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China's updated solid waste management framework, effective January 2026, mandates improvements in recyclable packaging to reduce waste. The policy, part of a national action plan by the State Council, emphasizes stronger packaging design and producer responsibility.

Retail, e-commerce, and food delivery sectors will face stricter oversight. Companies must minimize excessive packaging and enhance the recyclability of materials. Authorities will enforce compliance with packaging standards and improve monitoring of production and disposal processes.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will apply more uniformly, requiring manufacturers to contribute to collection and recycling systems, and to increase recyclable content in packaging. The framework aims to position recyclable packaging as central to China's circular economy strategy.