Material flow analysis and statistical entropy evaluation of plastic packaging for express delivery in China

Encouraging the recycling of plastic packaging materials in express delivery is a necessary step toward environmentally friendly industrial development. In this study, we present a framework for analyzing the flow of materials in express plastic packaging, from production and manufacturing to consumption and recycling. In examining the use of recycled materials in post-consumer express plastic packaging and the destination of consumer packaging waste in 2020 and 2021, we found that 44.4% (1613.6 Gg) of the studied express plastic packaging was incinerated. Additionally, approximately 1296.6 Gg of express plastic packaging flowed into rural areas. Our calculations showed that the ΔRSE in 2020 was 15.1%, and on the condition that 25% separated collection with 80% recycling, ΔRSE would be − 0.5%. Results verified that separated collection is an important step in the recycling strategy for packaging materials. Survey data from universities in Beijing indicate that currently, 26% of college students are participating in the separate collection of packaging.