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JD.com Partners with Leading Home Brands to Launch Green Trade-in Alliance

by Vivian Yang

At JD.com, we are committed to driving sustainable initiatives that positively impact the environment and promote responsible consumption. On July 11th,  we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with more than 20 esteemed home brands, including Haier, Gree, TCL, Changhong, Midea, Hisense, Arrow, and Philips, as we introduce the Green Trade-In Alliance. Together, we are launching the “Cooling Festival” campaign this summer, dedicated to accelerating the promotion and adoption of trade-in programs. Our goal is to inspire consumers to embrace a green lifestyle while practicing moderation in their consumption habits.

As early as 2016, JD.com pioneered the “trade-in” service for home appliances. Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to cover more than 100 subcategories, encompassing a wide range of small and large appliances. JD Retail’s home appliance division has consistently enhanced the trade-in experience, establishing a mature and comprehensive system that attracts more consumers to participate in the program while ensuring the proper treatment of discarded household appliances. Currently, our trade-in service covers over 95% of cities and towns nationwide, making it easily accessible for customers across the country.

To provide a transparent pricing system and a convenient trade-in experience for larger home appliances, JD has introduced six guarantees. Regardless of where consumers originally purchased their appliances, or their brand, age, or condition, consumers can trade them in on JD.com. We also adhere to the “Three Free Services” policy, which includes complimentary home delivery, appliance dismantling, and moving services. These guarantees ensure that our customers have a seamless and satisfying trade-in experience.

To facilitate the exchange of larger home appliances and goods, such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, mattresses, and toilets, JD.com offers a comprehensive service package that includes delivery, installation, removal, and cleaning, reducing the number of home visits from multiple to just 1 to 2 times. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience for consumers, making the transition to new appliances effortless.

As an added incentive, JD.com offers generous discounts of up to 10% on new products to customers participating in the trade-in program. This enticing offer contributed to the success of JD’s home appliance division during this year’s 618 Grand Promotion, witnessing an impressive 150% increase in trade-in transactions compared to the previous year.

The Green Trade-In Alliance provides a valuable opportunity for JD.com and our industry partners to enhance the entire trade-in process. This includes evaluating initial prices for old appliances, streamlining the collection and delivery of new products, and ensuring the proper disposal of used appliances. Through this collaboration, we aim to establish a complete and sustainable industry chain that benefits consumers, producers, recyclers, and the environment as a whole.

According to data provided by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the country currently boasts over 2.1 billion household appliances, with approximately 100 to 120 million being discarded each year. However, the formal recycling rate remains disappointingly low, standing at just 30%. Moreover, outdated appliances pose risks to consumer safety and property due to their unreliable performance. It has become imperative for the industry to prioritize responsible disposal and utilization of discarded appliances. Our commitment to this cause is crucial as we work towards a green and low-carbon future, with the emerging “internet+recycling” model serving as a promising solution.

Through the Green Trade-In Alliance, JD.com is fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and encouraging consumers to make conscious choices that benefit both themselves and the planet. Together with our industry partners, we are determined to create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Rising Demand for Functional Pet Food in China: Insights from JD Pet and Solid Gold Forum

by Vivian Yang

The pet industry in China is undergoing a significant shift as pet owners increasingly seek out functional pet food options. Recently, at the second Pet Nutrition and Health Technology Innovation Forum hosted by JD Pet and Solid Gold Pet in Beijing on July 6th, it was revealed that the search volume for functional pet food keywords on JD.com has skyrocketed. The search volume for functional pet food keywords surged 80 times compared to last year, indicating the rising popularity of pet food with specific functions among Chinese pet owners, including weight management, gut health, and improved coat quality.

Sales Growth of Functional Pet Food on JD Pet

JD Pet’s sales data for the first half of this year indicate significant growth in immune-boosting kitten food, with sales increasing by 297% compared to last year. Probiotic cat food also saw a 200% increase in internal searches on the platform.

Science-based Nutrition Guidelines

During the forum, experts from the Animal Nutrition Branch of the China Animal Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Association emphasized the crucial role of the immune system in overall pet health. They also highlighted the limited knowledge and misconceptions many pet owners have regarding pet food, which can lead to weakened immune systems and health issues for their beloved pets. In response to this challenge, Solid Gold has partnered with JD Pet to release the “Expert Guidelines on Immune Nutrition for Dogs and Cats.” This collaborative effort aims to bridge the information gap and provide professional, science-backed advice on enhancing pet immune health for Chinese consumers.

Success of New Product Launches

Solid Gold and JD Pet jointly launched a new pet food product this year, featuring fresh salmon ingredients and omega for improved fur health. Within just four months, it became one of the top 20 bestselling cat food options on JD.com. Additionally, a nutrient-boost meal topper achieved over 300% growth in transaction volume from March to June.

Enhancing Resources, Users, and Operations

JD Pet announced three integrated strategies during the forum to support brands and merchants in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and driving growth. Initiatives such as flash sales, live-streaming events, and curated collections are being implemented to provide an engaging shopping experience for pet owners. JD Pet also leverages its pet users’ membership system to offer personalized shopping experiences and enhance brand-customer engagement.

JD Pet’s Vision to Omni-channel

Lu Liu, the head of JD Pet, emphasized the company’s commitment to leading industry trends and promoting high-quality growth. JD Pet has implemented plans to introduce trendy products, support trending brands, and expand into popular channels. By providing comprehensive online and offline channel solutions, JD Pet aims to help pet brands thrive in the dynamic Chinese market.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

JD Logistics to Develop Autonomous Driving Technology Ecosystem for Logistics Industry, Signs Partnership with AutoCore.ai

JD Logistics has announced a partnership with AutoCore.ai, a leading intelligent mobility software and automotive electrical and electronic architecture (EEA) solution provider. Together, the two companies will co-build end-to-end and multi-scenario autonomous driving systems specifically designed for the logistics industry. This partnership marks an important step for JD Logistics in creating a technology ecosystem that brings together automotive parts suppliers and autonomous driving partners.

As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, the world’s largest open-source community for autonomous driving, AutoCore.ai plays a key role in advancing the field. Through its collaboration with AutoCore.ai, JD Logistics will harness the global R&D prowess that AutoCore.ai brings to the table. This partnership allows JD Logistics to work closely with industry stakeholders, coordinating efforts to establish interconnection specifications and standards for data, algorithms, sensors, applications, computing platforms, tool chains, vehicle-cloud connection, value-added application management, deployment, and more. JD Logistics aims to provide scalable application standards that cater to various logistics scenarios.

“We are thrilled to join forces with JD Logistics, a visionary leader in autonomous driving. Their relentless pursuit of innovation is poised to revolutionize the logistics industry, bringing about significant positive change,” said Dr. Yang Zhang, Chairman of AutoCore.ai and Co-Founder of the Autoware Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are inviting more ecosystem partners to join us in the pursuit of large-scale deployment of autonomous driving solutions.”

JD Logistics has been at the forefront of researching autonomous last-mile delivery vehicles since 2016. The latest Generation Five Autonomous Delivery Vehicle, capable of carrying up to 200 kilograms and travelling up to 100 kilometers per charge, is a testament to this commitment. Supported by advanced R&D team and a rich trove of logistics data, JD Logistics has successfully developed world-leading autonomous driving algorithms specifically designed for low-speed logistics.

Earlier in March, JD Logistics’ self-developed algorithm “MVS-Fusion” accomplished a milestone achievement in the autonomous driving visual algorithms arena. Leveraging purely visual 3D object detection, it reached an exceptional mAP (mean average precision) of 55.54% without the need for future frame data, catapulting JD Logistics to the to the top of the internationally recognized nuScenes leaderboard.

At present, over 600 JD Logistics autonomous vehicles are in operation in 30 cities across China, serving a wide range of environments including compounds, shopping centers, and office buildings. These robots not only offer customers a plethora of flexible delivery options, but they also make it simpler for supermarkets to provide on-demand delivery services. Select vehicles come equipped with an advanced cold and heating storage system for food product offerings, thereby widening the spectrum of goods JD Logistics can deliver to customers’ doorstep. The fleet also includes indoor delivery robots, making their rounds in malls and office buildings in more than 10 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

 

(yuchuan.wang@jd.com)

JD.com Recognized in S&P Global’s Inaugural “Sustainability Yearbook” (China Edition)

by Vivian Yang

JD.com is proud to announce its inclusion in S&P Global’s “Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2023.” This recognition underscores JD.com’s unwavering commitment to corporate sustainability and positions the company as a leading force in empowering real economy enterprises through digital capabilities and industry expertise.

S&P Global released its inaugural Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) on June 28, 2023. Published since 2008, the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook aims to identify and recognize companies across various industries that demonstrate exceptional performance and have a competitive advantage in sustainable development. This is the first year S&P Global has published a China edition, enabling companies in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau to understand their sustainable development performance in relation to their regional peers.

The Sustainability Yearbook identifies the top 15% of companies across various industries based on S&P Global’s ESG scores and grants different forms of recognition. S&P Global evaluated nearly 1,600 Chinese companies in 60 industries from its 2022 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and ultimately selected 88 companies from 44 different industries for its Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2023.  Thousands of companies actively participate in the CSA, making S&P Global’s ESG scores insightful and comprehensive.

Guided by the value proposition of establishing a “Responsible Supply Chain,” JD.com consistently strives to elevate its environmental, social, and governance practices. In alignment with its long-term goals,  JD released its “35711 Vision” on June 18, 2023, pledging to create vast social value over the next 20 years. It also outlines ambitious goals to fulfill its social responsibility, including investing more than RMB 3 trillion yuan in salaries and benefits for frontline employees, empowering over 100 million farmers through the “March to Rich” initiative for rural revitalization, collaborating with 60 million small and micro-enterprises for digital transformation, establishing supply chain infrastructure services in markets accounting for 80% of the world’s economy, and achieving comprehensive carbon neutrality.

JD.com’s inclusion in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2023 is a testament to the company’s exceptional performance in corporate sustainability. With its continued commitment to responsible practices and ambitious long-term vision, JD.com remains at the forefront of sustainable development, driving positive change in the real economy and making a significant impact on society. To learn more about JD.com’s sustainability efforts, we invite you to read the key takeaways from JD.com’s 2022 ESG Report.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Posted in ESG

Fender Launched Online Musical Instruments Flagship Store on JD.com

by Vivian Yang

JD.com welcomed Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, to launch its online flagship store on July 3, 2023. This collaboration marks Fender’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese market and meeting the needs of musicians across the country.

“We’ve experienced tremendous double-digit growth from our inaugural debut in the China online retail market, so it is only natural for us to expand our journey with the industry leader like JD.com to further strengthen our direct relationship with Fender players in China.” said Edward “Bud” Cole, President of Fender Asia.

China has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for Fender globally, second only to Japan.  The company aims to cater to the diverse community of musicians in China and provide them with access to Fender’s wide range of high-quality musical instruments and accessories through its partnership with JD.com.

Fender’s online flagship store on JD.com offers a full range of Fender® and Squier® products, including electric guitars and basses, acoustic guitars, amplifiers, and pedals. Customers will also be able to acquire the latest in the brands coveted Artist Signature series and limited-edition models. To celebrate the launch of the store, Fender is offering a variety of promotions including, free delivery, interest-free installments, coupons, and free gifts with purchase.

During this year’s JD618 Grand Promotion in June, the transaction volume of more than 300 musical instrument sellers on JD’s marketplace increased 50 percent YoY. Sales of keyboard instruments priced above 3,000 yuan increased by more than 1.5 times YoY, while the demand for beginner guitars increased, resulting in 2.5 times increase in related product sales. Transaction volume of musical instruments, audio equipment, accessories, and computer music categories increased by more than 1.8 times YoY. Roland, Yamaha, and Kawai ranked as the top three in terms of sales volume.

With JD’s extensive logistics network and reliable customer service, music enthusiasts in China, whether professional musicians or aspiring beginners, can enjoy a seamless shopping experience and have their favorite instruments delivered to their doorsteps swiftly and safely.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Key Takeaways from JD.com’s 2022 ESG Report: Building a Sustainable Future Through Responsible Supply Chain Practices

by Vivian Yang

On June 20, 2023, JD.com released its 2022 ESG report, which underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to integrating responsible practices throughout its operations. The report highlights JD.com’s seamless integration of its business development philosophy with the concept of building a “Responsible Supply Chain.” This strategic approach drives continuous improvements in environmental, social, and governance practices, solidifying JD.com’s position as a forward-thinking real economy enterprise.

By successfully implementing this integrated approach, JD.com is better poised to navigate external uncertainties while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth. The company combines the foundational attributes of the real economy in its DNA with cutting-edge technologies and expertise, enabling it to serve as a catalyst for the digital transformation of tangible businesses. In doing so, JD.com fosters high-quality growth, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation and driving positive change in the industry.

The full report provides a deep dive into the company’s achievements. Notable data highlights include:

Green Warehouses: By the end of 2022, JD Property, a subsidiary of JD.com and the infrastructure asset management and integrated service platform within the group, equipped 23 intelligent industrial parks with distributed photovoltaic power generation systems. This generated 132.5 MW of capacity, resulting in 81,970 MWh of green energy usage.

Innovative Green Stream Boxes: JD Logistics has deployed 200,000 reusable Green Stream boxes across 30 cities, resulting in more than 20 million deployments to date.

Direct Shipping and Packaging Reduction: Through collaborations with thousands of merchants, JD pioneered direct shipping in original packaging,  leading to an anticipated reduction of 10 billion disposable packages, thereby conserving approximately 20 million trees.

Transition to New Energy Transportation: By the end of 2022, JD Logistics deployed 5,418 self-owned new energy vehicles across the country. The company aims to achieve 100% new energy logistics transportation by 2030.

Energy Management Solutions: JD Cloud has achieved a clean energy usage rate of over 35% in operating its data centers. Based on its sophisticated IoT operating system, JD Industrials, a subsidiary of JD.com and a leading industrial supply chain technology and service provider, has launched a comprehensive energy management solution that can monitor and track energy consumption, including carbon emissions, in real-time. Currently, this solution has served over 40,000 customers in 62 of JD’s Asia No.1 logistics parks.

Promoting Green Consumption: In 2022, JD Retail facilitated over 100,000 household appliance trade-ins, with user participation increasing by over 200% year-on-year, and order volume increased by 300%. JD Retail and Five Star Appliances, an offline home appliances company owned by JD.com, have recycled more than 5.94 million discarded electrical appliances.

Growing Workforce: The total number of employees in the JD system (including staff from non-listed affiliates) has exceeded 560,000, with 80% of front-line warehousing and delivery employees coming from rural areas.

Improved Employee Accommodation: JD.com launched the “JD Youth City” project in May 2022. It is expected to provide 4,000 fully furnished apartments for its employees to alleviate their housing burdens and enhance their work-life balance. Similar apartments are available in various workplaces and industrial parks across the country, totaling 25,000 units.

Expansive Supply Chain Services: JD provides supply chain services to over 8 million active enterprise customers, including more than 90% of Fortune Global 500 companies with operations in China, as well as nearly 70% of “specialized, innovative, and small-and-medium-sized enterprises” across the country.

Rural Revitalization: JD’s “March to Rich” initiative for rural revitalization has achieved deep cooperation with more than 2,000 industrial belts nationwide, set to surpass its target of driving over RMB 1 trillion in rural output value.

Customer Service Excellence: JD has built a robust 20,000-strong customer service team to respond to customer needs 24/7. JD has invested nearly RMB 80 billion over the past five years to provide over 200 unique of services for customers. Among them, more than 80 services, including “211 Express” same or next-day delivery service and “Door-to-Door Replacement,” are industry-first and unique.

Empowering Offline Stores: JD’s supply chain also supports 3.67 million brick-and-mortar stores, such as pharmacies, franchised stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and auto repair shops. JD Electronics’ flagship stores cover 60,000 villages nationwide through its 15,000 stores. Through JD’s omnichannel programs, including JD Show Now, JDDJ and more, 380,000 physical retail stores in 2,000 districts and counties across the country can provide customers with instant retail services.

ESG Committee: In early 2023, JD.com officially established a board-level ESG committee, overseeing key areas such as climate, environment, risk, health and safety, business ethics, product safety and services, and diversity and inclusivity. Women directors on JD’s board comprise nearly 43% of the total, exemplifying the company’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity. Notably, Sandy Xu, CEO of JD.com, made history as the industry’s first female CEO, setting a powerful precedent for women in leadership roles. Furthermore, JD.com proudly maintains a workforce where women make up 46% of employees, fostering an environment that values and promotes gender equality throughout the organization.

On June 18, 2023, JD released its “35711 Vision,” pledging to create vast social value over the next 20 years. It also outlines ambitious goals to fulfill its social responsibility including investing more than RMB 3 trillion yuan in salaries and benefits for frontline employees, helping over 100 million farmers increase their income through JD’s “March to Rich” initiative for rural revitalization, collaborating with 60 million small and micro-enterprises for digital transformation, establishing supply chain infrastructure services in markets accounting for 80% of the world’s economy, and achieving comprehensive carbon neutrality.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Posted in ESG

JD.com Named to TIME’s List of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies

JD.com is proud to announce its inclusion on TIME’s prestigious TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, which highlights 100 companies making an extraordinary impact around the world. This recognition showcases JD.com’s world-class supply chain and logistics capabilities as well as the company’s longstanding commitment to giving back to society.

JD.com’s logistics prowess and supply chain capabilities have long been instrumental during challenging times. During the peak of COVID-19 in Shanghai in the spring of 2022, JD.com demonstrated extraordinary efforts to deliver essential supplies to the city. TIME recognized JD.com’s work in Shanghai, writing that the company “built makeshift warehouses in the city and by June had delivered over 150,000 tons of vital items, including rice, medicine, infant formula, and diapers.”

As the company stands among these influential companies, it is inspired to remain at the forefront of innovation and deliver on the 35711 Vision, continuously pushing boundaries and shaping a future where technology-driven solutions redefine the way people shop, connect, and thrive.

To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations from every sector—ranging from health care and entertainment to transportation and technology—from its editors and correspondents around the world, as well as from industry experts. TIME editors then evaluated each one on key factors, including relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, and success. For the complete TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, please visit www.time.com/100companies.

 

(yuchuan.wang@jd.com)

Posted in ESG

Twenty Ambassadors to China Collaborate with JD.com for JD618 Grand Promotion, Showcasing Unique Products from their Respective Countries

by Vivian Yang

On June 16th, ambassadors from 11 different countries, including Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka visited JD.com’s headquarters to promote the imports of their respective countries’ specialty products during the peak of the 618 Grand Promotion.

Over 100 National Pavilions Showcasing 50 Countries

Currently, JD.com has established more than 100 online stores known as national pavilions for over 50 countries. Sales data shows that during this year’s 618 shopping festival, the total transaction value from these national pavilions increased over fourfold year-on-year. Exotic and novel specialties such as Sri Lankan Ceylon tea, Cypriot blue wine, and Kazakh camel milk are among the most popular items sold under the national pavilion project.

Yanzhong Yao, Senior Vice President of JD.com, expressed gratitude for the strong support received from authoritative institutions, including various embassies in China. Since JD.com launched its first national pavilion in 2014, the company has continuously expanded its offerings of high-quality international specialty products to meet the demands of the Chinese market. Currently, JD.com’s national pavilions offer over 5,100 specialty products annually and attract over 100 million active users. The national pavilions serve as a unique window into different countries’ cultures and as a bridge for communication between nations.

Prominent Endorsements and Praise

The success of JD.com’s national pavilions is evident in the endorsement from world leaders and diplomats. In May, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan personally witnessed the launch of JD.com’s Kazakhstan national pavilion in Xi’an, becoming the first head of state to do so. Minister Counsellor of the Kazakh Embassy to China, Shalkarbayev Askar, was amazed by the enthusiasm of Chinese consumers, as 80% of the products sold out within the first hour.

The Pakistani Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque, commended JD.com’s national pavilions for their positive role in promoting trade exchanges between China and Pakistan. He extended an invitation to JD’s team to further explore Pakistan’s finest products, including Basmati rice and premium mangoes, to delight Chinese consumers.

Tourist Products Now Available at JD’s Cyprus National Pavilion

For the first time, JD.com’s Cyprus National Pavilion now features tourist products, supported by the Cyprus embassy and tourism department. Visitors can directly book tourism routes, including airfare and hotels, within the pavilion, offering a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the island of Aphrodite. JD.com is actively preparing to launch cultural and tourism offerings from countries including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Latin America, further enriching the e-commerce platform’s role in promoting international communication.

Ambassadors Promoting Country Specialties

At JD.com’s June 16th national pavilion event, ambassadors and counsellors from numerous countries recommended their respective nations’ specialties and cultural products. H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China, became a spokesperson for the “Island of Gem,” recommending the country’s high-quality blue sapphire products while inviting Chinese consumers to explore the country’s rich specialties. Czech Republic’s Agricultural Counsellor, Ondrej Placek, recommended locally brewed beer, honey cake, and Bohemian crystal glass crafts. Kyrgyzstan’s Commercial Counsellor, Bekboev Daniiar, recommended a variety of pure, natural, and additive-free delicacies such as honey and dried fruits.

Indonesia’s Commercial Counsellor, Budi Hansyah, and South Africa’s Agricultural Counsellor, Molatelo, Enos Mamadi, expressed their appreciation for the value that JD.com’s national pavilions bring in enhancing their countries’ brand visibility in China. They eagerly anticipate strengthening cooperation with JD’s national pavilions to showcase a diverse range of national specialties and cultures.

 

Meeting the Demands of Modern Consumers with Diversified and High-Quality Offerings

As highlighted in JD.com’s 2023 Import Consumption Report, JD.com has emerged as the largest sales channel for many international brands and imported goods in China. The company continuously enhances the quality of products to meet the diversified and personalized consumption trends of its customers. By establishing innovative models like national pavilions and overseas direct procurement, JD.com has created a “fast lane” for high-quality products from all over the world to enter the Chinese market.

Confidence in the Chinese Market

Denmark’s Minister Counsellor, Mr. Morten Kruse, and New Zealand’s Commercial Counsellor, Mr. Chris Metcalfe, both expressed confidence in the enormous consumption potential of the Chinese market. They eagerly anticipate more small and medium-sized brands, as well as new brands from their countries, entering the segmented Chinese market.

JD.com’s total procurement of imported brand goods reached 500 billion yuan from 2019 to 2022, exceeding the target of 400 billion yuan set at the 2nd China International Import Expo in 2019. This year, JD.com introduced the groundbreaking “Morning Dawn Initiative” to foster an open ecosystem by minimizing entry barriers for merchants, including overseas brands. The initiative simplifies entry processes, enabling Chinese consumers to enjoy an extensive selection of imported goods, enriching their shopping experience with a wider range of options.

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)