The work aims to review the research progress of green packaging materials represented by paper packaging, metal packaging, glass packaging and degradable plastic packaging, as well as the recycling systems for different types of materials at home and abroad, to promote the better development and utilization of green packaging materials. Some problems existing in the application of biodegradable materials and the differences between materials with different degradation mechanisms were summarized. The market position of four green packaging materials and the improvement measures of recycling system were introduced. At present, there is great room for improvement in the manufacturing process or recycling system of green packaging materials. The development of economic environmental protection materials and the improvement of material recycling process are still of great significance to the prevention and control of environmental pollution. Traditional packaging materials will continue to occupy a large market; however, with the deepening of the research on degradable materials, it may become mainstream packaging materials in the future instead of traditional plastics.