Why is the generation of packaging waste from express deliveries a major problem?

The rapid growth of the express delivery industry resulted in the explosion of packaging waste with a wide range of direct and indirect environmental consequences. Until recently, little attention was given to this topic, but e-commerce and the associated growth of packaging waste exploded with the...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Pinos, Juan, Hahladakis, John N, Chen, Hong
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/268367
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/268367
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85127239874
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:LCA
E-commerce
Environmental impact
Express delivery
Packaging waste
Plastic waste
Descripción
Sumario:The rapid growth of the express delivery industry resulted in the explosion of packaging waste with a wide range of direct and indirect environmental consequences. Until recently, little attention was given to this topic, but e-commerce and the associated growth of packaging waste exploded with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the phenomenon is only little to moderately documented, the waste problems in express delivery are recognized and caused by excessive packaging, lack of recyclability of the packaging material, and the low motivation of consumers to recycle. Key research, policy, and educational actions to reduce the environmental impacts of the fast-growing express delivery industry are discussed in this short discussion article.