Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Bottles, Non-bottle Rigid), By Type (PP, PS, PE, PVC, PET), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global post-consumer recycled plastics market size was estimated at USD 10.66 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2024 to 2030. The market growth can be attributed to the rising sustainability measures undertaken by food & beverage and packaging companies to use recycled plastic materials. Growing efforts for a circular economy by end-users and increasing adoption of recycled plastics in the packaging, textiles, and other end-use industries are anticipated to drive the global demand for post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics.Technological advancements in recycling to produce highly effective and advanced post-recycled plastics have been one of the major market drivers.

For instance, in October 2023, Repsol S.A. and Signode Industrial Group LLC launched a ready-to-use strap produced from a polypropylene (PP) composition containing 30% recycled content for utilization in high-tenacity applications. Moreover, the growth of the global market can be attributed to the high demand for PCR plastics from various end-use industries, including building & construction, packaging, electrical & electronics, textiles, and automotive as an alternative to traditional virgin fossil-based plastics. Construction activities are witnessing growth in China, India, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia owing to various redevelopment projects.

These projects involve residential and commercial development, the establishment of affordable housing units, and government spending on healthcare facilities, which is expected to drive product demand in the building & construction industry. One of the major challenges faced by the market includes waste management and advanced plastic recycling technologies. Due to the environmental risks and economic benefits, the global plastic waste trade flows from high-income countries to low-income countries.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market is moderately fragmented, with key participants involved in R&D and technological innovations. Notable companies include BASF SE, SABIC, Evonik Industries AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Arkema, Celanese Corporation, and Eastman Chemical Company among others. Many of these players are engaged in framework development to improve their market share.

The growing number of stringent government regulations to manage and dispose of plastic waste is leading to market growth. Various countries across the world have banned single-use plastics, while some have introduced extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs to make manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.

Regulations in the plastic industry have a significant impact, driving industry players to invest in advanced recycling technologies and quality assurance measures for the production of sustainable plastic materials, that can be recycled. Compliance with regulatory frameworks ensures patient safety, fosters innovation, and establishes trust among customers.

Companies are pursuing regional expansion strategies through market entry into new geographic areas, forming partnerships with local distributors, and customizing products to align with rising needs for recycled materials including plastic in each region.

Type Insights

In terms of revenue, the polyethylene (PE) type segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 20% in 2023. Post-consumer recycled PE is a type of recycled plastic obtained from various plastic products, such as films, sheets, and pellets. Post-consumer PE offers barrier performance along with enhanced protection, making it suitable for several food & beverage packaging applications. In the coming years, the PP type segment is likely to grow at a significant rate.

Post-consumer recycled PP resin offers superior chemical and mechanical properties, which make it suitable for use in various industries including packaging, automotive, and household appliances. This recycled resin is used to manufacture several household appliances owing to its flexibility, durability, and higher thermal resistance. Moreover, consumer awareness regarding environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices is likely to expand the production of recycled materials, especially recycled PP, in the packaging and automotive industries.

Source Insights

In terms of source, the bottles segment led the market in 2023 with a substantial revenue share. Plastic bottle is a major source for the PCR process. Plastic bottles are commonly used to package beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and other products. The huge amount of plastic bottles produced as waste by customers is used as a significant source material for recycling. Moreover, an increase in awareness regarding the need for sustainable practices will support segment growth.

Several government policies & regulations promoting plastic recycling across the globe are also expected to drive the adoption of plastic bottle recycling. This is expected to boost the production of PCR plastics from plastic bottles. The non-bottle rigid segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% over the forecast years. Non-bottle rigid plastics include several durable and non-durable products, such as pallets, crates, carts, 5-gallon buckets, electronic housings, dairy and deli tubs, lids, yogurt cups, jars, and similar food containers.

Regional Insights

North America post-consumer recycled plastics market accounted for a significant market share in 2023. The regional market in North America is characterized by the presence of several players such as Eastman Chemical Company. Increased concerns over landfills and the presence of a regulatory framework in the region, along with the surging focus on reducing carbon footprint and increasing inclination of consumers toward sustainable packaging products, building & construction materials, and electrical & electronics products, are expected to fuel the demand for various PCR plastics, such as PE, PP, and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), in North America in the coming years.

U.S. Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Trends

Post-consumer recycled plastics market in the U.S. is expected to grow in the coming years owing to the rise in plastic waste generation by consumers, leading to its recyclability PCR plastics are widely used in electronic appliances, including wearables, manufactured in the U.S. The presence of several consumer electronic companies such as Dell Inc., HP Development Company, L.P., and Apple Inc. in the country is significantly driving the demand for PCR plastics in the U.S.

Canada post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market dominated the North America regional market in 2023 with a share of over 50%. Increasing concerns over landfills and plastic waste in Canada are creating awareness about sustainable solutions, such as PCR plastics in the country, and fueling their demand.

Asia Pacific Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Trends

Asia Pacific post-consumer recycled plastics market accounted for the dominant market share of more than 45%, in terms of revenue, in 2023. The region is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for these plastics in automotive and construction applications.

The post-consumer recycled plastics market in China has developed at a tremendous rate and is growing at a significant rate compared to the rest of the world. The growth in the food & beverage industry and digitalization in the country have contributed to the popularity of food delivery services. This has created high demand for several plastic packaging materials, including polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene. The rise in recycling activities of these plastics is expected to boost the production of PCR plastics.

Japan post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market is likely to grow at a substantial rate in the coming years. The increasing recycling rate and growing concerns over reducing plastic waste are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market in the country.

Europe Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Trends

Post-consumer recycled plastics market in Europe is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to the adoption of a circular economy for reducing plastic waste. The European Union plans to mandate the use of PCR plastics in packaging applications.

The Germany Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market is expected to witness steady growth in the future. Germany is one of the European countries to be an active participant in the market. The advancements in waste management, along with the rise in post-consumer recycling activities across the country, are expected to propel product consumption in Germany.

The Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market in the UK is expected to be driven by several factors. The introduction of new products due to technological innovations, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing population of diabetic patients are fueling the demand for wearables, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, in the country. This, in turn, is projected to positively influence the demand for PCR plastics that are used for developing these wearables.

Central & South America Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Trends

The Central & South America post-consumer recycled plastics marketis expected to witness steady growth. Countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica, are seeking to reduce land-based waste streams, including plastics, reaching the marine environment. The increasing demand for food and non-food bottles across several application industries coupled with growing concerns regarding the environment is majorly driving the product demand in the regional packaging industry.

Middle East & Africa Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Trends

The post-consumer recycled plastics market in Middle East & Africa is anticipated to witness steady growth over the forecast period. Rising environmental concerns, resulting in the increasing demand for sustainable plastic products, are anticipated to fuel the product demand in the region over the forecast period.

Key Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Company Insights

Key companies are adopting several organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as new product development, mergers & acquisitions, and joint ventures, to maintain and expand their market share.

• In November 2023, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. announced the establishment of an industrial-scale catalytic advanced plastic recycling demonstration plant at the Wesseling location of the company in the country. It will be the first single-train recycling plant of LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. that is expected to convert post-consumer plastic waste into feedstocks for fresh plastic production

• In August 2023, Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the UAE, announced the debut of new polypropylene (PP) products for the automobile sector that contains up to 70% PCR materials. The first solution comprises 50% PCR material, lowering the carbon footprint by approximately 28% compared to virgin grades. The second solution, which incorporates up to 70% PCR materials, was designed to produce wheel arches and other exterior components.

• In January 2023, PureCycle, an advanced recycling company, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges jointly announced plans to develop PureCycle's first polypropylene (PP) recycling facility in Europe. The new factory is projected to have an annual capacity of 59,000 metric tons (130 million pounds), with a high growth potential. The 14-hectare (35-acre) site can accommodate up to four processing lines, with an estimated total capacity of 240,000 metric tons (500 million pounds) per year.

Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Report Scope

Global Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the post-consumer recycled plastics market report based on source, type, and region:

• Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bottles

  • Non-bottle Rigid

  • Others

• Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Polystyrene (PS)

  • Polyethylene (PE)

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

  • Polyurethane (PUR)

  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Malaysia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia