Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the efforts of Zhejiang Province in promoting green packaging in the express delivery industry, showcasing initiatives like the recycling of cardboard boxes and the use of biodegradable materials to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact [1][2][3][4] Group 1: Recycling Initiatives - Zhejiang University has implemented a "Box Return Plan," where 90% of the cardboard used for shipping by students comes from recycled materials [1] - In 2024, the express delivery industry in Zhejiang achieved the reuse of 92.13 million old cardboard boxes, marking a 12.59% increase from the previous year [1] Group 2: Green Packaging Strategies - The express delivery sector is shifting towards green packaging to address the significant carbon emissions associated with traditional packaging, which totaled 23.96 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2020 [2] - The "Original Direct Shipping" method, which uses original factory packaging, is expected to help JD reduce over 1 billion secondary packages in 2024, with 95.83% of e-commerce packages in Zhejiang avoiding secondary packaging [2] Group 3: Material Reduction and Innovation - Companies are reducing the thickness of cardboard and the width of tape, with many now using tape that is 45mm or less and switching from 5-layer to 3-layer boxes, resulting in a significant reduction of 13,352 tons of plastic tape by JD in recent years [3] - In 2024, Zhejiang's delivery companies procured 420 million certified green packaging products and used 438 million biodegradable plastic bags [3] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite progress, challenges remain, such as the high cost of green packaging and the need for greater consumer awareness and habit changes [4] - Future efforts will focus on enhancing inter-departmental collaboration, improving recycling systems, and increasing public education to further advance carbon reduction and environmental sustainability in packaging [4]

Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry is crucial for China's economic development, but the rapid growth in packaging usage has raised environmental concerns. The newly revised "Express Delivery Interim Regulations" will take effect on June 1, aiming to promote green packaging practices in the industry [1]. Group 1: Green Packaging Innovations - The trend of "slimming" packages is emerging, with companies like SF Express using "Feng Tiao" boxes that reduce the weight of fruit shipments by about 1 kg, leading to a 30% reduction in logistics costs for merchants [2]. - Zhongtong's cloud warehouse has implemented an intelligent packaging recommendation system, reducing packaging material usage by approximately 20% and promoting original packaging direct shipping to minimize secondary packaging [3][4]. - The use of biodegradable packaging materials is increasing, with Hainan being a pioneer in adopting fully biodegradable express packaging bags [6][7]. Group 2: Recycling and Circular Economy - Recycling initiatives are gaining traction, with universities like Zhejiang University encouraging students to recycle packaging materials, achieving a 90% reuse rate for boxes used by students [5]. - The use of reusable express boxes in Hainan has been reported to allow for over 50 uses per box, significantly lowering packaging costs [6]. - In the first quarter of this year, Hainan's express delivery companies utilized nearly 1 million reusable packaging, showcasing the effectiveness of recycling efforts [7]. Group 3: Regulatory and Market Trends - The national postal authority has reported that over 95% of e-commerce packages no longer require secondary packaging, and the application of smart packaging technology has led to a 20% reduction in material usage [4]. - The market for fully biodegradable express packaging bags has seen significant growth, with sales expected to exceed 20 million units this year [9]. - The revised regulations emphasize a comprehensive approach to green packaging, establishing clear responsibilities and standards for all stakeholders involved in the express delivery supply chain [9].