The China Packaging Federation (CPF) recently finished a consultation on the China Packaging Industry Development Plan (2026-2030), part of China’s15th Five-Year Plan period. At a meeting in January 2026, CPF members discussed the plan, including pathways for green and low-carbon transformation, restructuring and integration of industrial chains, strengthening intellectual-property protection, improving the standards system, and promoting international mutual recognition of standards. Reporting from the meeting says that CPF President Li Hua stated that China can become a “‘packaging power,’ not only by filling technical gaps, but also by playing a practical role in promoting consumption and serving manufacturing.”
According to reporting from The Brussels Times, on April 23, 2026, the EU and China launched a joint pilot project to create closed loop recycling systems for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) food contact plastics in Jianxing, China. “The initiative is being developed with a collector and sorter in Jiaxing City and recycling partners in the EU and China, and will focus on standardizing steps from collection and sorting through to food-grade recycling.”
The project is part of the EU-China Circular Economy Action Project , an approximately € 3 million, multi-agency initiative focused on plastics, batteries, and remanufacturing. It runs from 2024 – 2026.
References
China Packaging Federation (April 23, 2026). “Notice on soliciting opinions and suggestions on the ‘China Packaging Industry Development Plan (2026-2030)’ (Draft for Comments).” (in Simplified Chinese)
China Packaging Federation (January 16, 2026). “2026 China Packaging Federation work expansion meeting successfully held.” (in Simplified Chinese)
The Brussels Times Newsroom (April 23, 2026). “China launches EU-led pilots to recycle plastics from cars, food packaging.” The Brussels Times
European External Action Service (2025). “EU-China Circular Economy Action Project.” (pdf).
Read more
Amada Doyle (May 7, 2026). “Chinese industry body consults on five-year packaging development plan.” Chemical Watch News and Insight
