According to data released by China Plastics Processing Industry Association in June 2026, the market size of China’s packaging films hit 320 billion yuan in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 6.2%. It is projected to reach 349.01 billion yuan in 2026 and maintain steady growth. The industry features stable overall growth alongside structural differentiation. Traditional general-purpose films register a moderate growth rate of 7.1%, while high-barrier, degradable and lightweight functional films achieve a year-on-year shipment growth of 22.3%, becoming the major driving force of the industry.

In terms of product mix, BOPP films remain the largest segment, accounting for 41.3% of the market. Benefiting from new energy batteries, photovoltaic backsheets and other high-end applications, BOPET films grow by 7.1%. Driven by strong demand for cold chain packaging, low-temperature resistant CPP and co-extruded cast films see a shipment increase of 12.4%. In accordance with the 14th Five-Year Plan for Plastic Pollution Prevention and Control, the replacement rate of recyclable packaging in key fields shall reach no less than 30% by 2026, which greatly boosts the demand for PLA/PBAT blended films and paper-plastic composite films.

Industry experts point out that competition has shifted from price wars to comprehensive strength based on technology and compliance. Enterprises with high-end production capacity, complete certifications and sound green supply chains will dominate the market in the future.