Identifying Key Barriers to Green Transition Development in China’s Express Industry Based on the Fuzzy DEMATEL Method

Xuan Xu, Yifan Huang, Bo Hu, Chentao Li and Kenan Gong ()
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Xuan Xu: National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China
Yifan Huang: National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China
Bo Hu: National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China
Chentao Li: School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 100096, China
Kenan Gong: National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-26

Abstract: The “green transformation of the express” delivery industry in this study primarily refers to the adoption of green energy and environmentally friendly technologies in express delivery packaging, transportation, and recycling systems. This transformation can significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions in the express system, promoting the sustainable development of the entire industry. However, the progress of green transformation in China’s express delivery industry has been impeded by various barriers. To address this, we propose a barrier analysis framework based on the Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology to explore key obstacles to green transformation in the express industry. Our research aims to answer three main questions: (1) What are the key barriers to green transformation in China’s express delivery industry? (2) How do these barriers interact and influence each other? (3) What strategic measures can be implemented to overcome these barriers? We first compile a list of barriers, innovatively proposing two new ones: “inadequate green standards in the express industry” and “suboptimal green packaging technology”. Considering the ambiguity in expert input and the complex interactions among barriers, we employ fuzzy DEMATEL within an Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Sets (IT2FSs) environment to investigate the significance and causality of these barriers. This approach distinguishes our study from previous research by providing a more nuanced understanding of barrier interactions in the specific context of China’s express delivery industry. Based on our analysis, we identify eight critical barriers and propose corresponding strategic measures.

Keywords: green transition development; China’s express industry; barriers analysis; fuzzy DEMATEL; interval type-2 fuzzy sets (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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