China Rigid Plastic Packaging Market Research Report, 2030

The rigid plastic packaging market in China has been expanding rapidly, fueled by the country's growing economy, increasing urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. As one of the largest consumer markets in the world, China has seen a surge in demand for packaged goods across various sectors, including food and beverages, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and household goods. The rising middle class, along with increasing disposable income, has led to a shift in consumer habits, with more people opting for convenient, ready-to-eat, and on-the-go food options. This, in turn, has driven the demand for rigid plastic packaging, as it offers advantages such as durability, protection, and the ability to extend the shelf life of products. Rigid plastics, including materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), are widely used in packaging due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and strong barrier properties. In particular, PET is a favored choice in China’s packaging industry because of its recyclability and ability to preserve product freshness, especially in the food and beverage sector. The packaging of beverages, snacks, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals often relies on rigid plastic containers to maintain quality and protect the product from environmental factors like moisture, light, and air. With the growing demand for e-commerce in China, the need for rigid plastic packaging solutions has also risen, as online shopping continues to play a significant role in the retail landscape. The ability to safely transport products across long distances and deliver them intact to consumers is a key factor driving the use of rigid plastics in the packaging of products sold online. Furthermore, the ease of handling and storage that rigid plastic packaging provides has contributed to its widespread use in both retail and industrial sectors. According to the research report "China Rigid Plastic Packing Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the China rigid plastic packing market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.18% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Despite its widespread use, there is a growing push for sustainability within the Chinese rigid plastic packaging market. The Chinese government has implemented policies aimed at reducing plastic waste, including restrictions on single-use plastics and initiatives to promote recycling and the use of eco-friendly materials. As awareness of environmental issues rises, both consumers and businesses are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of plastic waste on the environment. This has led to an increased demand for recyclable and biodegradable packaging solutions. Manufacturers are investing in developing more sustainable materials, such as bio-based plastics made from renewable resources, and incorporating recycled content into packaging. PET remains a popular choice in this regard, as it is not only recyclable but also increasingly being produced with recycled content, reducing the need for virgin plastic. Additionally, the rise of circular economy principles in China is encouraging the use of recycled materials, promoting the collection, sorting, and reuse of plastics. The demand for packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact is particularly strong in the food and beverage industry, where consumers are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of packaging. As a result, many major brands in China are making efforts to reduce plastic waste, such as using thinner plastic layers in packaging, switching to recyclable alternatives, or incorporating more sustainable materials like plant-based plastics. In addition to government regulations, consumer preferences are also pushing the market toward more eco-friendly solutions. Consumers in China are becoming more conscious of the environmental footprint of the products they purchase, and as a result, they are increasingly opting for products packaged in sustainable materials. As this trend continues, the rigid plastic packaging market in China is likely to see further transformation, with a stronger focus on sustainability, recycling, and the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives. The market is expected to continue evolving as both government policies and consumer demand drive innovations in packaging technologies and materials.

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The rigid plastic packaging market in China is an expansive and rapidly growing sector driven by the country’s burgeoning industrialization, urbanization, and consumer goods demand. Bottles and jars are the dominant product type in China’s rigid plastic packaging market. Widely used in the food and beverage industry, these containers are essential for packaging products such as bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages. Bottles and jars are also heavily used in the personal care industry, where they are employed for packaging lotions, shampoos, and creams. The convenience, durability, and ability to preserve the integrity of products make bottles and jars an ideal solution for a wide range of consumer goods. Rigid bulk products, including industrial bulk containers, drums, boxes, and pails, also contribute significantly to the market. These large-capacity products are used in various industries, including chemicals, agriculture, and manufacturing, for the transport and storage of bulk materials such as raw chemicals, grains, and machinery components. With China’s strong manufacturing base, the demand for bulk packaging solutions has increased, particularly for industries involved in large-scale production. Trays are another key segment, primarily used for packaging fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen foods. The food industry’s growth, along with the rise in urban consumer lifestyles that prioritize convenience, has boosted the demand for pre-packaged meals and processed foods. Cups, tubs, and pots are extensively used for packaging dairy products, desserts, and beverages. With China’s expanding middle class and consumer-driven economy, the demand for smaller portion-controlled packaging formats has risen. Other rigid plastic products such as blister packs, clamshell packs, and rigid plastic tubes are also used for packaging a variety of consumer goods, including electronics, medical products, and cosmetics. These types of packaging offer protective barriers that safeguard products during transit and storage while providing visibility to consumers. The material types used in China’s rigid plastic packaging market include a wide range of plastics, each suited to specific applications based on strength, flexibility, and environmental impact. Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used materials in the market due to its versatility, strength, and cost-effectiveness. It is primarily used in the production of bottles, pails, and bags, with applications spanning from the food and beverage sector to chemicals and consumer goods. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is another dominant material, particularly in beverage packaging, due to its transparency, lightweight nature, and recyclability. PET bottles and containers are highly favored in the beverage industry, particularly for carbonated soft drinks, juices, and bottled water. Polystyrene (PS) is commonly used for disposable cups, trays, and food containers. Although its use in packaging has been decreasing due to environmental concerns, PS remains widely used for applications that require lightweight, cost-effective packaging. Polypropylene (PP) is another important material used for food containers, closures, and medical packaging, known for its durability, heat resistance, and chemical stability. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used for blister packs, clamshell packaging, and medical trays due to its rigidity and excellent transparency. Expanded polystyrene (EPS), known for its lightweight and insulating properties, is used in protective packaging, particularly in the transportation of fragile products and temperature-sensitive items. Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources, have gained traction in China’s market as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. With growing environmental awareness and regulatory pressure, bioplastics are increasingly being used in packaging for products that focus on eco-friendly solutions. Other specialty materials such as polycarbonate, polyamide, and polymethyl methacrylate are used for high-performance packaging applications that require exceptional clarity, strength, and impact resistance. The production processes employed in China’s rigid plastic packaging market include extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming, which allow manufacturers to create a wide range of packaging solutions for different industries. Extrusion is a key production process used to create continuous plastic shapes such as sheets, films, and profiles. This process is particularly useful for producing packaging films and containers that require consistent thickness and size. Extrusion is commonly employed in the production of plastic wraps, sheets, and pails, which are widely used in both the food and industrial sectors. Injection molding is another widely used technique, particularly for producing containers with complex shapes such as caps, lids, and custom-shaped bottles. In this process, molten plastic is injected into molds under high pressure, allowing for precise control over the product's dimensions and features. Injection molding is especially popular in the beverage and food packaging sectors, where a large volume of high-precision products is required. Blow molding is employed to produce hollow plastic containers such as bottles and jars. This process involves inflating a heated plastic tube within a mold, allowing it to take the shape of the mold cavity. Blow molding is crucial in the production of plastic beverage bottles, and the growth of the beverage industry in China has significantly driven the demand for blow-molded products. Thermoforming, another critical production process, involves heating plastic sheets until they become pliable and then molding them into specific shapes using vacuum or pressure. Thermoforming is frequently used in the production of trays, clamshells, and packaging for ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, and other consumer goods. Other specialized processes such as rotational molding and compression molding are also employed to create unique shapes or products that require specific characteristics, such as high resistance to impact or temperature changes.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Rigid plastic packaging serves a wide range of applications across various industries in China. In the food and beverage sector, packaging solutions such as bottles, jars, trays, cups, tubs, and pots are essential for ensuring the safety, convenience, and shelf-life of food products. Bottles and jars, particularly those made from PET and PE, are widely used for beverages, ranging from soft drinks and bottled water to alcoholic beverages and juices. Trays and tubs are increasingly used for fresh and frozen foods, reflecting the growing demand for convenience-driven products in the modern retail environment. Cups and pots are predominantly used for dairy products like yogurt, ice cream, and other snack items. The rise of e-commerce and the growing trend of online grocery shopping in China has also contributed to the demand for ready-to-eat meals and portion-controlled packaging. In the industrial sector, rigid plastic packaging plays a vital role in the storage and transportation of bulk materials, including chemicals, machinery components, and industrial goods. Bulk containers such as drums, boxes, and pails are crucial for handling large quantities of raw materials and are integral to China’s vast manufacturing industry. The healthcare sector also relies heavily on rigid plastic packaging for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-related products. Blister packs, medical trays, and clamshell packaging are essential for ensuring the safe storage and transportation of medical products, maintaining product integrity throughout the supply chain. The cosmetics industry, one of China’s fastest-growing sectors, also contributes to the demand for rigid plastic packaging. Products such as creams, lotions, perfumes, and personal care items are frequently packaged in plastic bottles, jars, and pots, ensuring the protection and preservation of products. Other consumer goods, including electronics and household products, are also commonly packaged in rigid plastic materials, offering durability and protection during transport and retail display. The increasing focus on sustainability, particularly the shift toward bioplastics and recyclable packaging, is expected to influence the future trends in the Chinese rigid plastic packaging market. Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Rigid Plastic Packaging market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Types of Product • Bottles and Jars • Rigid Bulk Products (Industrial Bulk Containers, Drums and Barrels, Plastic Crates Plastic Box, Plastic panels and sleeves, Plastic Pails, Other Products • Trays • Cups, Tubs and Pots • Others (blister and clamshell packs, rigid plastic tubes, etc.) By Application • Food and Beverages • Industrial • Healthcare • Cosmetics • Others (Household, Electronics) By Material Type • Polyethylene (PE) • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) • Polystyrene (PS) • Polypropylene (PP) • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) • Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) • Bioplastics • High Density Polyethylene • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to rigid plastic packaging industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. Please get in touch with our sales team to find out more.