
Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the revised "Interim Regulations on Express Delivery" by the State Council marks a new phase in the green transformation of China's express delivery industry, focusing on the greenization, reduction, and recyclability of packaging [1][3]. Government Measures - The revised regulations emphasize express packaging governance, introducing a dedicated chapter on "express packaging" that mandates resource conservation, prevention of excessive packaging, and compliance with national standards [3]. - The new regulations establish a link between regulations and standards, reinforcing the necessity of implementing mandatory national standards and creating a framework for green development involving government guidance, corporate responsibility, industry self-regulation, and public participation [3]. Industry Development - The concept of circular packaging originated in the late 1970s in Europe and has evolved significantly, with companies like CHEP leading the way in pallet and container reuse [5]. - In China, companies such as Grayscale Environmental Protection have pioneered the use of eco-friendly, foldable circular packaging materials, achieving over 11.9 million cycles of reuse [5][7]. - Major players like JD.com and SF Express have also initiated circular packaging projects, with JD.com launching the "Qingliu Box" in 2017 and participating in pilot programs for scalable circular packaging applications [7][10]. Performance of Chinese Express Companies - A report by Baibai in 2024 evaluated the green transformation of e-commerce express packaging, with SF Express scoring 76.5 points, leading the industry, followed by JD.com, Alibaba, and Vipshop [10]. - In 2024, SF Express reduced paper usage by 23,000 tons and plastic usage by 82,000 tons, while recycling nearly 6 billion times through reusable packaging containers [12]. - JD.com has invested in specialized cold chain circular boxes, achieving over 8.5 million uses and reducing carbon emissions by 72,500 tons in 2024 [14]. International Practices - Germany has implemented strict regulations on packaging, requiring companies to register and take responsibility for their packaging from production to recycling, with penalties for non-compliance [16][17]. - Belgium is exploring sustainable packaging solutions through initiatives like the PPWR, which aims to promote reusable and recyclable packaging across EU member states by 2025 [22][23]. Future Trends - The future of circular packaging will rely on global collaboration and technological innovation, with a focus on developing new materials and smart packaging technologies to enhance recycling efficiency and reduce waste [25].