JD to collect clothing from customers in Green Planet plan

Online retail platform JD has launched a new clothing drive collecting both used and unused clothing from customers to be sent to recycling facilities or distributed to those in need.

The recycling program takes advantage of JD’s nationwide in-house logistics network, which covers 99 per cent of China’s population and is part of a strategic partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and The China Children and Teenagers’ Fund (CCTF) to mark the second annual Green Planet-Sustainable Week.

Proceeds from the clothing drive will be donated to lower-income families, people with disabilities and charity groups.

Last year, a similar drive led to the collection of nearly 400,000 items, or 20 tons, of clothing, from 150 million people in four cities. This year’s program is expanding to cover 47 cities.

Customers will also be able to trade in major appliances for recycling by third-party companies through JD’s platform. The appliances will be disassembled, after which parts will be used for repairs.

JD fix

The Green Planet program, designed to raise awareness about sustainable consumption in the world’s most populous nation, will promote the use of reusable shopping bags created from the fabric of discarded apparel.

The bags, which are also regularly used in JD operations, are being distributed free during the event (which launched this week) and include RFID chips that can be scanned as coupons in offline stores through JD’s partners.

Zhonghao Jin, head of market practice at WWF China, said the spectacular rise of Chinese consumption has been a major force behind the country’s incredible economic story – but it has also contributed to unprecedented environmental challenges.

“By actively encouraging its more than 300 million customers to recycle and reduce waste, JD is admirably leading the transition towards a sustainable future for China and the world… I believe this week’s activities will help raise consumer awareness and accelerate the mainstreaming of sustainable consumption.”

Libo Ma, head of the CSR department at JD, added: “As the largest retailer both online and offline in China, JD holds a special responsibility to use our influence and infrastructure to mitigate the environmental impact of consumption.”

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.