China has urged e-commerce platforms and express firms to develop green delivery services and avoid over-packaging.
E-commerce and express firms should coordinate on environmentally-friendly packaging, supply chain and packing material recycling, according to the guidelines released Tuesday by the State Council.
Green development is a natural choice for China's e-commerce market to enter a new phase, according to Qian Fangli, a senior official with the commerce ministry.
China is the world's largest e-commerce market, with over 40 billion parcels delivered last year.
The guidelines also proposed improving logistical infrastructure, better coordination between e-commerce and delivery firms, and smart deliveries.
In addition, the government will make rules on data sharing to encourage e-commerce and express firms to share customer data.