Christmas-crazy Brits will buy over one billion presents online for the first time ever.

Research by packaging supplier DS Smith shows an extra 145 million presents will be bought in the weeks ahead as the nation tries to keep their festive spirit alive despite the impact of Covid-19.

Despite many shops across the nation opening their doors again next week, it’s clear this Christmas that Santa’s elves are doing their work online.

And the increase is sure to put pressure on an already stretched retail supply chain as over three-fifths of Brits (60%) report they are buying more products online since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additionally, experts at DS Smith have calculated that extra presents mean additional 1.5 million journeys, with poorly-designed packaging resulting in 86,488 tonnes of unnecessary waste.

Despite this, two-fifths of UK shoppers admitted that the environmental impact of their online spending – good or bad – is not a priority for them this year, as they feel it is the easiest way to shop for gifts this winter due to coronavirus.

But being detrimental for the planet isn’t the only impact of bad packaging. Experts at DS Smith say it also means more breakages and more delays – both of which will cause festive frustration.

Indeed, just one in six (16%) would be willing to buy again from a brand if their item was delivered damaged and only 17 per cent if their package arrived late.

Expectations are also higher this year with nearly three in ten (28%) consumers reporting being more thoughtful about the gifts they are giving and one in five (18%) saying the presents they’re giving mean more due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Christmas is usually a time where you come together with family and friends to celebrate, and with Covid-19 impacting our in-person celebrations, many are turning online to buy and send thoughtful presents to show their love,” said DS Smith’s packaging consultant Robyn MacDonald.

“This, combined with the rapid growth of e-commerce over the lockdown period, is putting unparalleled pressure on the behind-the-scenes logistics operation. 

 “Where poorly-designed packaging is used it has consequences – it leads to more journeys which means it take longer for precious presents to get from A to B. 

"Businesses – and Santa Claus –need to carefully consider how they pack goods effectively and with sustainable packaging materials and help is at hand. Our high-performance packaging solutions can ensure the best use of fibre, reducing the space needed and the number of breakages whilst also increasing sustainability.”