The logistics affiliate of the Alibaba Group, the Cainiao Network has announced it has formed the Cainiao Green Alliance Foundation. The company says this is China’s first charity foundation that is dedicated to promoting green logistics.

The Cainiao Green Alliance Foundation was jointly launched by the Cainiao Network, the Alibaba Foundation, the China Environmental Protection Foundation as well as six Chinese logistics companies.

The Foundation released a statement today saying that its initial focus areas will include innovation regarding environmentally friendly packaging, promoting the adoption of clean energy by delivery vehicles and the use of big data to optimise resources in the supply chain.

Initially the Cainiao Green Alliance Foundation will invest RMB300 million (USD $45 million) into research that will provide the input for green logistics, consumption and the supply chain.

Judy Tong, Cainiao Network Chairwoman and Alibaba Group Chief People Officer, said: “Cainiao Network, as the largest big-data logistics platform, and Alibaba Group, holding the largest e-commerce ecosystem in China, have a responsibility to take the lead in promoting environmental protection and green logistics. This effort can only be achieved by joining hands with other partners in the industry as well as contribution from the entire ecosystem that includes the government, logistics companies, merchants and customers.”

There are increasing pressures from governments and the public alike on logistics companies and the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions and waste. This move from China is a sign that even Asians are taking this pressing issue into account.  
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