China's relentless pursuit of decarbonization targets now turns its attention to the environmental impact of the surging volume of courier packaging materials. As parcel deliveries reach record highs, Beijing is intensifying efforts to meet ambitious climate goals, focusing on establishing a standardized green courier packaging system by the end of 2025.

A joint action plan, revealed by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), State Post Bureau, and six other state authorities, outlines the commitment to banning toxic and harmful materials in courier packaging. Data from 2020 indicates that China's express delivery industry annually consumes over 9 million tons of paper and approximately 1.8 million tons of plastic.

In 2020, China initiated a comprehensive five-year plan, targeting the prohibition of non-biodegradable plastic bags, disposable plastic products in hotels, and plastic packaging used in courier deliveries nationwide by 2025. The country, being the world's largest contributor to plastic waste, is actively addressing this challenge.

Leading online shopping and logistics companies, including Alibaba's Cainiao, JD.com, and SF Express, are taking proactive measures to reduce and replace plastics. These efforts involve experimenting with recycling packaging materials and introducing reusable delivery boxes. The action plan emphasizes that e-commerce giants and delivery service providers must lead the charge in reducing excessive packaging and promoting recyclable courier packaging. The plan sets a deadline for the end of 2025, by which at least 10% of same-city delivery parcels should use recyclable packaging.

Despite rapid growth, the express delivery sector lacks comprehensive laws and regulations, leading to the exploration and improvement of relevant frameworks. The mounting pressure from packaging waste on resources and the environment is acknowledged, prompting the need for effective strategies to address this issue.

China's annual volume of delivery packages has consistently surpassed 100 billion pieces since 2021, contributing to a concerning increase in package waste. The recent action plan aligns with China's broader initiatives and follows major shopping campaigns by e-commerce giants during the 12.12 shopping festival, aiming to support post-Covid economic recovery.

With parcel deliveries in China surpassing 120 billion pieces this year alone, the State Post Bureau highlights the urgency of addressing the environmental impact and underscores the need for sustainable practices in the burgeoning express delivery sector.