China’s express delivery industry, the largest in the world, is undergoing a green transformation as both government and private stakeholders work to address the mounting challenge of packaging waste. With a staggering 174.5 billion parcels delivered in 2023 alone—a 21% increase from the previous year—the urgency to adopt more sustainable packaging practices has never been greater.

According to the State Post Bureau, the sector consumed approximately 9.92 billion packaging boxes and 55.71 billion feet of tape in 2022. This scale of consumption has raised alarms about material waste, environmental impact, and the need for circular solutions.

Regulatory action leads the charge

Starting June 1st, new regulations issued by the State Council require express delivery companies to prioritize eco-friendly, reduced, and reusable packaging. These updated rules aim to combat over-packaging and promote the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials throughout the supply chain. It’s a strategic push to make sustainability a foundational pillar of the logistics industry in China.

From repackaging to reduction: Industry innovations

Major delivery companies like JDL Express, ZTO Express, SF Express, and Deppon Express are rethinking their packaging logistics. One key trend is the increased adoption of original packaging shipments. Instead of reboxing goods, companies are now shipping items such as tissues, diapers, and small electronics directly in their manufacturer’s packaging, with only the shipping label attached. In 2023, JDL alone avoided over 1 billion repackages using this method.

ZTO Express has implemented intelligent systems across nearly 300 warehouses to identify and recommend the most efficient packaging solutions. The approach not only streamlines operations but also cuts down on materials significantly.

Redesigning packaging for efficiency

JDL has also redesigned its cardboard boxes, reducing material use by 5% to 25%. Over 860 million of these optimized boxes were deployed last year, cutting an estimated 12,164 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This redesign demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and design can lead to measurable sustainability gains.

Reusable circulation boxes are also gaining ground, particularly in inter-station transport. These durable plastic containers replace single-use cardboard boxes, extending the lifecycle of packaging components and minimizing waste at transit hubs.

Community-led solutions: Campus recycling programs

Efforts are not limited to logistics firms. Educational institutions such as Zhejiang University are spearheading innovative reuse models. Since 2016, the university has operated a package reuse program that encourages students to leave packaging at collection stations for future use. This grassroots initiative now supports over 100,000 people across campuses and redistributes hundreds of boxes daily to new users—effectively creating a micro-circular economy.

In 2023 alone, over 8.2 million packages were delivered to the university’s campuses, while more than 440,000 parcels were sent out. Such figures highlight the importance of consumer involvement in complementing regulatory and corporate sustainability strategies.

Looking forward

China’s packaging sector is at a turning point. With regulatory support, technological innovation, and rising consumer awareness, the country is taking decisive steps toward a more circular and sustainable delivery ecosystem. But with billions of packages still reliant on single-use materials, the road ahead will require continued cross-sector collaboration, public participation, and investment in alternative materials and systems.