GITNUXREPORT 2026

China Packaging Industry Statistics

China's packaging industry is robust and diversely growing, driven strongly by e-commerce and food sectors.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Plastic packaging consumption in China was 55 million tons in 2022, 43% of total.

Statistic 2

Paper packaging consumption volume reached 48 million tons in China 2023.

Statistic 3

Food and beverage sector consumed 60% of China's packaging output in 2022, or 76 million tons.

Statistic 4

E-commerce packaging demand surged to 25 million tons in China 2023.

Statistic 5

Pharmaceutical packaging consumption was 5.2 million tons in China 2022.

Statistic 6

Daily chemicals packaging demand hit 12 million tons in 2023 China.

Statistic 7

Electronics packaging consumption volume 8 million tons in China 2022.

Statistic 8

Per capita packaging consumption in China was 90 kg in 2023, up from 85 kg in 2022.

Statistic 9

Flexible packaging demand grew 7% to 30 million tons in China 2022.

Statistic 10

Rigid plastic packaging consumption 22 million tons in 2023 China.

Statistic 11

Metal packaging demand was 19 million tons for food in China 2022.

Statistic 12

Glass packaging consumption reached 13 million tons in beverages 2023.

Statistic 13

Sustainable packaging demand increased to 18 million tons in 2022 China.

Statistic 14

Corrugated packaging consumption 50 million tons for logistics in 2023.

Statistic 15

PET packaging demand 10 million tons for drinks in China 2022.

Statistic 16

Aluminum packaging consumption 2.5 million tons in pharma 2023.

Statistic 17

Blister pack demand 1.8 million tons in healthcare China 2022.

Statistic 18

China's packaging exports reached USD 35 billion in 2022, up 8.4% YoY.

Statistic 19

Packaging imports to China totaled USD 12 billion in 2023, mainly high-tech machinery.

Statistic 20

Plastic packaging exports from China hit 15 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 21

Paper packaging export value USD 10 billion to ASEAN in 2023.

Statistic 22

Top export destination for Chinese packaging: USA with USD 5.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 23

EU imports from China packaging USD 4.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 24

Machinery for packaging export from China USD 8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 25

Flexible packaging exports grew 12% to USD 6.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 26

Metal packaging exports 3 million tons to Middle East in 2022.

Statistic 27

Glass packaging import volume 1.5 million tons in 2023 China.

Statistic 28

Packaging materials import from Japan USD 2.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 29

Corrugated products export to Africa USD 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 30

PET preforms export 2 million tons from China 2022.

Statistic 31

Label printing exports USD 1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 32

Total packaging trade surplus for China USD 23 billion in 2022.

Statistic 33

Canned food packaging exports 500 billion units in 2023.

Statistic 34

Shrink sleeve labels export growth 15% in 2022 China.

Statistic 35

Biodegradable packaging exports USD 800 million in 2023.

Statistic 36

In 2022, China's packaging industry total output value exceeded 1.15 trillion RMB, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase driven by e-commerce and food sectors.

Statistic 37

The packaging market in China generated revenue of approximately USD 250 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2018-2023.

Statistic 38

China's flexible packaging segment revenue reached 320 billion RMB in 2022, accounting for 28% of total packaging revenue.

Statistic 39

In 2023, the rigid packaging market in China was valued at 410 billion RMB, growing at 4.8% YoY due to beverage demand.

Statistic 40

China's paper packaging revenue hit 280 billion RMB in 2022, with a 7.3% growth attributed to sustainable trends.

Statistic 41

Plastic packaging in China generated 450 billion RMB in revenue in 2023, comprising 39% of the total market share.

Statistic 42

The metal packaging segment in China reached 150 billion RMB revenue in 2022, up 3.5% from previous year.

Statistic 43

Glass packaging revenue in China was 85 billion RMB in 2023, with premium food and pharma driving growth.

Statistic 44

Overall packaging industry in China projected to reach 1.5 trillion RMB by 2027 at 5.5% CAGR.

Statistic 45

E-commerce packaging revenue in China surged to 120 billion RMB in 2022, 15% YoY growth.

Statistic 46

Food packaging market in China valued at 520 billion RMB in 2023, 45% of total packaging revenue.

Statistic 47

Beverage packaging revenue in China was 280 billion RMB in 2022, driven by PET bottles.

Statistic 48

Pharmaceutical packaging market in China reached 95 billion RMB in 2023, 8.2% growth.

Statistic 49

Consumer goods packaging revenue in China hit 210 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 50

Industrial packaging segment revenue in China was 110 billion RMB in 2023, up 4.1%.

Statistic 51

Luxury packaging market in China valued at 45 billion RMB in 2022, 12% CAGR.

Statistic 52

Sustainable packaging revenue share in China reached 15% of total or 180 billion RMB in 2023.

Statistic 53

Corrugated box packaging revenue in China was 220 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 54

Aseptic packaging market revenue in China hit 35 billion RMB in 2023.

Statistic 55

Blister packaging revenue for pharma in China was 28 billion RMB in 2022.

Statistic 56

In 2022, China's packaging industry produced 127 million tons of packaging materials, up 4.5% YoY.

Statistic 57

Plastic packaging production volume in China reached 52 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 58

Paper and cardboard packaging production was 45 million tons in China in 2022.

Statistic 59

Metal packaging production volume in China hit 18 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 60

Glass container production for packaging in China was 12 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 61

Flexible packaging film production in China reached 28 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 62

Corrugated board production volume was 58 million tons in China in 2022.

Statistic 63

PET resin for packaging production in China was 9.5 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 64

Aluminum foil for packaging production hit 1.2 million tons in China 2022.

Statistic 65

Carton box production volume in China reached 35 billion units in 2023.

Statistic 66

Plastic bottle production for beverages was 450 billion units in China 2022.

Statistic 67

Metal can production volume was 120 billion units in China in 2023.

Statistic 68

Glass bottle production reached 80 billion units for packaging in 2022 China.

Statistic 69

Pouch packaging production was 200 billion units in China 2023.

Statistic 70

Folding carton production volume hit 150 billion units in 2022 China.

Statistic 71

Label production for packaging was 500 billion units in China 2023.

Statistic 72

Shrink film production volume reached 15 million tons in China 2022.

Statistic 73

Injection molded packaging production was 30 million tons in 2023 China.

Statistic 74

Blow molded bottle production volume 25 million tons in China 2022.

Statistic 75

Composite material packaging production 8 million tons in China 2023.

Statistic 76

Packaging R&D investment in China reached 50 billion RMB in 2023.

Statistic 77

Adoption of smart packaging technologies grew 25% in China 2022.

Statistic 78

Biodegradable plastics production capacity 2 million tons in 2023 China.

Statistic 79

AI in packaging design used by 40% of top firms in China 2022.

Statistic 80

Recycling rate for packaging waste in China hit 35% in 2023.

Statistic 81

Nanotechnology applications in packaging increased 18% YoY in 2022.

Statistic 82

3D printing for custom packaging prototypes 500,000 units in 2023.

Statistic 83

Active packaging patents filed in China 12,000 in 2022.

Statistic 84

IoT sensors in logistics packaging deployed 1 billion units 2023.

Statistic 85

Barrier coating tech adoption 60% in food packaging China 2022.

Statistic 86

PLA bioplastic packaging production 1.5 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 87

Digital printing market for packaging USD 15 billion in 2022 China.

Statistic 88

Robot automation in packaging lines 80% penetration in large firms 2023.

Statistic 89

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) usage 25% of fresh food in 2022.

Statistic 90

Blockchain traceability in packaging supply chain 15% adoption 2023.

Statistic 91

High-speed filling machines capacity 500 billion packs/year in China 2022.

Statistic 92

Antimicrobial packaging market growth 22% in pharma China 2023.

Statistic 93

UV curing inks usage 70% in flexible packaging 2022 China.

Statistic 94

Compostable packaging standards compliance 45% of new products 2023.

Statistic 95

AR labels on packaging piloted in 10% luxury brands China 2022.

1/95

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

With a staggering annual output exceeding a trillion RMB and poised to reach 1.5 trillion by 2027, China's packaging industry is a dynamic powerhouse, fueled by e-commerce, sustainability, and relentless innovation.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, China's packaging industry total output value exceeded 1.15 trillion RMB, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase driven by e-commerce and food sectors.
The packaging market in China generated revenue of approximately USD 250 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2018-2023.
China's flexible packaging segment revenue reached 320 billion RMB in 2022, accounting for 28% of total packaging revenue.
In 2022, China's packaging industry produced 127 million tons of packaging materials, up 4.5% YoY.
Plastic packaging production volume in China reached 52 million tons in 2023.
Paper and cardboard packaging production was 45 million tons in China in 2022.
Plastic packaging consumption in China was 55 million tons in 2022, 43% of total.
Paper packaging consumption volume reached 48 million tons in China 2023.
Food and beverage sector consumed 60% of China's packaging output in 2022, or 76 million tons.
China's packaging exports reached USD 35 billion in 2022, up 8.4% YoY.
Packaging imports to China totaled USD 12 billion in 2023, mainly high-tech machinery.
Plastic packaging exports from China hit 15 million tons in 2022.
Packaging R&D investment in China reached 50 billion RMB in 2023.
Adoption of smart packaging technologies grew 25% in China 2022.
Biodegradable plastics production capacity 2 million tons in 2023 China.

China's packaging industry is robust and diversely growing, driven strongly by e-commerce and food sectors.

Consumption & Demand

Plastic packaging consumption in China was 55 million tons in 2022, 43% of total.
Paper packaging consumption volume reached 48 million tons in China 2023.
Food and beverage sector consumed 60% of China's packaging output in 2022, or 76 million tons.
E-commerce packaging demand surged to 25 million tons in China 2023.
Pharmaceutical packaging consumption was 5.2 million tons in China 2022.
Daily chemicals packaging demand hit 12 million tons in 2023 China.
Electronics packaging consumption volume 8 million tons in China 2022.
Per capita packaging consumption in China was 90 kg in 2023, up from 85 kg in 2022.
Flexible packaging demand grew 7% to 30 million tons in China 2022.
Rigid plastic packaging consumption 22 million tons in 2023 China.
Metal packaging demand was 19 million tons for food in China 2022.
Glass packaging consumption reached 13 million tons in beverages 2023.
Sustainable packaging demand increased to 18 million tons in 2022 China.
Corrugated packaging consumption 50 million tons for logistics in 2023.
PET packaging demand 10 million tons for drinks in China 2022.
Aluminum packaging consumption 2.5 million tons in pharma 2023.
Blister pack demand 1.8 million tons in healthcare China 2022.

Consumption & Demand Interpretation

China's packaging industry is a voracious beast, fed primarily by our endless appetite for food, drink, and online shopping, which leaves behind a monumental—and increasingly complex—mountain of plastic, paper, and promising but still modest sustainable alternatives.

Export & Import

China's packaging exports reached USD 35 billion in 2022, up 8.4% YoY.
Packaging imports to China totaled USD 12 billion in 2023, mainly high-tech machinery.
Plastic packaging exports from China hit 15 million tons in 2022.
Paper packaging export value USD 10 billion to ASEAN in 2023.
Top export destination for Chinese packaging: USA with USD 5.2 billion in 2022.
EU imports from China packaging USD 4.8 billion in 2023.
Machinery for packaging export from China USD 8 billion in 2022.
Flexible packaging exports grew 12% to USD 6.5 billion in 2023.
Metal packaging exports 3 million tons to Middle East in 2022.
Glass packaging import volume 1.5 million tons in 2023 China.
Packaging materials import from Japan USD 2.1 billion in 2022.
Corrugated products export to Africa USD 1.8 billion in 2023.
PET preforms export 2 million tons from China 2022.
Label printing exports USD 1.2 billion in 2023.
Total packaging trade surplus for China USD 23 billion in 2022.
Canned food packaging exports 500 billion units in 2023.
Shrink sleeve labels export growth 15% in 2022 China.
Biodegradable packaging exports USD 800 million in 2023.

Export & Import Interpretation

China continues to be the world's indispensable packager, expertly wrapping global goods while cleverly unpacking high-tech machinery from others to fuel its own ever-growing, and increasingly sophisticated, export machine.

Market Size & Revenue

In 2022, China's packaging industry total output value exceeded 1.15 trillion RMB, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase driven by e-commerce and food sectors.
The packaging market in China generated revenue of approximately USD 250 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2018-2023.
China's flexible packaging segment revenue reached 320 billion RMB in 2022, accounting for 28% of total packaging revenue.
In 2023, the rigid packaging market in China was valued at 410 billion RMB, growing at 4.8% YoY due to beverage demand.
China's paper packaging revenue hit 280 billion RMB in 2022, with a 7.3% growth attributed to sustainable trends.
Plastic packaging in China generated 450 billion RMB in revenue in 2023, comprising 39% of the total market share.
The metal packaging segment in China reached 150 billion RMB revenue in 2022, up 3.5% from previous year.
Glass packaging revenue in China was 85 billion RMB in 2023, with premium food and pharma driving growth.
Overall packaging industry in China projected to reach 1.5 trillion RMB by 2027 at 5.5% CAGR.
E-commerce packaging revenue in China surged to 120 billion RMB in 2022, 15% YoY growth.
Food packaging market in China valued at 520 billion RMB in 2023, 45% of total packaging revenue.
Beverage packaging revenue in China was 280 billion RMB in 2022, driven by PET bottles.
Pharmaceutical packaging market in China reached 95 billion RMB in 2023, 8.2% growth.
Consumer goods packaging revenue in China hit 210 billion RMB in 2022.
Industrial packaging segment revenue in China was 110 billion RMB in 2023, up 4.1%.
Luxury packaging market in China valued at 45 billion RMB in 2022, 12% CAGR.
Sustainable packaging revenue share in China reached 15% of total or 180 billion RMB in 2023.
Corrugated box packaging revenue in China was 220 billion RMB in 2022.
Aseptic packaging market revenue in China hit 35 billion RMB in 2023.
Blister packaging revenue for pharma in China was 28 billion RMB in 2022.

Market Size & Revenue Interpretation

While China's packaging industry balloons past 1.15 trillion RMB, fueled by our insatiable need to wrap everything from dumplings to dopamine online, it's clear that the future is not just about more stuff, but smarter, more sustainable stuff—even if plastic still stubbornly clings to a 39% market share.

Production Volume

In 2022, China's packaging industry produced 127 million tons of packaging materials, up 4.5% YoY.
Plastic packaging production volume in China reached 52 million tons in 2023.
Paper and cardboard packaging production was 45 million tons in China in 2022.
Metal packaging production volume in China hit 18 million tons in 2023.
Glass container production for packaging in China was 12 million tons in 2022.
Flexible packaging film production in China reached 28 million tons in 2023.
Corrugated board production volume was 58 million tons in China in 2022.
PET resin for packaging production in China was 9.5 million tons in 2023.
Aluminum foil for packaging production hit 1.2 million tons in China 2022.
Carton box production volume in China reached 35 billion units in 2023.
Plastic bottle production for beverages was 450 billion units in China 2022.
Metal can production volume was 120 billion units in China in 2023.
Glass bottle production reached 80 billion units for packaging in 2022 China.
Pouch packaging production was 200 billion units in China 2023.
Folding carton production volume hit 150 billion units in 2022 China.
Label production for packaging was 500 billion units in China 2023.
Shrink film production volume reached 15 million tons in China 2022.
Injection molded packaging production was 30 million tons in 2023 China.
Blow molded bottle production volume 25 million tons in China 2022.
Composite material packaging production 8 million tons in China 2023.

Production Volume Interpretation

China's packaging industry, generating millions of tons of materials and hundreds of billions of units, is the colossal, multi-material engine room that keeps the world's factory and its output meticulously wrapped, sealed, and ready for shipment.

Technology & Innovation

Packaging R&D investment in China reached 50 billion RMB in 2023.
Adoption of smart packaging technologies grew 25% in China 2022.
Biodegradable plastics production capacity 2 million tons in 2023 China.
AI in packaging design used by 40% of top firms in China 2022.
Recycling rate for packaging waste in China hit 35% in 2023.
Nanotechnology applications in packaging increased 18% YoY in 2022.
3D printing for custom packaging prototypes 500,000 units in 2023.
Active packaging patents filed in China 12,000 in 2022.
IoT sensors in logistics packaging deployed 1 billion units 2023.
Barrier coating tech adoption 60% in food packaging China 2022.
PLA bioplastic packaging production 1.5 million tons in 2023.
Digital printing market for packaging USD 15 billion in 2022 China.
Robot automation in packaging lines 80% penetration in large firms 2023.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) usage 25% of fresh food in 2022.
Blockchain traceability in packaging supply chain 15% adoption 2023.
High-speed filling machines capacity 500 billion packs/year in China 2022.
Antimicrobial packaging market growth 22% in pharma China 2023.
UV curing inks usage 70% in flexible packaging 2022 China.
Compostable packaging standards compliance 45% of new products 2023.
AR labels on packaging piloted in 10% luxury brands China 2022.

Technology & Innovation Interpretation

China's packaging industry, armed with 50 billion RMB in R&D, is charging into a smarter, greener, and often algorithmic future—sprinting from 3D-printed prototypes and AI designers to a billion IoT-tracked packages, all while striving to make its colossal output less of a planetary burden.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev