Analysis: In-depth Insights into the Development Trends of China’s Green Logistics in 2025

Addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development make green logistics an imperative.

01 Introduction

Against the global backdrop of actively addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development, green logistics—integrating environmental protection principles with modern logistics operations—is increasingly becoming a central pillar of the industry’s evolution. As the world’s second-largest economy and a major logistics player, China’s advancement in green logistics is crucial to achieving…   “Dual Carbon”   This goal is of great significance for promoting high-quality economic development. The China Warehousing and Distribution Association has taken proactive measures in the field of green warehousing and distribution, achieving notable results through a series of initiatives and efforts, thereby effectively advancing the development of green logistics in China.

02 2025 Current Status of Green Logistics Development in China

(1) Market Size and Growth Trends

In recent years, driven by the nation’s emphasis on green development and growing corporate environmental awareness, China’s green logistics market has exhibited a rapid growth trend. According to relevant data, as of…  2025  In recent years, China’s green logistics market has reached a scale of several trillion yuan and is expected to maintain a robust growth rate in the coming years. This expansion is largely driven by strong government policies, including subsidies for green logistics projects and tax incentives, which encourage businesses to increase their investments in sustainable logistics. Meanwhile, growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products is prompting companies to adopt green logistics practices to meet market needs. Traditional logistics firms are accelerating their transformation and upgrading, integrating green technologies and equipment to reduce the environmental footprint of their operations, while new‑generation green logistics enterprises are emerging rapidly, specializing in eco‑friendly packaging, energy‑efficient transportation, and other tailored services, thereby further bolstering the growth of the green logistics sector.

(II) Policy Support and the Development of Regulations and Standards

Policy support continues to strengthen: At the national level, green logistics development has been given high priority, with a series of policy documents issued, including the “Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Green Logistics” and the “Guidance on Building a Green Logistics Standards System.” These documents have clearly defined the goals and direction for green logistics, providing robust policy backing for the sector’s growth. At the local level, provinces and cities have also tailored specific measures to their regional contexts, such as launching pilot projects for green logistics and offering financial incentives and preferential policies to participating enterprises; they have also implemented green‑logistics subsidies to encourage companies to acquire new‑energy vehicles and build eco‑friendly warehousing facilities. The effective implementation of these policies has significantly boosted businesses’ enthusiasm and initiative in advancing green logistics.

The regulatory and standards framework is steadily improving: China has been actively advancing the standardization of green logistics, having issued numerous national and industry standards that cover all stages of the green logistics chain. In the area of green warehousing, standards such as “Requirements and Evaluation for Green Warehouses” have been developed, setting clear environmental criteria for warehouse construction, operations, and management. In green transportation, technical standards for new‑energy vehicles and emission‑limit standards for transport vehicles have been introduced, regulating the use of eco‑friendly transport modes. Meanwhile, in green packaging, standards for biodegradable materials and for reducing packaging waste have been established, guiding enterprises to minimize the generation of packaging-related waste. The promulgation of these regulations and standards provides robust support for the standardized and systematic development of green logistics.

(3) Status of Technological Innovation and Application

Energy‑saving technologies are widely adopted: The use of new‑energy vehicles in green logistics is becoming increasingly common, with electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel‑cell vehicles gradually replacing conventional internal‑combustion‑engine trucks and emerging as key transport options for urban delivery and short‑haul transportation. These new‑energy vehicles feature zero or low emissions, effectively reducing exhaust pollution and lowering energy consumption. Some logistics companies have also implemented energy‑efficient warehousing equipment—such as smart lighting systems and energy‑saving air conditioners—optimizing equipment operating modes and energy management to cut energy use in the warehousing process.

Environmental protection technologies are continuously advancing: significant progress has been made in the research and application of green packaging materials. New types of packaging—such as biodegradable materials, recyclable materials, and composite materials—are gradually replacing traditional plastic packaging, effectively reducing the environmental pollution caused by packaging waste. At the same time, the design principles of green packaging are undergoing constant innovation, with designs like reusable and foldable packaging gaining widespread adoption and boosting the rate of material reuse. In logistics operations, environmentally friendly coatings and detergents are also being employed, further minimizing environmental impact.

Deep integration of intelligent technologies: Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence are being extensively applied in green logistics, providing robust technological support for its development. Through IoT, real-time monitoring and data analysis of logistics processes—including transportation, warehousing, and last-mile delivery—enable the timely identification of operational issues and the implementation of corrective measures, thereby enhancing logistical efficiency. Big data analytics helps companies assess market trends and customer needs, optimize resource allocation, and achieve precise delivery and inventory management. Meanwhile, AI is deployed in areas like logistics decision-making, route planning, and intelligent customer service, further elevating the level of logistics intelligence while reducing costs.

(4) The Penetration of Green Logistics Across Industries

E‑commerce sector: The rapid growth of e‑commerce has fueled an explosive expansion in express delivery and logistics, while also raising the bar for green logistics. Major e‑commerce platforms have rolled out a range of eco‑friendly initiatives, including promoting electronic waybills, using biodegradable packaging materials, optimizing delivery routes, and improving vehicle load factors. Some e‑commerce companies have even established green logistics parks, deploying new‑energy vehicles for last‑mile deliveries, thereby advancing the greening of their entire supply chain.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing firms are increasingly recognizing the importance of green logistics in reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness, and are integrating green‑logistics principles into processes such as raw‑material procurement, production and distribution, and product sales. By optimizing supply‑chain management and adopting multimodal transport and collaborative delivery, they are cutting energy consumption and emissions in the transportation phase. At the same time, they are strengthening collaboration with suppliers to promote the use of eco‑friendly packaging, thereby minimizing packaging material usage and increasing recyclability.

Retail Industry: Retail enterprises are actively advancing green logistics in areas such as product distribution and warehouse management. Some large retailers use new‑energy vehicles for urban deliveries, thereby reducing carbon emissions during the last‑mile delivery process; they optimize warehouse layouts to improve space utilization and cut energy consumption; and they promote eco‑friendly packaging, encouraging consumers to use reusable shopping bags and reducing the use of plastic bags.

03  The Work and Achievements of Green Warehousing and Distribution by the China Warehousing and Distribution Association

(1) Policy and Regulatory Research and Promotion

In-depth research to inform decision-making: The China Warehousing and Distribution Association has actively mobilized expert resources to conduct thorough studies on policies, regulations, and emerging trends in the field of green warehousing and distribution. It has undertaken and successfully completed numerous key research projects commissioned by the Ministry of Commerce and other government agencies. Through comprehensive analysis of the industry’s current landscape, benchmarking against cutting-edge domestic and international practices, and forecasting future development trajectories, the Association has provided government bodies with a scientifically grounded, holistic, and nuanced basis for policy formulation. Throughout this process, the Association has carefully taken into account China’s national conditions and the specific realities of the sector, putting forward a series of targeted, actionable policy recommendations—such as strengthening fiscal support for the development of green warehousing infrastructure, refining tax incentives for green logistics, and establishing a statistical indicator system for green logistics. These proposals have received high priority from government authorities and have been incorporated into relevant policy frameworks.

Participating in Drafting and Refining the Policy Framework: The association has actively engaged in drafting industry‑specific normative documents, such as the Administrative Measures for the Warehousing Industry and Guiding Opinions, as well as specialized work guidelines on urban–rural efficient distribution, warehousing facility planning in large and medium-sized cities, pallet pooling and sharing, green warehousing and delivery, and the development of logistics hubs for traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Throughout the drafting process, the association has extensively sought input and recommendations from member enterprises and industry experts, ensuring that industry concerns are fully reflected and that policy documents are scientifically sound, reasonably designed, and readily implementable. Thanks to the association’s efforts, policies and regulations related to green warehousing and delivery have been continuously refined, fostering a favorable policy environment for the sector’s sustainable development.

(II) Standardization Development and Promotion

Leading the establishment of a consortium to advance standard-setting: The association spearheaded the formation of “National Alliance for Standardization in Commerce and Logistics”   and   The “Joint Conference on Building a Cold‑Chain Operations System” has integrated industry resources and pooled the efforts of all stakeholders to jointly advance the development of green warehousing and distribution standards. The association has spearheaded the drafting of numerous national, industry, and group standards, including “General Warehouse Grading,” “Planning and Design Parameters for General Warehouses and Warehouse Areas,” “Quality Requirements for Warehousing Services,” “Cold‑Storage Operation Specifications,” “Third‑Party Management Standards for Collateralized Inventory,” “Green Warehouse Requirements and Evaluation,” the “Series of Standards for Chinese Herbal Medicine Warehousing Management,” “Cold‑Chain Operations Management Specifications,” and the “Operational Guidelines for Open‑Type Pallet Sharing Systems.” These standards cover a wide range of areas—such as warehouse infrastructure construction, operational management, service quality, and environmental sustainability—thereby establishing a relatively comprehensive framework of green warehousing and distribution standards.

Conducting outreach and implementation activities to promote standard adoption: To ensure the effective implementation of green warehousing and distribution standards, the association has organized a variety of outreach initiatives. These include training workshops on standard interpretation, seminars, and experience-sharing forums, which provide member enterprises and industry professionals with an in-depth understanding of the standards’ content and requirements, thereby enhancing their awareness and comprehension. The association also dispatches experts to conduct on-site guidance at enterprises, helping them improve their warehousing infrastructure and operational management in accordance with the standards. Furthermore, it has established a monitoring mechanism to track and evaluate enterprises’ compliance with the standards, promptly identifying issues and offering recommendations for improvement. Through these outreach efforts, green warehousing and distribution standards have been widely promoted and applied, raising the overall level of standardization across the industry.

(3) Platform Development and Resource Integration

Building a comprehensive platform to promote information sharing: The association has integrated warehousing resources nationwide and developed multiple online platforms. +  a comprehensive or specialized internet platform for the warehousing industry, among which   “China Green Warehousing and Distribution Network”   It has become a key platform for information exchange and resource sharing in the green warehousing and distribution sector. The platform brings together a wealth of resources, including policies and regulations, technical standards, industry trends, and enterprise case studies, providing businesses with comprehensive, timely, and accurate information services. At the same time, it serves as a bridge for collaboration and communication, fostering resource sharing and business partnerships among enterprises and driving the coordinated development of the green warehousing and distribution industry.

Promoting resource sharing and fostering collaborative development: Through platform-building efforts, the association actively advances the sharing and coordination of green warehousing and distribution resources. On one hand, it facilitates the shared use of warehousing facilities, boosting utilization rates and reducing idle capacity and waste. On the other hand, it encourages cooperation among logistics enterprises to implement joint delivery, consolidated transportation, and other initiatives, thereby optimizing logistics networks, lowering costs, and enhancing efficiency. For example, the association has organized member companies to launch a pilot program for pallet pooling and reuse. By establishing a shared pallet‑management system, pallets are circulated among participating firms, cutting procurement expenses and minimizing idle inventory, while improving operational efficiency and advancing the development of green logistics.

(4) Conference Discussions and Experience Sharing

Holding brand conferences to build a platform for exchange: The association convenes annually. China Warehousing and Distribution Conference   and   “Green Warehousing and Distribution”   Various brand‑focused conferences provide members and the industry with a high‑quality platform for exchange, showcasing, and interaction. At these events, government officials, industry experts, and corporate representatives come together to discuss pressing issues such as emerging trends in green warehousing and distribution, relevant policies and regulations, technological innovations, and practical experiences. Through these forums, companies can stay abreast of the latest industry developments and policy directions, learn from the successful practices of leading enterprises, broaden their strategic horizons, and enhance their competitive edge.

Sharing success stories to promote knowledge transfer: During conference discussions, the association places particular emphasis on facilitating enterprises’ sharing of best practices in green warehousing and distribution. By inviting companies that have achieved notable results in areas such as green warehouse infrastructure development, the application of green transportation technologies, and the promotion of sustainable packaging, the association disseminates cutting-edge concepts, technologies, and management models to a broader audience, thereby inspiring greater enthusiasm and creativity among industry players to adopt green logistics initiatives. In addition, the association compiles these success stories into published volumes and widely publicizes them through its newsletter, website, and other channels, providing industry stakeholders with practical, replicable examples and fostering the widespread adoption and application of green warehousing and distribution practices across the sector.

(5) Training and Consulting Services

Relying on “Expert Committee”: The association provides comprehensive consulting and feasibility‑study services for the construction, operation, and management of various types of warehouses and distribution centers. In response to the challenges and difficulties enterprises face in advancing green warehousing and distribution, the expert team conducts in‑depth on‑site research and analysis, offering tailored solutions and recommendations. For example, when developing a green warehouse, the team can offer professional advice on site selection, facility layout, equipment procurement, and energy management, helping companies refine their design plans, reduce construction costs, and enhance the sustainability of their facilities. During operations, the team can also provide guidance on establishing green logistics management systems and formulating energy‑saving and emission‑reduction strategies, enabling enterprises to improve operational efficiency and achieve green, sustainable development.

04 Trends in the Development of Green Logistics in China

(1) Green technology innovation continues to deepen.

Breakthroughs in New Energy Technologies and Expanding Applications: As technology continues to advance, the application of new energy technologies in green logistics will become both broader and more sophisticated. Electric vehicles will see steadily improving ranges, with charging infrastructure becoming increasingly robust and costs continuing to decline, thereby expanding their use in long-haul transportation. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is poised for major breakthroughs, positioning hydrogen‑powered vehicles as a key growth area in green logistics; their zero emissions and short refueling times will effectively address the range and charging limitations of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the deployment of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power in warehouse energy systems will continue to expand, enabling warehouses to achieve energy self-sufficiency and greater environmental sustainability.

Integrated Development of Smart and Green Solutions: Intelligent technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain will be further deeply integrated with green logistics. Through these smart technologies, precise monitoring and optimized scheduling of logistics and transportation processes can be achieved, boosting vehicle load factors and transport efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions. Big‑data analytics will enable the optimal allocation of logistics resources, curbing inventory buildup and waste. Artificial intelligence will be applied to the intelligent control and management of logistics equipment, enhancing operational efficiency and energy utilization. Meanwhile, blockchain technology will ensure transparency and traceability of logistics information, safeguarding the quality and environmental integrity of green‑logistics products and strengthening consumer confidence in sustainable logistics practices.

(II) Collaborative Development of the Green Logistics Industry Chain: Close Cooperation Among Upstream and Downstream Enterprises The development of green logistics hinges on close collaboration across the industry chain. Manufacturing firms will place greater emphasis on greening product design, adopting environmentally friendly materials and recyclable packaging to minimize the environmental impact of logistics activities at the source. Meanwhile, logistics companies will strengthen coordination with manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to jointly optimize supply-chain management, ensuring seamless integration of green procurement, green production, green transportation, green warehousing, and green sales. For example, logistics providers can partner with manufacturers to develop well‑aligned distribution plans based on production schedules and sales forecasts, employing shared‑delivery and consolidated‑delivery strategies to enhance logistical efficiency, reduce costs, and cut carbon emissions.
The trend toward industrial clustering is strengthening: To achieve resource sharing, complementary advantages, and coordinated development, the emergence of green logistics industry clusters will become increasingly pronounced. In economically advanced regions and key logistics hubs, clusters will take shape, centered on green logistics enterprises and encompassing multiple sectors—including warehousing, transportation, packaging, last‑mile delivery, and information services. Within these clusters, firms will pool logistics facilities, technologies, and information resources, enabling scaled operations and specialized division of labor, thereby enhancing overall industry competitiveness and advancing environmental sustainability. At the same time, such clusters will attract related research institutions, financial organizations, training providers, and other stakeholders, fostering a comprehensive green logistics ecosystem that supports the sector’s sustainable growth. (3) Intensifying Competition and Consolidation in the Green Logistics Market Fiercer market competition: As the green logistics market continues to expand, an increasing number of players will enter the field, intensifying competitive pressures. Competition among firms will extend beyond price and service quality to include capabilities in green technology innovation, the provision of tailored green logistics solutions, and brand influence. Companies equipped with cutting‑edge green technologies and robust management expertise will gain a competitive edge, while those lagging in technological advancement or lacking strong environmental awareness risk being marginalized or even phased out.
Corporate consolidation is accelerating: To cope with intense market competition and enhance economies of scale and competitiveness, mergers and acquisitions among green logistics enterprises will gain momentum. Large logistics firms will expand their operations through M&A, restructuring, and other means, integrating resources to increase their market share; meanwhile, smaller green logistics companies may form alliances or partnerships to share resources and leverage complementary strengths, jointly addressing market challenges. At the same time, cross-industry integration will continue to emerge—for example, deep collaborations between logistics providers and e‑commerce or manufacturing firms—giving rise to new green logistics business models and industry formats, thereby driving innovation and growth in the green logistics sector. (4) The internationalization of green logistics is speeding up: Participating in the development of international standards: As China’s green logistics sector rapidly advances, its global influence in this field will steadily grow. Chinese enterprises and industry associations will become more actively involved in shaping international green logistics standards, incorporating China’s cutting-edge technologies and practical experience in areas such as green warehousing, green transportation, and green packaging into these global frameworks. This will strengthen China’s voice and competitiveness within the international green logistics community. Simultaneously, by engaging in international standard-setting, China can better align its green logistics practices with global norms, further promoting the internationalization of the sector. Expanding international market cooperation: In… “One Belt, One Road”   Driven by this initiative, China’s green logistics enterprises will accelerate their expansion into international markets and strengthen logistics cooperation with countries and regions along the Belt and Road. By establishing overseas warehouses, providing international logistics and delivery services, and participating in global logistics projects, they will offer efficient, environmentally friendly logistics solutions to support Chinese companies’ overseas investments and trade. At the same time, these enterprises will engage in technological exchanges and collaborations with leading international logistics firms, drawing on cutting-edge green logistics technologies and management practices to enhance their global footprint and competitiveness.

05  Conclusion

2025  In recent years, China’s green logistics has achieved remarkable progress in market size, policy support, and technological innovation. The China Warehousing and Distribution Association has also delivered outstanding results in the field of green warehousing and distribution, playing a pivotal role in advancing the sector. Nevertheless, the development of green logistics continues to face several challenges, including the high costs of green technologies, the need to further enhance environmental awareness among some enterprises, and the ongoing requirement to strengthen green logistics infrastructure. Looking ahead, as green technology innovation deepens, the green logistics value chain evolves through greater synergy, market competition and consolidation intensify, and internationalization accelerates, China’s green logistics is poised to unlock even broader prospects for growth. Governments, businesses, industry associations, and other stakeholders should continue to strengthen collaboration, pool their efforts, and increase support and investment in green logistics, driving it toward higher standards and greater sustainability, thereby making a more substantial contribution to China’s green economic and social transformation and high-quality development.