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On April 23, 2026, the China Packaging Federation (CPF) released the China Packaging Industry Development Plan (2026-2030) (Draft) for public comment. The draft plan outlines the strategic framework for the packaging sector over the next five years, focusing heavily on green transition, circular economy principles, and intelligent manufacturing. For food contact material (FCM) professionals, the policy highlights critical upcoming shifts in material innovation, safety standards, and compliance requirements across paper, plastic, and metal packaging sectors. Comments are welcome before May 10, 2026.
Upgraded Safety Standards and Quality Control
The draft emphasizes the enhancement of safety standards for food contact materials. It proposes upgrading testing centers to focus on emerging compliance metrics. Specifically, regulatory testing capabilities will be strengthened for the migration of harmful substances, microplastics, the toxicity of degradation products, and the carbon reduction value of recycled materials. The plan also encourages the formulation of safety and data compliance standards for intelligent packaging, as well as the establishment of comprehensive traceability systems to monitor product quality from the source.
Material-Specific Development Directives
The plan details targeted green foundation projects for key food contact materials to achieve carbon reduction and performance upgrades:
Paper Packaging: The industry is directed to develop fully degradable functional paper materials with improved water and oil resistance (hydrophobic and oleophobic properties) and high strength to expand plastic substitution scenarios. The draft also mandates the standardization of non-plastic production processes and the optimization of recycling for high-value reuse.
Plastic Packaging: The focus is on the chemical recycling of PET, PP, and PE, improving depolymerization efficiency and product purity. The plan highlights the certification and large-scale application of food-grade recycled plastics and the technological advancement of biodegradable material modification to reduce application costs.
Metal Packaging: For aluminum and tinplate used in packaging, the plan promotes the application of ultra-high-strength and ultra-thin materials for source reduction. It also requires the scale application of green surface treatment processes, such as chromium-free passivation and water-based electrophoresis, alongside improved closed-loop recycling systems for scrap aluminum.
International Alignment
To address global regulatory shifts, the draft plan encourages domestic enterprises to align with international ESG standards and overseas regulations, such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). A multi-certification integration mechanism covering carbon footprint accounting, recyclability declarations, and bio-based content is expected to be established. This alignment aims to help companies lower compliance costs and navigate emerging green trade barriers in the international market.
