China has implemented several environmental protection initiatives related to shopping, particularly focusing on reusable packaging and reducing plastic waste. Here’s a detailed overview of key initiatives and their impacts.

• “Plastic Ban” (禁塑令)

• • Since 2020, China has gradually eliminated single – use plastics in major cities. Non – degradable plastic bags were banned in supermarkets and for food delivery in major cities by 2022, and this ban is set to be implemented nationwide by 2025.

• • Targets: By 2025, all postal and express delivery hubs are required to eliminate non – degradable plastic packaging such as bags and tape.

• Green Consumption Plan (2022)

• • The plan aims to make green products, such as reusable containers, the mainstream by 2025. It also includes subsidies for research and development (R&D) of eco – friendly packaging.

• Pilot Programs for Circular Packaging

• • Government – led trials from 2022 to 2023 promoted the use of reusable express boxes in cooperation with major e – commerce and logistics companies like JD.com, Alibaba, and SF Express. These boxes are designed to be used for more than 50 times, reducing waste by 80% compared to single – use packaging.

• • Example: In Qingdao’s pilot project, disposable vegetable boxes were replaced with foldable, food – grade reusable containers. This replacement results in a reduction of 120 kg of packaging waste per box annually.

• Retailer Initiatives

• • JD.com’s “青流计划” (Qingliu Initiative): It uses biodegradable bags for fresh groceries and encourages customers to return reusable packaging through a deposit system.

• • Alibaba’s “绿动计划” (Green Action Plan): It promotes “no secondary packaging” for 50% of Taobao orders, which saves 1.2 million tons of cardboard annually.

• Incentivizing Reuse

• • Platforms like Meituan and Ele.me offer discounts to consumers who choose not to use disposable cutlery. This has led to a reduction of 5,000 tons of plastic waste yearly.

• • Mall Programs: Stores such as Hema (Alibaba) charge for plastic bags but provide free cloth bag rentals to customers.

• Public Awareness Campaigns

• • The government and non – governmental organizations (NGOs) promote the concept of “自带购物袋” (bring your own bag) through social media. As a result, 70% of urban consumers now regularly use reusable bags.

• Cost Barriers: The cost of reusable packaging is 3 – 5 times higher than that of plastic packaging. However, leasing models, such as the financial support from banks like Qingdao Construction Bank, help in scaling up its adoption.

• Tech Integration: Digital tracking technologies, such as QR codes on reusable boxes, ensure efficient return rates. In pilot zones, the return rate of reusable boxes has reached 85%.

• Smart Packaging: IoT – enabled reusable bags with deposit systems are being piloted in Shanghai. These bags can be tracked and managed more efficiently through Internet of Things technology.

• Policy Expansion: After 2025, there will be stricter enforcement of plastic bans and higher subsidies for biodegradable alternatives to further promote sustainable packaging solutions.