Xin Jing Bao·2025-08-15 11:37Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing involvement of young people in environmental actions, particularly through initiatives led by Meituan, aimed at reducing plastic waste from the food delivery industry and promoting sustainable practices [1][2]. Group 1: Environmental Initiatives - Meituan's "Good Cup Rebirth" initiative, launched in April 2025, aims to create a green and low-carbon demonstration system covering the entire lifecycle of disposable beverage cups [1][7]. - The "Green Mountain Plan" initiated by Meituan in 2017 has led to significant achievements, including over 10 billion orders using the "no utensils" feature and the recovery of approximately 37,000 tons of plastic takeout boxes [2][3]. - The plan also includes a 5 billion yuan public welfare fund to support young researchers in environmental science, focusing on breakthroughs in recycling and reuse [2][9]. Group 2: Plastic Waste Statistics - In 2023, China's consumption of polypropylene (PP) takeout boxes reached approximately 1.35 million tons, a 26% increase from 2020, with a recycling rate of about 40% [3]. - The recycling of PP takeout boxes has increased from 250,000 tons in 2020 to 400,000 tons in 2023, marking a 60% growth [3]. Group 3: Challenges and Solutions - Challenges in the green packaging sector include poor performance, high costs, and insufficient market recognition, which Meituan's Green Mountain Plan aims to address through innovation and supply chain support [4]. - The "Box Fusion" initiative launched in 2023 focuses on large-scale recycling of plastic takeout boxes, with projects established in 24 cities across 20 provinces, resulting in a carbon reduction of 57,000 tons [6][8]. Group 4: Technological Innovations - Meituan has collaborated with various brands to create over ten products from recycled takeout boxes, demonstrating the potential of turning waste into valuable resources [8]. - The Green Mountain Plan emphasizes the importance of technology in promoting sustainable practices and has funded numerous projects aimed at green innovation and recycling [9].