries?

Cardboard is highly recyclable. In Brazil, about 90% of cardboard packaging is recycled, mainly by waste picker cooperatives. Corrugated cardboard production also uses raw material from planted forests, reducing deforestation.

How does street photography address the theme of e-commerce?

Street photographers document boxes and delivery workers as elements of the modern urban landscape, revealing the intersection of consumption, logistics, and public space. These images serve as a visual record of economic and social transformations in cities.