Core Viewpoint - The increasing prevalence of single-use plastics is reshaping urban consumption patterns while contributing to environmental pressure and resource waste [1][2] Group 1: Policy and Implementation - The "Zero Waste City" initiative in China aims to address waste management through source reduction, resource utilization, and collaborative governance, with over 100 cities involved since its pilot launch in 2018 [2][3] - The initiative emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to reduce single-use plastic pollution, particularly in high-frequency consumption scenarios like takeout and delivery [3][4] - Despite the expansion of the "Zero Waste" framework, there remains a significant gap in addressing single-use plastics, with policies focusing more on industrial and agricultural waste [3][7] Group 2: Industry Response - The express delivery industry has been proactive in adopting green packaging standards and developing reusable systems, with major companies like Cainiao and SF Express leading the way [10][13] - In contrast, the food delivery sector has lagged, primarily relying on voluntary measures without strong regulatory frameworks, resulting in limited progress in implementing reusable container systems [13][14] - The disparity in response between the express delivery and food delivery industries highlights the need for more robust policies and incentives to promote reusable solutions in the latter [9][15] Group 3: Reusable Solutions - The concept of "reusable" is gaining traction as a highly effective and underappreciated method for source reduction, potentially offering significant cost-effectiveness in plastic waste management [15][17] - Cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai are beginning to incorporate reusable practices into their policies, encouraging the use of reusable containers and offering incentives for consumers [18][24] - The global trend towards reusable systems is evident, with various countries implementing deposit return systems and unified container frameworks to facilitate recycling and reuse [19][21] Group 4: Future Outlook - The "Zero Waste City" initiative is becoming a crucial driver for sustainable urban transformation in China, with the reusable model transitioning from concept to practice [23][24] - Major cities are positioned as frontrunners in implementing reusable systems due to their advanced logistics and high delivery density, making them ideal candidates for pilot programs [24][25] - The immediate nature of food delivery services presents a unique opportunity for establishing efficient reusable container systems, potentially transforming consumer habits towards sustainability [25]