Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, packaging across China's food, beverages, beauty and personal care, home care, and pet food industries was shaped by the convergence of tightening sustainability regulations, demographic pressure and the relentless expansion of e-commerce. Demographic change is now a defining structural force: a shrinking population and a falling birth rate weighed on several of the country's largest packaging categories, with dairy contracting 5% to 104.3 billion units and baby food easing 2% to 2.8 billion units. At the same time, continued urbanisation, smaller households and on-the-go consumption rewarded convenient, single-serve and delivery-optimised formats, sustaining growth in beverages, beauty, home care, and pet food even as traditional staples softened.
2025 key trends
The dominant theme across China's packaging industries in 2025 was the convergence of sustainability regulation, premiumisation and convenience, set against a backdrop of demographic decline that is reshaping demand for the country's largest categories. Brands re-engineered packaging to cut material use, eliminate non-recyclable components and adopt mono-material, fibre-based and recycled-content alternatives, while calibrating pack sizes and formats to smaller households, e-commerce delivery and on-the-go lifestyles. The result was a market simultaneously pursuing circularity, lightweighting and value, in which the largest gains accrued to brands that paired credible recyclability with genuine convenience.
Demographic decline and sustainability rules reshape a vast food packaging market
China's food packaging in 2025 was marked by a clear divergence between contracting staples and growing convenience categories. Dairy, by far the largest food packaging category, contracted 5% to 104.3 billion units as demand for drinking milk and yoghurt weakened; liquid cartons dominate dairy packaging volumes, keeping the nationwide single-use plastic straw ban firmly in focus. Yili, China's largest dairy producer, switched from polypropylene to degradable PLA straws on its Changqing drinking yoghurt range, replacing 93 tonnes of conventional plastic straws over the year, while Tetra Pak and the number-two producer, Mengniu, advanced recyclable, lower-carbon cartons.
PET dominance deepens in soft drinks as a recycled PET food-contact standard stays pending
Soft drinks packaging extended its steady growth in 2025, rising 3% to 198.3 billion units, supported by urbanisation, on-the-go consumption and the spread of ready-to-drink beverages. Rigid plastic, overwhelmingly PET bottles, remained the dominant format and an intense bottled water price war, with leading purified-water lines retailing at around CNY1, further supported demand for low-cost, lightweight PET. Liquid cartons was the fastest-growing pack type, advancing on brick carton demand in juice and dairy-style drinks.
Aluminium cans drive alcoholic drinks packaging as glass eases
Alcoholic drinks packaging declined by 2% in 2025 to 56.1 billion units, with growth in aluminium beverage cans insufficient to offset a continued decline in glass. Glass remained the dominant pack type, reflecting the central role of glass bottles in baijiu, beer and wine. However, volumes fell as some demand migrated to cans and consumption softened. Metal was the growth driver as beer canning rates rose and ready-to-drink products expanded.
Refill, e-commerce and anti-overpackaging rules reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Beauty and personal care packaging rose 3% in 2025 to 21 billion units, supported by resilient demand for skin care, hair care and hygiene products, and the continued expansion of e-commerce and livestream retail. Rigid plastic remained the largest pack type, led by squeezable plastic tubes and HDPE bottles. Metal was the fastest-growing pack type group, as collapsible metal tubes and aerosol cans rose.
Recyclable design and green rules reshape a maturing home care market
Home care packaging rose 2% in 2025 to 12.4 billion units, a modest gain in a vast but maturing market shaped by a shrinking population and cautious consumer spending. Flexible packaging and rigid plastic remained the two largest pack types. The HDPE bottles format is used extensively across laundry, dishwashing and surface care. Glass was the fastest-growing group, boosted by premium surface care. Sustainability defined the year. Laundry leader, Liby, working with Dow, introduced what it describes as China's first fully recyclable laundry packaging using mono-material polyethylene film, and integrated 10% post-consumer recycled resin into its new Floral Era detergent series. Meanwhile, stand-up refill pouches grew significantly. This shift was reinforced by China's tightening green packaging rules under its dual-carbon goals and strengthened Extended Producer Responsibility under the solid-waste framework. With a shrinking population and lightweighting tempering demand, total volumes are forecast to decline at a CAGR of 0.3% to 12.2 billion units by 2030.
Premiumisation and recyclable formats drive dog and cat food packaging
Dog and cat food packaging grew 3% in 2025 to 2.8 billion units, boosted by higher consumer spending, rising pet ownership among younger urban and single-person households, and rapid e-commerce expansion across platforms such as Tmall, JD.com and Douyin. Premiumisation drove demand for wet food, treats and functional products in mixed or single-serve formats, with owners trading up from large dry food bags to more convenient premium options. Brick liquid cartons was the most dynamic format, surging in wet dog food on its aseptic, shelf stable protection — a shift exemplified by Tetra Pak's partnership with Nature Bridge Vet to package specialised veterinary wet pet food.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of packaging types.
If you're in the Packaging industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Packaging in China report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Packaging in China?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in China?
- Have there been any packaging legislative changes in the past 12 months?
- How are consumption trends impacting the packaging landscape?
- What are the key trends and latest product developments in packaging?
- How important are sustainability and recycling to consumers in China?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in China
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Demographic decline and sustainability rules reshape a vast food packaging market
PET dominance deepens in soft drinks as a recycled PET food-contact standard stays pending
Aluminium cans drive alcoholic drinks packaging as glass eases
Refill, e-commerce and anti-overpackaging rules reshape beauty and personal care packaging
Recyclable design and green rules reshape a maturing home care market
Premiumisation and recyclable formats drive dog and cat food packaging
Anti-excessive-packaging rules drive leaner designs across food and cosmetics
A pending recycled PET food-contact standard and the plastic pollution framework define the beverage horizon
Green delivery rules, dual-carbon goals and producer responsibility tighten the framework
Leading brands turn recyclable and recycled-content packaging into a point of differentiation
Mono-material and fibre-based formats advance as circular solutions
Recovery infrastructure and smart packaging underpin circular ambitions
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Packaging
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- Baby and Child-specific Products Packaging
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- Bar Soap
- Bath Additives
- Body Powder
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Hand Sanitisers
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- Intimate Washes
- Intimate Wipes
- Liquid Soap
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- Eye Liner/Pencil
- Eye Shadow
- Mascara
- Other Lash and Brow Make-Up
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- BB/CC Creams
- Blusher/Bronzer/Highlighter
- Foundation/Concealer
- Powder
- Other Facial Make-Up
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- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner/Pencil
- Lipstick
- Other Lip Products
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- Nail Polish
- Nail Treatments/Strengthener
- Polish Remover
- Other Nail Products
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- Deodorant Creams
- Deodorant Pumps
- Deodorant Roll-Ons
- Deodorant Sprays
- Deodorant Sticks
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- Hair Removers/Bleaches
- Women's Pre-Shave
- Women's Razors and Blades
- Fragrances Packaging
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- 2-in-1 Products
- Colourants
- Conditioners and Treatments
- Perms and Relaxants
- Salon Professional Hair Care
- Standard Shampoos
- Styling Agents
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- Men's Post-Shave
- Men's Pre-Shave
- Men's Razors and Blades
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- Men's Bath and Shower
- Men's Deodorants
- Men's Hair Care
- Men's Skin Care
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- Dental Floss
- Denture Care
- Mouth Fresheners
- Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses
- Tooth Whiteners
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
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- Body Care
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- Face Masks
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- Liquid/Cream/Gel/Bar Cleansers
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
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- Basic Moisturisers
- Anti-Agers
- Lip Care
- Toners
- Hand Care
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- Adult Sun Care
- Baby and Child-specific Sun Care
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- Dark Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Lager
- Imported Lager
- Non/Low Alcohol Beer
- Stout
- Cider/Perry
- RTDs
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- Brandy and Cognac
- Liqueurs
- Rum
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
- Whiskies
- White Spirits
- Other Spirits
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- Fortified Wine and Vermouth
- Non-Grape Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Light Grape Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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- Fresh Coffee Beans
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- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
- Instant Coffee
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- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
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- Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
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- Asian Speciality Drinks
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- Carbonated Bottled Water
- Flavoured Bottled Water
- Functional Bottled Water
- Still Bottled Water
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- Cola Carbonates
- Non-Cola Carbonates
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- Liquid Concentrates
- Powder Concentrates
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- 100% Juice
- Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
- Nectars
- Coconut and Other Plant Waters
- Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks
- RTD Coffee
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- Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
- Still RTD Tea
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- Cat Treats and Mixers
- Dry Cat Food
- Wet Cat Food
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- Dog Treats and Mixers
- Dry Dog Food
- Wet Dog Food
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- Dried Baby Food
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- Liquid Milk Formula
- Powder Milk Formula
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
- Packaged Bread
- Packaged Cakes
- Packaged Pastries
- Dessert Pies and Tarts
- Breakfast Cereals Packaging
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
- Gum
- Sugar Confectionery
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- Butter and Spreads
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- Processed Cheese
- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Flavoured Milk Drinks
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- Fresh Milk
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
- Yoghurt
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- Chilled and Shelf Stable Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Condensed Milk
- Cream
- Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
- Edible Oils Packaging
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- Frozen Yoghurt
- Impulse Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Take-Home Ice Cream
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Chilled Processed Meat
- Frozen Processed Meat
- Shelf Stable Meat
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- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Meat and Seafood Substitutes inc Tofu
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- Dried Ready Meals
- Shelf Stable Ready Meals
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Frozen Ready Meals
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- Chilled Pizza
- Frozen Pizza
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- Meal Kits
- Quick Recipe Kits
- Chilled Lunch Kits
- Prepared Salads
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- Dry Soup
- Shelf Stable Soup
- Chilled Soup
- Frozen Soup
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- Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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- Bouillon
- Gravy Cubes, Powders and Pots
- Herbs and Spices
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Tomato Pastes and Purées
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- Liquid Recipe Sauces (excl pasta sauces)
- Dry Recipe Sauces
- Pasta Sauces
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- Barbecue Sauces
- Chili Sauces
- Fish Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Oyster Sauces
- Salad Dressings
- Soy Sauces
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- Dips
- Pickled Products
- Other Sauces and Condiments
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Salty Snacks
- Savoury Biscuits
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Chocolate Spreads
- Honey
- Jams and Preserves
- Nut and Seed Based Spreads
- Yeast-based Spreads
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- Fruit Snacks
- Snack Bars
- Sweet Biscuits
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- Candle Air Fresheners
- Car Air Fresheners
- Electric Air Fresheners
- Gel Air Fresheners
- Liquid Air Fresheners
- Spray/Aerosol Air Fresheners
- Other Air Care
- Bleach
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- Automatic Dishwashing Liquids
- Automatic Dishwashing Powders
- Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
- Dishwashing Additives
- Hand Dishwashing
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- Electric Insecticides
- Insecticide Baits
- Insecticide Coils
- Spray/Aerosol Insecticides
- Other Home Insecticides
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- Carpet Cleaners
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- Dryer Sheets
- Liquid Fabric Softeners
- Laundry Aids
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- Powder Detergents
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- Compact Powder Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Detergents
- Other Detergents
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- Floor Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Metal Polish
- Shoe Polish
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- Cleaning Solution
- Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks (Excluding Wipes)
- Wipes (Excluding Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks)
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Descalers
- Drain Openers
- Floor Cleaners
- Home Care Disinfectants
- Kitchen Cleaners
- Multi-Purpose Cleaners
- Oven Cleaners
- Scouring Agents
- Window/Glass Cleaners
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- In-Cistern Devices
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- Rim Blocks
- Rim Liquids
- Toilet Care Tablets/Powders
- Toilet Cleaning Systems
- Toilet Liquids/Foam
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This report originates from Passport, our Packaging research and analysis database.
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