Core Viewpoint - The postal and express delivery industry in China is actively promoting green development and low-carbon initiatives, driven by the implementation of revised regulations and innovative practices in packaging and transportation [1][2][3]. Group 1: Green Packaging Initiatives - The implementation of the revised "Express Delivery Temporary Regulations" has introduced specific provisions for packaging, enhancing legal support for comprehensive governance of express packaging [1]. - Many express companies are adopting smart packaging recommendation algorithms, achieving cost reduction, improved customer experience, and lower carbon emissions [1]. - Incentive measures, such as point systems, are being introduced in certain regions to encourage consumer participation in packaging recycling and reuse [1]. Group 2: Low-Carbon Transportation Development - Express companies are investing in smart new energy heavy-duty trucks in the Yangtze River Delta to promote low-carbon and intelligent upgrades in trunk transportation [2]. - Smart route planning is being utilized to improve vehicle load rates and transportation efficiency while effectively reducing energy consumption during transit [2]. - Solar photovoltaic facilities are being installed on the rooftops of distribution centers, and integrated solutions for energy storage and charging are being applied [2]. Group 3: Future Work Directions - The industry aims to deepen the implementation of regulations and standards related to express packaging and enhance supervision to promote green practices among companies [3]. - There is a focus on guiding express companies to innovate in low-carbon development methods, emphasizing resource conservation and the gradual increase in the use of green energy [3]. - The industry is committed to enhancing the internal motivation for green development, supporting multi-faceted carbon reduction efforts [3].

Core Viewpoint - The revised "Express Delivery Interim Regulations" effective from June 1 primarily address issues related to excessive packaging in express delivery, highlighting the need for improved packaging standards and practices in the industry [1][5][13]. Packaging Issues - Many e-commerce merchants excessively package products to avoid negative reviews, with up to 80% of complaints related to packaging issues [3][5]. - A survey indicates that 64.7% of consumers find excessive tape usage bothersome, and 45% complain about the number of packaging layers, likening it to "Russian nesting dolls" [3][5]. Regulatory Standards - New national standards aimed at limiting excessive packaging for food and cosmetics will be enforced starting in September 2023 and April 2024, respectively [5][14]. - These standards specify that certain products, such as mooncakes and zongzi, should not exceed three layers of packaging [5][14]. Industry Practices - Some merchants exploit loopholes in packaging regulations by using non-counted materials like ties and padding to create the illusion of fewer layers [6][8]. - The use of "functional packaging" that does not count towards the total packaging layers is also a common practice among merchants [8]. Environmental Impact - In major cities like Beijing, express delivery packaging contributes to 90% of the new household waste, with only 10% of packaging materials being recycled [11][12]. - The daily recyclable waste from express packaging in Beijing is around 50 tons, indicating a significant environmental burden [12]. Solutions and Innovations - The revised regulations aim to optimize packaging structures to reduce the use of fillers, with examples showing a potential 14% reduction in material usage while maintaining product safety [13][14]. - Companies like JD Logistics have reported substantial savings in raw materials and carbon emissions through innovative packaging designs [13][14]. Policy Framework - The revised regulations include requirements for express delivery companies to report the use and recycling of single-use plastic products, aligning with broader plastic pollution control measures [15].

Core Viewpoint - The revised "Express Delivery Temporary Regulations" effective from June 1 fills the regulatory gap in China's express packaging management, clarifying the responsibilities of all stakeholders in the supply chain [1] Group 1: Industry Challenges and Innovations - The express delivery industry consumes enough tape annually to circle the Earth multiple times, highlighting the environmental burden of non-degradable materials [1] - Traditional packaging manufacturers are urged to innovate towards biodegradable and recyclable materials, with some companies already developing eco-friendly products like starch-based tape and mushroom mycelium cushioning [1] Group 2: Role of E-commerce and Logistics - E-commerce platforms and logistics companies play a crucial role in connecting producers and consumers, with initiatives like "original box shipping" reducing material usage by 15% [2] - Logistics firms can shift from a linear consumption model to a circular economy by implementing standardized recycling systems and collection points, thus driving environmental demands upstream and influencing consumer habits downstream [2] Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Cultural Change - Consumer behavior significantly impacts the entire system, as many still prefer single-use packaging for convenience and hygiene [2] - Changing consumer habits requires ongoing environmental education and well-designed incentive mechanisms, as seen in countries like Japan and Germany where public awareness has driven systemic change [2] Group 4: Overall Transformation - The green governance of express packaging represents a profound transformation involving technology, business models, and cultural shifts, essential for addressing environmental crises and rethinking humanity's relationship with nature [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The revised "Express Delivery Temporary Regulations" will take effect on June 1, introducing a dedicated chapter on "express packaging," which addresses the regulatory gap in packaging management and supports the green development of the express delivery industry [1]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Challenges - China's express delivery industry has entered the era of over 100 billion packages, with an expected volume exceeding 1.75 trillion packages in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 21.5% [1]. - The rapid growth of express delivery services has led to significant usage and disposal of packaging materials, making packaging management a crucial task for the industry's high-quality development [1]. Group 2: Green Transformation Efforts - The regulations encourage the adoption of new technologies and materials to develop environmentally friendly packaging [2]. - The packaging waste primarily consists of product packaging, e-commerce packaging, and delivery service packaging, with a focus on reducing, recycling, and upgrading packaging materials [2]. - Companies like Jingxing Packaging are utilizing recycled materials to produce corrugated paper, achieving a consumption rate of approximately 1.1 tons of waste cardboard for every ton of new paper produced [2]. Group 3: Innovations in Packaging - Companies are developing biodegradable tape and reusable packaging solutions, such as Zhongtong's "multi-life" boxes designed for frequent returns [3]. - The introduction of intelligent packaging systems has improved packaging efficiency, with original direct shipping increasing from about 5% to 25% in recent years, and projected to reach 40% [5][6]. - The use of smart recommendations for packaging materials has led to a 20% reduction in material usage across nearly 300 warehouses [6]. Group 4: Recycling and Circular Economy - The establishment of recycling facilities at delivery points is crucial for closing the packaging management loop [7]. - Initiatives like the "return box plan" at Zhejiang University have resulted in 90% of used boxes being recycled for further use, significantly reducing waste [8]. - The shift from a linear model of "manufacture-use-dispose" to a circular model of "production-consumption-recycling-reuse" is being accelerated through enhanced end-of-life management practices [8][9]. Group 5: Regulatory Framework and Future Directions - The regulations clarify the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the green governance of packaging, marking a significant step in the legal and standard implementation system [9]. - The National Postal Administration plans to promote a series of standards and policies to guide innovation in packaging products, technologies, and models, further advancing the green transformation of the express delivery sector [9].