Materials
Packaging Materials in Asia
Packaging performance starts with material selection. Package Asia is organizing sourcing information for paper and paperboard, plastics, glass, metals and emerging lower-impact materials across Asian manufacturing markets.
Core material groups
Corrugated board, folding carton board, kraft, specialty papers and rigid-box components.
PET, PE, PP and other rigid or flexible structures selected for strength, barrier and processing.
Bottles and jars for beauty, food, beverage and premium applications where clarity and inertness matter.
Aluminum, steel and specialty metal packaging for cans, tins, closures and premium containers.
What buyers should compare
- Strength, barrier and product compatibility
- Weight and shipping efficiency
- Printing, decoration and forming capability
- Food-contact or cosmetic requirements
- Recycled content and end-of-life options
- MOQ, availability and price volatility
Choose a material from the product outward
Start with the product and filling process, then specify the package. A food pouch may need oxygen, moisture or light protection; a cosmetic container may need formula compatibility and dispensing performance; a shipping box may be governed by stacking and drop resistance. The material name alone does not define these properties.
- Record the product, fill volume, shelf life, transport route and destination market.
- Set measurable requirements such as barrier, strength, closure fit and temperature exposure.
- Compare sample performance and total cost, including decoration, tooling, freight and losses.
Questions for suppliers
Ask for the exact material grade and structure, thickness or weight tolerance, minimum order quantity, available test reports and whether recycled content is suitable for the intended use. Request a production sample before treating a proposed substitute as equivalent.
For application-specific options, continue to food packaging, cosmetic packaging or flexible packaging. The materials terminology guide explains common environmental labels.
Browse packaging types → Sustainable packaging → Prepare an RFQ →