Packaging in 2024: The big picture
In 2024, packaging across the food, beverages, beauty, home care and pet food industries was defined by a strong shift towards sustainability, convenience and premiumisation. Food and beverage brands adopted flexible formats like pouches, HDPE bottles and folding cartons to support urban lifestyles and smaller households, while also integrating sustainable materials such as recyclable mono-material pouches and recycled PET bottles. Beauty and personal care packaging focused on e-commerce-ready designs and eco-friendly materials, and home care packaging emphasised visibility and protection through blister packs. In pet food, premium appeal and convenience drove innovation, with flexible paper packs gaining traction for dog treats and advanced barrier technologies enhancing cat food packaging.
2024 key trends
The dominant packaging trend in China throughout 2024 was the convergence of sustainability and regulatory compliance, leading to a nationwide shift towards minimalism, recyclability and material innovation. Driven by updated national standards and growing environmental consciousness, packaging is being reengineered to reduce excess, eliminate non-recyclable components and incorporate mono-materials or compostable alternatives. This transformation is not only reducing environmental impact but also aligning packaging design with circular economy principles, cost efficiency and evolving consumer expectations for eco-friendly solutions.
China’s food packaging saw a unified shift towards sustainability and convenience
In 2024, food packaging trends in China were shaped by several key factors across all major categories, including dairy, plant-based dairy, confectionery, sweet spreads, processed fruit and vegetables, processed meat and seafood, sauces, dips and condiments, meals and soups, and baby food. This was due to a strong shift towards sustainability, convenience and innovation, driven by changing consumer preferences, regulatory pressures and evolving lifestyles.
Portable packaging is trending in non-alcoholic drinks for on-the-go and environmental reasons
In 2024, non-alcoholic beverage packaging in China was shaped by a shift towards smaller, convenience-first formats and sustainable materials across both soft and hot drinks. Soft drinks players expanded portable, single-serve packs from mini-PET bottles to child-friendly juice cartons, which are catering to busy urban lifestyles and portion-conscious consumers. PET bottles remained dominant for soft drinks due to their light weight, durability and recyclability, aligning with China’s push for eco-friendly packaging via recycled PET content.
PET bottles gain ground in alcoholic drinks packaging driven by portability and sustainability
In 2024, alcoholic drinks packaging in China experienced a significant shift towards PET bottles, which became the most dynamic packaging format due to evolving consumer preferences and economic challenges. As younger, health-conscious consumers increasingly favoured moderation and convenience, lighter and more portable packaging options gained popularity over traditional heavy glass bottles. PET bottles offered advantages such as affordability, resealability and durability, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption and events where glass containers are restricted.
Rise of e-commerce and eco-consciousness are reshaping beauty packaging
In 2024, beauty and personal care packaging trends in China were influenced by sustainability, e-commerce growth and packaging innovation. Chinese consumers showed a greater preference for environmentally friendly packaging, with nearly 70% willing to pay more for sustainable options. This led major brands like L’Oréal and Unilever to introduce biodegradable and recyclable packaging, such as refillable systems and bottles made from recycled materials. For example, L’Oréal China launched refill stations for Kiehl’s and biodegradable jars for Lancôme Absolue creams, while Unilever’s Dove introduced bottles made from 100% recycled plastic.
Blister packs boom due to visibility and protection in home care packaging
The home care packaging market in China for 2024 was shaped primarily by consumer behaviour, product protection and convenience. Blister and strip packs were the most dynamic pack type, especially in categories like air fresheners and toilet cleaning tablets. These packs offer clear product visibility and excellent protection against moisture and contamination, which is crucial for products such as toilet bowl tablets, dishwasher tablets or laundry pods. For example, Harpic toilet rim blocks and Bref Blue Active by Henkel often use blister strips for multi-block packs that visually display the product colour and scent.
Premiumisation and convenience drive evolution in dog and cat food packaging in China
In 2024, the dog and cat food packaging market in China saw notable changes, with a strong emphasis on premium appeal and consumer convenience. Dog food packaging in China is evolving towards formats that emphasise convenience and premium appeal. There is a shift away from traditional plastic pouches as flexible paper packaging is gaining traction in dog food like treats and mixers, driven by advancements in coating technologies that improve durability and moisture resistance. Brands are focusing on portion-controlled, on-the-go formats that suit urban pet owners, with leading brands like Pedigree adopting flexible paper packs for treats. The overall direction is towards packaging that supports easy handling and storage as well as a premium product experience.
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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 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
China’s food packaging saw a unified shift towards sustainability and convenience
Portable packaging is trending in non-alcoholic drinks for on-the-go and environmental reasons
PET bottles gain ground in alcoholic drinks packaging driven by portability and sustainability
Rise of e-commerce and eco-consciousness are reshaping beauty packaging
Blister packs boom due to visibility and protection in home care packaging
Premiumisation and convenience drive evolution in dog and cat food packaging in China
Anti-excess packaging rules for leaner designs and reduced hidden costs
Advancing safe and sustainable packaging through China’s 2024 draft amendments
Recyclable packaging as part of Mars China’s corporate sustainability drive
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 (25-99% Juice)
- 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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