让快递包装“瘦”下去“绿”起来

Core Insights - The express delivery volume in China has exceeded 50 billion packages in the first four months of this year, reaching this milestone 18 days earlier than in 2024, with an expected total of 1.75 trillion packages for the year, maintaining its position as the world's largest express delivery market for 11 consecutive years [1] - The rapid growth of the express delivery industry has led to a significant increase in packaging usage and waste, raising environmental concerns that cannot be overlooked [1] - The revised "Express Delivery Interim Regulations," effective from June 1, introduces a dedicated chapter on "express packaging," emphasizing the need for green, reduced, and recyclable packaging, and clarifying the responsibilities of all stakeholders in the supply chain [1] Industry Developments - The express delivery sector is increasingly adopting green practices, with over 95% of e-commerce packages no longer requiring secondary packaging by the end of 2024, and smart packing technologies reducing packaging material usage by 20% [2] - Innovations in packaging materials, such as the use of recycled corrugated paper and narrower adhesive tape, contribute to a more environmentally friendly delivery process [2] - Despite these advancements, consumer perception of green packaging remains low, with few having encountered green packaging options, highlighting a gap between intention and actual implementation [2] Challenges and Solutions - Over-packaging is often used by merchants as a safeguard against product damage and return costs, while express companies face cost constraints related to the development and management of recyclable packaging [3] - A comprehensive transformation across the entire production, distribution, and consumption chain is necessary to achieve sustainable packaging solutions, requiring collaboration and breaking down existing barriers [3] - Recommendations include enhancing policies to incentivize green packaging through tax benefits, developing a robust recycling system, and implementing consumer engagement strategies to promote the use of recyclable packaging [3] Future Outlook - The implementation of the revised regulations is seen as a catalyst for fostering greater consensus and driving a green transformation in the express delivery industry, contributing to sustainable economic development [4]