China has introduced mandatory measures to improve recyclable packaging and reduce packaging waste under its updated solid waste management framework.

The policy forms part of the national action plan issued by the State Council of the People's Republic of China and published by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China in January 2026.

The framework strengthens requirements on packaging design, recycling systems and producer responsibility. It supports China’s wider circular economy and waste reduction targets through to 2030.

Stricter packaging waste controls

The new waste framework requires companies to reduce excessive packaging and prioritise recyclable materials. Retail, e-commerce and food delivery sectors face closer supervision due to their high packaging volumes.

Authorities will tighten enforcement of packaging standards, including material use, labelling and compatibility with municipal waste sorting systems. Businesses must ensure packaging can be effectively collected and processed within local recycling infrastructure.

The policy also calls for stronger monitoring of packaging production and disposal. Local governments are expected to prevent illegal dumping and improve traceability across supply chains.

Expanded producer responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules will apply more consistently to packaging-intensive sectors. Manufacturers and brand owners are required to support collection, recycling and recovery systems for their products.

Companies must increase the proportion of recyclable and recycled content in packaging. They are also expected to improve reporting and compliance transparency through digital tracking tools.

The framework aligns packaging regulation with existing solid waste and environmental compliance systems, reinforcing accountability across the value chain.

Circular economy targets for 2030

The policy positions recyclable packaging as a key element of China’s circular economy strategy. It encourages innovation in reusable packaging models and the development of secondary materials markets.

Standards for recycled materials will be further refined to increase industrial confidence and market uptake. Investment in waste sorting and recycling infrastructure will support higher recovery rates.

For international packaging manufacturers and suppliers, the framework signals a more regulated operating environment. Compliance with China’s solid waste management rules will become central to market access and long-term growth in the world’s largest consumer goods market.