China has unveiled a new national action plan to strengthen solid waste management, setting out reforms that will have direct implications for packaging waste systems, recycling infrastructure and the circular economy.
The policy framework, issued by the State Council and recently published by local authorities, establishes targets for waste reduction, resource efficiency and higher recycling rates through to 2030.
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For international packaging businesses, the plan signals tighter oversight of packaging waste, stronger resource recovery systems and growing expectations around recycled content and material efficiency in the world’s second-largest economy.
National targets reshape packaging waste management
The action plan sets quantitative goals for improving China’s overall solid waste management capacity. By 2030, the government aims to significantly increase the comprehensive utilisation of bulk industrial solid waste and expand the recycling volume of key renewable resources.
Although the policy covers all forms of solid waste, packaging materials such as plastics, paperboard and metals fall within its scope. The plan calls for stronger source reduction measures, improved sorting and collection systems, and more standardised treatment processes.
These elements are central to modernising packaging waste systems, particularly in urban areas where consumer packaging volumes continue to grow.
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By GlobalDataThe reforms are framed within China’s broader circular economy strategy, which prioritises resource efficiency and reduced landfill dependency.
Focus on recycling infrastructure and resource recovery
A core theme of the reform package is the expansion and upgrading of recycling infrastructure. Authorities are seeking to improve waste classification, collection networks and downstream processing capacity.
For the packaging sector, this means increased emphasis on recyclability, compatibility with local recycling systems and greater recovery of secondary raw materials.
The action plan highlights the need to strengthen market mechanisms that encourage resource recovery and the use of recycled materials in manufacturing. This could influence demand for recycled plastics, recycled paper and other post-consumer materials used in packaging production.
China has already introduced waste sorting requirements in major cities. The new measures build on those foundations by linking waste management targets more closely to industrial policy and environmental performance goals.
Compliance implications for global packaging companies
For international packaging producers, brand owners and converters operating in China, the reforms point to a more structured and performance-driven regulatory environment. Companies may face closer scrutiny over packaging design, material selection and waste handling practices.
The policy direction suggests stronger alignment between environmental targets and industrial standards. Businesses involved in packaging manufacturing, import or distribution in China will need to monitor evolving compliance requirements, including potential adjustments to recycling obligations or reporting frameworks.
China remains one of the largest packaging markets globally. As its waste governance framework becomes more comprehensive, developments in its packaging waste systems are likely to influence supply chains and sustainability strategies beyond its borders.
The latest action plan reinforces Beijing’s commitment to reducing solid waste growth and modernising recycling systems. For the global packaging industry, it marks another step towards tighter integration of environmental policy and packaging waste management in a key international market.
