Global shipping keeps the world connected, but it also carries a significant environmental cost — especially when something goes wrong.
This is the true story of how a pair of EQU STREAMZ bands travelled more than 65,000 kilometres, crossed multiple continents, generated over 32 kg of CO₂ emissions, and ultimately returned to us — all because of one incorrect shipping selection.
When One Click Changed Everything
We sold a pair of EQU STREAMZ bands from the UK to a customer in Austria.
A routine shipment. Nothing out of the ordinary.
However, within the Royal Mail system, Australia was accidentally selected instead of Austria.
Same starting letters.
Very different environmental impact.
Our marketing team created an animated video telling the story of how a simple logistical mistake turned into an unplanned world tour through global freight networks—on a completely unnecessary and mildly ridiculous scale.
Introducing Streamzy, by EQU StreamZ
While the journey was not what we had in mind, or would ever agree to, we decided to make the best of it. Enter Streamzy, our animated companion - created to turn a frustrating situation into a story worth telling.
Along the way, Streamzy highlights key features of the bands, including their durability and ability to perform across all seasons—proving that if the bands can survive this journey, they can survive just about anything.
The Unexpected Global Shipping Route
Instead of travelling directly across Europe, the parcel began an unintended world tour:
- United Kingdom → Dubai
- Dubai → Singapore
- Singapore → Australia
- Australia → China
- China → Japan
- Japan → New York
- New York → Boston
- Boston → Memphis
- Memphis → Europe
- Europe → United Kingdom
Total distance: 65,000+ km
Total time in transit: 78 days
Total customers reached: 0
A simple shipping error turned into a real-world lesson in global logistics and sustainability.
Carbon Impact Explained
At StreamZ, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact wherever possible. That’s why our packaging is designed to be fully compostable, and why we actively reuse materials when we can — even when they’ve travelled more of the world than intended. Sustainability isn’t just about offsetting emissions; it’s about making better choices at every step, from how our products are packed to how resources are reused rather than replaced.
We wanted to establish just what environmental impact this mistake had created.
How much carbon did this journey generate?
- Parcel weight: Up to 1 kg
- Distance travelled: 65,000 km
- Transport mode: 100% air freight
Air freight produces approximately 500 g of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre, which equals 0.5 g CO₂ per kg-kilometre.
The result:
65,000 km × 0.5 g CO₂ = ~32.5 kg of CO₂
That means this single shipment produced over 30 times its own weight in carbon emissions — without ever reaching a destination.
To offset this amount of CO₂ within one year, approximately four trees should be planted. And this is exactly what our team will do.
Don't be sad for Streamzy, he was more than fine!
Finally, we know many of our community care deeply about animal welfare. Rest assured, despite being sent enthusiastically from pillar to post, Streamzy appears to have taken the journey in good spirits — and, judging by some of these clips, may even have enjoyed the travel more than intended. Surfing, horse riding, sight seeing and much more!
For anyone concerned: Streamzy returned home unharmed, well travelled, and possibly disappointed the journey had to end.
Important (and Slightly Unusual) Product Notice
EQU StreamZ bands are not designed for use in salt water, ocean crossings, or extended international freight adventures. While the bands themselves are built for performance, the fully compostable packaging may disintegrate when exposed to moisture, humidity, or a 65,000 km world tour. Please store in a dry environment and avoid unintended maritime exploration.
Are you interested in learning more about the journey? Our team created alight hearted animated video to show Streamzy on his journey.