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China Mandates Recyclable Packaging
26 Feb
Summary
- China's new framework mandates recyclable packaging and waste reduction.
- Stricter controls target retail, e-commerce, and food delivery sectors.
- Expanded producer responsibility requires manufacturers to fund recycling.
China has enacted a new solid waste management framework mandating recyclable packaging and aiming to significantly reduce packaging waste.
This policy, detailed in a national action plan from January 2026, strengthens requirements for packaging design, recycling systems, and producer responsibility.
Stricter controls will be enforced on excessive packaging and the prioritization of recyclable materials, with close supervision for the retail, e-commerce, and food delivery industries. Businesses must ensure their packaging is compatible with municipal waste sorting and recycling infrastructure.
Under expanded producer responsibility (EPR) rules, manufacturers and brand owners must contribute to collection, recycling, and recovery systems. They are required to increase the use of recyclable and recycled content in packaging and improve reporting transparency.
This framework supports China's broader circular economy targets for 2030, encouraging innovation in reusable packaging and developing markets for secondary materials. Compliance with these new regulations will be crucial for international packaging suppliers seeking access to the Chinese market.
