Logistics leader starts green research program

Cainiao Network Technology Co Ltd, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, spearheaded a green logistics research program on Wednesday, driving innovations in parcel packaging, delivery and recycling in an environmentally friendly and intelligent manner.

The courier aggregator has pledged to invest 10 million yuan ($1.58 million) this year in developing new materials and technologies that can revamp the industry.

A special "Green Logistics Committee" composed of 30 experts in the logistics field was also founded to oversee and evaluate the proposals.

The China Environmental Protection Foundation and major domestic couriers -- including YTO Express, STO Express and Yunda Express - are among the key partners of the initiative.

Last May, Cainiao announced an investment in 1 million new energy vehicles and linked them to a smart logistics platform, which can trim the rate at which its cars travel empty and reduce the driving distance.

In a greener push, it has promoted the use of electronic delivery receipts and put to use 20 prototype warehouses that use recyclable and degradable materials for packaging.