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In recent years, with the rapid development of e-commerce, the issue of recycling of express packaging has brought certain pressure to environmental protection. Some countries have been actively exploring the "green transformation" of express packaging, making efforts in multiple aspects such as policy regulations, technological research and development, and supporting facilities, and have achieved results. 

A recent report released by the international consulting firm McKinsey shows that the global awareness of developing recyclable packaging is increasing. Among the 30 countries and regions studied, 29 have begun to discuss and implement regulations on recyclable packaging. Globally, from governments, enterprises to the general public, accelerating the "green transformation" of express packaging has become a consensus and has been translated into actions. 

Germany - Continuously refining legal regulations 

Open the simple-sealed opening made by the single-layer tape, and then tear off the peelable delivery label on the courier box - in the reporter's daily observations and experiences, German courier packaging is relatively simple. If a return or exchange is needed, simply attach a return form at the original position of the delivery label and seal the box for delivery. 

In Germany, many courier companies offer reusable courier envelopes or packaging bags, along with peel-off labels and secondary use adhesive strips. According to a recent survey by the data statistics website Statista, 77% of German citizens believe that using reusable courier packaging is very important for environmental protection. 

In order to reduce waste of packaging materials, the German government has continuously improved the legal regulations. As early as 1991, Germany began to implement the "Packaging Regulations", requiring all enterprises selling goods to the German market to be responsible for the recycling and disposal of the packaging of their products. This was the first time that the system of extending producers' responsibility for packaging was established. Therefore, Germany established a specialized company called "Green Dot" for the recycling and utilization of packaging waste. In 2019, Germany officially implemented the new "Packaging Law" and established a specialized regulatory agency - the German Central Packaging Registry. It stipulates that all relevant enterprises must register and report the total quality and specific material information of packaging materials every year. If they fail to register, the enterprises may be fined up to 200,000 euros and be subject to a sales ban. 

Under strict legal supervision, enterprises are continuously strengthening the green processing of courier packaging. Take Amazon's German branch as an example. In 2019, the company began to promote the use of 100% recyclable packaging materials and took environmental protection measures such as reducing the volume of packaging and minimizing the use of air-filled materials. In 2021, the company stated that it would gradually phase out the use of disposable plastic materials and, during transportation, would use paper bags or cardboard boxes as much as possible. 

The new "Packaging Law" also stipulates that starting from July this year, online stores affiliated with platforms such as Amazon, in addition to the unified registration by the platform, also need to separately register for the relevant packaging transportation license at the German Central Packaging Registry. Otherwise, they will be prohibited from selling. German media analysis points out that continuously refining legal provisions and strengthening the packaging recycling responsibilities of product manufacturers, importers, and retailers is an important measure to promote the sustainable development of e-commerce. 

South Korea - Promoting the Use of Recyclable Packaging 

Over the past two years and more, Ms. Park, who lives in Seoul, South Korea, has mostly purchased daily necessities online, and the number of courier packaging boxes has also significantly increased. "The government's requirements for garbage classification are quite strict. Previously, it took a certain amount of time to handle and dispose of these packaging boxes and filling materials every day," Ms. Park told the reporter. "Since e-commerce platforms launched reusable packaging boxes, she has started to choose this recyclable packaging. 'Now we have reduced the use of disposable packaging items. By doing small things in daily life, we can contribute to environmental protection. I feel very happy.'" 

In order to reduce garbage pollution, various green packaging products have been emerging in the Korean market in recent years. Reusable packaging boxes, eco-friendly ice packs, paper cushioning materials, etc. are increasingly favored by enterprises and the public. The government is also actively promoting the improvement of recycling measures. The Ministry of Environment of South Korea has publicly invited tenders for projects related to reusable packaging materials, covering various stages such as design, production, recycling, cleaning, and promotion. 

Ice packs are often used when delivering fresh products. The packaging of ordinary ice packs is made of high-hygroscopic resin, which is difficult to decompose naturally and is not easy to be incinerated. A survey shows that the production of eco-friendly ice packs in South Korea increased by 2.24 times in 2020 compared to 2019, but the usage of high-hygroscopic resin ice packs still accounted for 40%. To promote the production and utilization of eco-friendly material ice packs, the Ministry of Environment of South Korea has started to levy waste disposal fees on producers and importers of high-hygroscopic resin ice packs this year. 

Recycling activities for ice packs have been promoted in many areas of South Korea. Special recycling facilities have been set up in living areas, and rewards are given to those who recycle ice packs. After being recycled, the ice packs are professionally cleaned, disinfected, and dried, and then distributed free of charge to residents, small and medium-sized businesses, etc. Some enterprises have also actively developed environmentally friendly ice packs. For instance, one company has launched ice packs with biodegradable resin as the outer packaging and water-filled inside, which can be reused and naturally decompose. 

The Suwon municipal government has signed packaging recycling agreements with some supermarkets and set up dedicated distribution centers in pilot communities. After residents purchase goods, the supermarkets wrap the items in recyclable packaging materials and deliver them through the distribution centers. Consumers then place the packaging at their doorsteps, and the distribution centers will recycle, clean and reuse the packaging. Relevant enterprises stated that through this initiative, approximately 130,000 disposable courier boxes and 66 tons of waste can be reduced annually. Currently, Suwon City plans to add more distribution centers and pilot communities. This measure is expected to be promoted in other regions of South Korea. 

Spain - Increasing Investment in Green Packaging 

Various types of paper or fabric shopping bags made from recyclable materials, biodegradable material packaging boxes and bags for food takeout... On the largest circular packaging e-commerce platform Bolsalea in Spain, there are all kinds of circular packaging products that meet various needs. This enterprise, founded in 2009, can provide customized services for designing and manufacturing circular packaging products for customers. Currently, customers are spread all over Spain. 

Recyclable packaging is emerging as a new trend in the green investment industry. According to data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, the proportion of Spanish online shoppers rose from 58% in 2019 to 63% in 2020. At the same time, people's environmental awareness is also continuously increasing. A survey by the Spanish Association of Producers and Distributors shows that at least 30% of Spanish consumers are willing to pay a higher price for online products that use recyclable packaging. 

A Spanish fund management company specializing in green investment said that currently, a major trend in the packaging industry is the use of recyclable cardboard, biodegradable materials, and glass, etc., which are easy to recycle or handle. Especially, some large enterprises are moving faster on the path of making product packaging recyclable. A well-known clothing company launched a green packaging project. Since 2019, it has gradually stopped using disposable plastic shopping bags and requires the reuse of courier paper box packaging. The packaging can be reused up to 6 times. If it cannot be reused due to damage or other factors, it will also be recycled. 

Some enterprises also adopt incentive measures to promote the use of recyclable packaging. For instance, Spain Post has collaborated with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund to launch the "Forest Protection Program". For each recycled postal box or envelope purchased by consumers, 5 cents will be donated for tree planting, forest fire prevention, and biodiversity conservation. Currently, over 100,000 trees have been planted through this program, covering an area of 270 hectares for afforestation. 

In November, 2021, the Spanish government announced that it would invest 42 million euros to build a national packaging technology center in the La Rioja autonomous region, which is home to many packaging industry enterprises. The center aims to conduct research and innovation on the greening of packaging materials, covering all aspects such as design, production, and recycling. The center is expected to be completed by next year.