China Glass Container Packaging Market Trends

Market Trends of China Glass Container Packaging Industry

Alcoholic Segment to Hold Significant Market Share

• Glass has emerged as an effective packaging option for the alcohol beverage industry. Glass containers maintain product quality by protecting contents from external factors such as light, temperature fluctuations, and air exposure. This preservation capability is particularly crucial for alcoholic beverages, which can be sensitive to environmental changes.
• As consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly solutions, glass packaging offers a fully recyclable alternative to plastic. Glass can be 100% recycled and reused without quality loss, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses alike.
• Major urban areas in China have experienced increased consumption of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This trend is driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and a growing appreciation for diverse beverage options.
• Alcoholic beverages with historical roots include rice wine, grape wine, beer, whiskey, and various spirits. Each of these categories has its own cultural significance and market dynamics. Baijiu, a traditional Chinese spirit, remains the most consumed distilled spirit in China, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural importance and widespread popularity.
• According to HKEXnews, in 2021, Nongxiang flavor baijiu generated revenue of approximately CNY 286 billion (USD 40.42 billion), accounting for over half of China's baijiu sales revenue. This significant market share underscores the popularity of this particular flavor profile among Chinese consumers. The revenue from Nongxiang flavor baijiu is projected to reach CNY 312.9 billion (USD 44.22 billion) by 2026, indicating a steady growth trajectory for this segment of the baijiu market.
• Glass packaging has experienced slower growth than beer packaging due to the increasing popularity of aluminum cans. This shift is attributed to factors such as the lighter weight of cans, their convenience for transportation and storage, and changing consumer preferences. For over a decade, aluminum has dominated the metal can market for beverages in China, offering advantages in terms of production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• However, glass bottles are expected to maintain a significant market share, particularly in premium and craft beer segments, where glass packaging is often associated with higher quality and better taste preservation.
• According to UN Comtrade, in 2023, China exported beer worth approximately USD 451.76 million, up from around USD 327.12 million in 2022. This substantial increase in export value indicates growing international demand for Chinese beer. As beer exports grow, breweries may increase their production capacity, potentially leading to greater demand for glass packaging.
• This trend could encourage container glass companies to expand their production capabilities to meet the growing market needs. The expansion may involve investments in new manufacturing facilities, adoption of advanced technologies, and development of innovative glass packaging solutions to cater to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements in both domestic and international markets.

Cosmetics Expected to Witness Major Growth

• Increased consumer spending on cosmetics prompts brands to expand product ranges, innovate, and launch new lines. Glass, being highly customizable and preferred for packaging innovative and aesthetically appealing cosmetic products, is experiencing growing demand. This trend encourages container glass manufacturers to invest in new designs, materials, and technologies, thereby expanding the market.
• The National Bureau of Statistics of China reports that in 2022, the total per capita annual spending on cosmetics in China was approximately CNY 407 (USD 57.5). This figure is projected to reach CNY 600 (USD 84.8) by 2025, outpacing the growth of per capita disposable income in China.
• The increase in per capita cosmetics spending is expected to drive the expansion of China's e-commerce sector and boost cosmetic product exports. Glass containers, valued for their durability and premium appearance, are becoming increasingly important for packaging products destined for global markets and e-commerce platforms, further strengthening the container glass market.
• Many cosmetic products, including perfumes, skincare creams, serums, and luxury makeup, are packaged in glass containers due to their premium appeal, durability, and protection from contaminants. The expansion of the cosmetics industry is leading to a corresponding increase in demand for glass containers, benefiting the container glass market.
• Data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China shows that retail cosmetics sales in China reached approximately USD 58.54 billion in 2023, an increase from USD 55.63 billion in 2022.
• As consumers increasingly seek high-end and luxury cosmetic products, brands are opting for glass packaging to enhance product presentation and perceived value. This trend towards premiumization in the cosmetics market is driving demand for high-quality and uniquely designed glass packaging.