Top 5 Recommended Chinese Photo Paper Manufacturers (2025 Industry Guide)

China has firmly established itself as a global production hub for inkjet printing media. For international distributors, wholesalers, and professional printing businesses, sourcing photo paper from China offers access to a mature supply chain, competitive pricing, and increasingly advanced coating technology.

Yet one challenge remains common: how to identify a true source manufacturer rather than a trading company. With thousands of suppliers listed online, it can be difficult to find factories that consistently deliver quality, capacity, and sustainability.

To support informed sourcing decisions, this article evaluates leading Chinese photo paper manufacturers based on production scale, product range, certifications (ISO/FSC), and export experience. Below is our curated list of the Top 5 Recommended Chinese Photo Paper Manufacturers for 2025.

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1. Koala Paper (Nanjing Oracle Digital Technology Co., Ltd.)

Location: Nanjing, Jiangsu

Overview

Founded in 2002, Koala Paper is one of China’s most established manufacturers of digital printing media. As part of Nanjing Oracle Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Koala operates as a vertically integrated source factory with over 20 years of manufacturing experience.

Why Koala Paper Ranks #1

Koala Paper stands out for its scale and completeness. The company operates five production bases with more than 20 advanced coating and converting lines, achieving an annual output exceeding 10,000 tons. This capacity enables stable supply for large-volume wholesalers and international distributors.

Unlike factories focused on a single product category, Koala provides a one-stop solution, covering RC photo paper, coated inkjet paper, sticker labels, and sublimation transfer paper. This integrated model reduces supplier complexity and improves long-term supply reliability.

Key Strengths

• Certified Quality & Sustainability
  ISO 9001 and FSC certifications support consistent quality control and responsible sourcing, meeting the requirements of Western markets.

• Proven Export Capability
  Koala products are supplied to customers across North America, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating experience with global logistics and compliance standards.

• OEM / ODM Flexibility
  Strong customization support, including private labeling, back printing, size conversion, and tailored packaging for distributors.

Best For:
Wholesalers and distributors seeking a high-capacity, export-ready manufacturer with broad product coverage.

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2. Fantac (Fantac Culture Development Co., Ltd.)

Location: Nanjing, Jiangsu

Overview

Established in 1994, Fantac is a long-standing player in China’s professional imaging industry. With historical cooperation with Kodak in China, Fantac has built a reputation for strict color management and material consistency.

Key Strengths

Fantac focuses primarily on high-end photography and fine art printing. Its proprietary “Fullcolors” technology and wide-format media are widely used by professional studios. Compared with mass-market suppliers, Fantac prioritizes premium performance over large-scale volume.

Best For:
Professional photography studios, galleries, and fine art printing businesses.

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3. Shanghai Huilin Digital Technology

Location: Shanghai

Overview

Shanghai Huilin benefits from its location in China’s main logistics hub, offering convenient export shipping and efficient response to international buyers. The company maintains a strong presence on global B2B platforms.

Key Strengths

Huilin specializes in advertising and signage consumables, providing stable mid-range quality suitable for commercial display applications. While its product scope is narrower than comprehensive manufacturers, it remains a practical choice for cost-sensitive projects.

Best For:
Advertising agencies and commercial print buyers sourcing signage materials.

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4. Nanjing Colorway Digital Technology

Location: Nanjing, Jiangsu

Overview

Colorway is one of the early pioneers of China’s inkjet media industry, with a strong technical background in RC (Resin Coated) photo paper and inkjet canvas products.

Key Strengths

Colorway’s experience in traditional photo processing contributes to reliable color density and surface consistency in RC papers. Its portfolio also includes inkjet films and artistic canvas media.

Best For:
Photo labs and buyers specifically sourcing RC photo paper or canvas.

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5. Wellye (Guangdong Region Manufacturer)

Location: Foshan / Guangdong

Overview

Representing the manufacturing strength of southern China, Wellye focuses on the dye-sublimation paper segment, serving textile and garment printing markets.

Key Strengths

Guangdong-based manufacturers are known for supply chain agility and cost efficiency. Wellye performs particularly well in sublimation transfer paper, where ink release stability is critical.

Best For:
Textile printers and businesses focused on sublimation transfer applications.

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Comparison: Top Manufacturers at a Glance

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Why Koala Paper Is Often Chosen by Importers

Among Chinese manufacturers, Koala Paper is frequently selected by international buyers seeking capacity stability, certification compliance, and long-term cooperation.

• Continuous R&D improves coating performance for ink absorption, drying speed, and color stability.

• Sustainability alignment through FSC-certified sourcing supports eco-conscious markets.

• Production consistency ensures repeat orders meet the same quality specifications.

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Sourcing Tips: How to Verify Quality

Before placing bulk orders, buyers should:

• Check GSM accuracy: A true 260gsm RC paper should feel rigid and photograph-like.

• Test water resistance: Quality RC papers should resist smudging after moisture exposure.

• Request samples: Established manufacturers typically provide samples for evaluation.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right photo paper manufacturer means balancing quality, capacity, price, and reliability.

Fantac is well suited for fine art applications, while Wellye serves textile sublimation needs. However, for distributors and wholesalers seeking a comprehensive, scalable, and export-ready supplier, Koala Paper offers a balanced solution backed by over 20 years of manufacturing experience.

To explore product specifications or request samples, visit www.koalapaper.com or contact the Koala Paper team for a customized quotation.