由 caicai8478 With the global focus on sustainable development, the EU’s environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and carbon emissions and packaging waste in the logistics industry have become key regulatory targets. For companies engaged in China-Europe trade, how to achieve green logistics and meet compliance requirements has become a key challenge in supply chain management. This article will analyze the EU’s environmental protection policies and provide feasible green logistics solutions to help companies reduce their carbon footprint and avoid fines or customs clearance delays.
- The core requirements of the EU’s environmental protection policies for China-Europe logistics
(1) Carbon tariffs (CBAM) and carbon emissions trading system (EU ETS)
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism): Fully implemented in 2026, additional tariffs will be imposed on imported high-carbon products (such as steel, aluminum, and cement).
EU ETS (inclusion of the shipping industry in carbon emissions trading): Starting in 2024, shipping companies will have to pay for carbon emissions, which may lead to higher freight rates.
Corporate response strategies:
Choose low-carbon transportation methods (such as rail, carbon-neutral shipping).
Require freight forwarders to provide carbon emissions data to optimize the supply chain.
(2) Packaging and Waste Regulations
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations): New regulations in 2024 require that all packaging entering the EU must be recyclable, reusable or degradable.
Single-Use Plastic Ban (SUP): Bans the use of certain plastic packaging (such as foam fillings, plastic bags).
Corporate Response Strategies:
Use environmentally friendly packaging materials (such as paper fillings, degradable plastics).
Simplify packaging design and reduce material usage.
(3) Green Logistics Certification Requirements
ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System): Some European buyers require suppliers to be certified.
Smart Freight Centre: Encourages companies to join the Green Logistics Alliance and commit to emission reduction targets. 2. China-Europe Green Logistics Solution
(1) Low-carbon transport mode selection
Transportation mode Carbon emissions (CO₂/ton·km) Applicable scenarios
Sea freight (ordinary container) 0.01-0.03 kg Bulk cargo, low timeliness requirements
Sea freight (carbon neutral route) 0 kg (through carbon offset) Brand environmental image requirements
China-Europe Railway Express (railway) 0.02-0.05 kg Balance timeliness and cost
Air freight 0.5-1.3 kg Urgent high-value cargo
Recommendations:
Give priority to China-Europe Railway Express (lower carbon than air freight, faster than sea freight).
Cooperate with shipping companies that provide carbon neutral sea freight (such as Maersk ECO Delivery).
(2) Green packaging optimization
Material substitution:
Replace foam plastic with honeycomb cardboard.
Use biodegradable tape and ink.
Design optimization:
Reduce excessive packaging (such as removing excess paper boxes for electronic products).
Standardize packaging size and increase container loading rate.
(3) Digitalization and smart logistics Transport management system (TMS): Optimize routes, reduce empty trips and carbon emissions. Blockchain traceability: Ensure compliance with environmentally friendly materials (such as FSC-certified wood packaging). (4) Carbon offset and green certification Purchase carbon credits: Offset transportation emissions through platforms (such as Gold Standard). Obtain certifications: such as Cradle to Cradle (C2C) or EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) to enhance product competitiveness. 3. Corporate action guide: How to implement green logistics? (1) Short-term measures (0-6 months) Screen environmentally friendly packaging suppliers that meet EU standards. Negotiate low-carbon transportation solutions with freight forwarders (such as rail + sea transport combinations). Train the team to master EU environmental regulations (such as PPWR, CBAM). (2) Medium- and long-term strategies (more than 6 months) Invest in digital logistics systems (such as TMS + IoT to monitor carbon emissions). Join green supply chain initiatives (such as EV100, Science Based Targets). Deploy green warehousing in Europe (solar-powered, electric forklifts).
- Case Studies
Case 1: A Chinese electric vehicle brand reduced carbon emissions by 30% through the China-Europe Railway Express and paper packaging, complying with German packaging law.
Case 2: A cross-border e-commerce seller adopted Maersk’s ECO Delivery shipping service and earned the “Carbon Neutral” label from European customers.
- Conclusion
The EU’s environmental policies present both challenges and opportunities for brand upgrading. By implementing green logistics practices, companies can not only mitigate compliance risks but also enhance their competitiveness in the European market.
Next Steps:
Assess the carbon emissions of your current supply chain (use tools such as EcoTransIT World).
Specify environmental clauses in agreements with freight forwarders (e.g., provide carbon footprint reports).
Gradually replace packaging materials to meet PPWR requirements by 2024.
For a customized solution, please provide your product types and shipping volumes for further analysis and optimization opportunities.