Yen, B & Wong, G. (2019) Case study: Cainiao and JD.com Yen & Wong leading sustainability packaging in China. In Proceedings of The 19th International Conference on Electronic Business (pp. 90-98). ICEB, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, December 8- 12. Case Study: Cainiao and JD.com Leading Sustainability Packaging in China (Full Paper) Benjamin Yen*, The University of Hong Kong, China,
[email protected] Grace Wong, The University of Hong Kong, China,
[email protected] ABSTRACT This case looks at the packaging waste problems created by increasing e-commerce in China and its development of recycling policies. This case introduces the concept of Green supply chain, sustainable packaging in particular and discuss the development of sustainable packaging in China. We also look at best practices implemented by other companies and countries. The case is for the purpose to compare advantages, disadvantages and limitations of sustainable packaging and traditional packaging, to evaluate the impact of sustainable packaging, and to recommend ways for businesses to implement sustainable packaging without increasing the cost for long term. Keywords: Sustainability, packaging, logistics, case study. _____________________ *Corresponding author INTRODUCTION Already the world’s largest, China’s online retailing marketing was expected to more than double in size, from US$750 billion in 2016 to US$1.7 trillion by 2020. The number of online shoppers in China was also expected to grow from 460 million in 2016 to 660 million users in 2020 (Erickson, 2019). The surging online business required lots of packaging materials.. In 2016, over 31 billion parcels were delivered, which equaled to 23 parcels per capita according to China’s State Post Bureau.