Collaborative Recycling of Express Packaging Materials Based on the Evolutionary Multi-agent Game Theory

YAN Caozheng; WANG Wei; PENG Yue; YIN Lyujiang

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.05.030

PDF(1092 KB)

Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (5) : 288-302. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.05.030

Green Packaging and Circular Economy

Collaborative Recycling of Express Packaging Materials Based on the Evolutionary Multi-agent Game Theory

YAN Caozheng, WANG Wei, PENG Yue, YIN Lyujiang^*

Author information +

History +

Abstract

The work aims to address issues arising from the rapid growth of express packaging wastes under the dual carbon goals and circular economy framework, including low recycling efficiency, unclear primary responsibility, and absence of collaborative mechanisms. By introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), an evolutionary game model involving four stakeholders such as government, logistics enterprises, e-commerce platforms, and consumers was constructed. By utilizing methods such as payoff matrix construction, replicated dynamic equation derivation, and stability analysis, combined with numerical simulation validation, the strategic choices and evolutionary trajectories of each party were systematically explored. The system's optimal stable state was (1.1.1.1) the government implementing active regulation, logistics enterprises establishing recycling channels, e-commerce platforms assuming recycling responsibility, and consumers proactively participating in recycling. Each party's strategy was significantly influenced by parameters such as reward-punishment mechanisms, reputation conversion rates, and subsidy thresholds. Initial participation willingness only influenced the system's convergence speed without altering the final strategic direction. This study proposes that precise calibration of incentive and constraint parameters, coupled with enhanced multi-stakeholder coordination, should drive the efficient operation of express packaging recycling systems. This approach provides theoretical underpinnings and practical pathways for achieving green, low-carbon development.

Key words

express packaging recycling / evolutionary game theory / quadripartite coordination

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

YAN Caozheng, WANG Wei, PENG Yue, YIN Lyujiang. Collaborative Recycling of Express Packaging Materials Based on the Evolutionary Multi-agent Game Theory[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(5): 288-302 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.05.030

References

[1] 周松. 《循环经济促进法》实施成效和完善建议[J]. 环境保护与循环经济, 2021, 41(9): 5-11.
ZHOU S.Implementation Effect of Circular Economy Promotion Law and Suggestions for Improvement[J]. Environmental Protection and Circular Economy, 2021, 41(9): 5-11.
[2] 杜欢政, 郭鑫, 宋淑苇, 等. 循环包装推动第二次“物流革命”的进展与挑战[J]. 包装工程, 2025, 46(15): 14-23.
DU H Z, GUO X, SONG S W, et al.Progress and Challenges of Circular Packaging in Driving the Second “Logistics Revolution”[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2025, 46(15): 14-23.
[3] 宋海彬, 武富庆, 杨光. 快递包装要瘦身增绿可循环[J]. 生态经济, 2025, 41(7): 9-12.
SONG H B, WU F Q, YANG G.Express Packaging should Be Slim, Green and Recyclable[J]. Ecological Economy, 2025, 41(7): 9-12.
[4] 夏瑀晨. 基于大数据技术的快递包装回收系统设计[J]. 包装工程, 2025, 46(S1): 238-242.
XIA Y C.Design of Express Packaging Recycling System Based on Big Data Technology[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2025, 46(S1): 238-242.
[5] 唐岱, 郭昊, 刘颖, 等. 快递纸箱循环使用的经济效益评价[J]. 包装工程, 2025, 46(S1): 20-24.
TANG D, GUO H, LIU Y, et al.Economic Benefit Evaluation of Recycling Express Carton[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2025, 46(S1): 20-24.
[6] MENG T, WANG Y P, CHEN X, et al.The Environmental Burden of Online Shopping: Life Cycle Assessment of Ambient Temperature Express Delivery Packaging[J]. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2025, 27(5): 3862-3875.
[7] ZHOU K R, SONG Y Y, XIAN X H, et al.A Comprehensive Comparison of the Life-Cycle Environmental Impacts of Traditional and Returnable Express Delivery Packaging in China[J]. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2024, 434: 140017.
[8] PINOS J, HAHLADAKIS J N, CHEN H.Why Is the Generation of Packaging Waste from Express Deliveries a Major Problem[J]. Science of the Total Environment, 2022, 830: 154759.
[9] LIN G N, CHANG H M, LI X, et al.Integrated Environmental Impacts and C-Footprint Reduction Potential in Treatment and Recycling of Express Delivery Packaging Waste[J]. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2022, 179: 106078.
[10] 于含. 基于CiteSpace的国内快递包装研究热点及趋势分析[J]. 包装工程, 2024, 45(11): 250-260.
YU H.Analysis on Research Hotspots and Trend of Express Packaging Based on CiteSpace in China[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2024, 45(11): 250-260.
[11] SUI Y, SUN Q, ZHU X.Optimising Express Packaging Recycling: A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Modelling Government Strategies under Extended Producer Responsibility[J]. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 2024, 33: 103510.
[12] 王秀丽, 赵浩方, 荆波, 等. 基于绿色循环包装的政企社三方演化博弈研究[J]. 包装工程, 2025, 46(15): 24-36.
WANG X L, ZHAO H F, JING B, et al.An Evolutionary Game Analysis of Governments, Enterprises and Communities in the Context of Green Circular Packaging[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2025, 46(15): 24-36.
[13] SUN H, LIU B Y, JIANG P, et al.Evolutionary Game Analysis of Government Subsidies for Reusable Express Packaging Promotion[J]. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 2024, 13: 100176.
[14] SUI Y J, SUN Q, ZHU X P.Optimising Express Packaging Recycling: A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Modelling Government Strategies under Extended Producer Responsibility[J]. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 2024, 33: 103510.
[15] 陈焰, 张翱. 政府监管下快递包装回收物流的演化博弈分析[J]. 物流科技, 2025, 48(10): 30-34.
CHEN Y, ZHANG A.Evolutionary Game Analysis of Express Packaging Recycling Logistics under Government Supervision[J]. Logistics Sci-tech, 2025, 48(10): 30-34.
[16] 成灶平, 丛培栋, 马良. 政府不同奖惩措施下消费者参与快递包装回收行为演化研究[J]. 运筹与管理, 2024, 33(3): 218-225.
CHENG Z P, CONG P D, MA L.Research on the Evolution of Consumers Participation in Express Package Recycling under Different Government Rewards and Punishments[J]. Operations Research and Management Science, 2024, 33(3): 218-225.
[17] 贾亚娟, 姬悦心. 外卖包装废弃物协同回收治理的四方演化博弈[J]. 资源科学, 2025, 47(5): 1033-1049.
JIA Y J, JI Y X.Four-Party Evolutionary Game of Collaborative Recycling and Management of Takeaway Packaging Waste[J]. Resources Science, 2025, 47(5): 1033-1049.
[18] 韩普, 叶东宇, 顾亮. 奖惩机制下社区垃圾分类行为演化博弈研究[J]. 复杂系统与复杂性科学, 2024, 21(3): 120-127.
HAN P, YE D Y, GU L.Research on Evolutionary Game of Behaviors in Community Waste Classification under Reward and Punishment Mechanism[J]. Complex Systems and Complexity Science, 2024, 21(3): 120-127.
[19] HE L, SUN B Z.Exploring the EPR System for Power Battery Recycling from a Supply-Side Perspective: An Evolutionary Game Analysis[J]. Waste Management, 2022, 140: 204-212.
[20] MIAO S L, ZHANG Q, LIU C J, et al.Can the Deposit-Return Scheme Promote Recycling of Waste PV Modules in China Analysis of an Evolutionary Game[J]. Solar Energy, 2023, 265: 112136.
[21] 刘松崧, 陈智超, 吕畅. 邮快合作背景下农村电商物流体系发展的演化博弈分析[J]. 工业工程与管理, 2025, 30(5): 23-30.
LIU S S, CHEN Z C, LYU C.Evolutionary Game Analysis of the Development of the Rural E-Commerce Logistics System under the Background of Post-Express Cooperation[J]. Industrial Engineering and Management, 2025, 30(5): 23-30.
[22] 刘阳, 张桂涛, 王志远, 等. 废旧共享单车回收策略的四方演化博弈分析[J]. 中国人口·资源与环境, 2023, 33(8): 180-192.
LIU Y, ZHANG G T, WANG Z Y, et al.Four-Party Evolutionary Game Analysis of Recycling Strategies for Used Shared Bicycles[J]. China Population, Resources and Environment, 2023, 33(8): 180-192.
[23] WU X P, WANG Y W.Research on Evolutionary Game Theory of Green Packaging Selection for Platform Enterprises Considering Consumer Green Preferences[J]. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2025: 1-25.
[24] ZAN X, ZHANG D Y.Analysis on the Optimal Recycling Path of Chinese Lead-Acid Battery under the Extended Producer Responsibility System[J]. Sustainability, 2022, 14(9): 4950.
[25] HU H B, CHEN Q, LIU J J.Analysis of the Driving Factors of the Extended Producer Responsibility System in China’s Tire Industry[J]. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2022, 2022(1): 4327074.
[26] 何海龙, 李明琨. 有限管制下快递包装逆向物流三方博弈行为分析[J]. 工业工程与管理, 2021, 26(1): 157-164.
HE H L, LI M K.A Tripartite Game Analysis on Reverse Logistics of Express Packaging under Restricted Control Policies[J]. Industrial Engineering and Management, 2021, 26(1): 157-164.