Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market by Source (Bottles, Non-bottle Rigid), Polymer Type, Processing Type (Mechanical, Chemical, Biological), End-use (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Electronics), and Region - Global Forecast to 2029
The post-consumer recycled plastics market size is projected to grow from USD 71.44 billion in 2024 to USD 106.97 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.4%. Post consumer recycled (PCR) plastics have been projected for significant growth due to various factors. Rising concern for environmental conservation is putting a lot of pressure on consumers and industries to embrace circular economy and eradicate plastic waste. National governments across the globe are implementing stricter regulations and policies aimed to curb plastics from polluting the environment which further encourages the use of recycled materials in packaging and manufacturing. Also, leading brands and organizations are optimistic about their sustainability targets mainly in the use of a higher proportion of PCR plastics in their products and containers. Current innovations in recycling technology are also helping in enhancing the quality and supply of PCR plastics, hence making them more applicable in broader range of applications. This growing need for recycled plastics by various end-use industries is further propelled by consumer preferences for sustainable products. All these factors combinely will create an optimistic atmosphere where the adoption of post-consumers recycled plastics is not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial, positioning the market for rapid expansion.
Scope of the Report
Years Considered for the Study
2021-2029
Base Year
2023
Forecast Period
2024-2029
Units Considered
Value (USD Million/Billion)
Segments
By Type, Product Type, Application, and Region
Regions covered
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa
"Non-bottle Rigid to be the second fastest growing source during the forecast period."
Non-bottle rigid plastics serve as a major source of post-industrial recycled plastics because of their importance in applications other than bottles. Non-bottle rigid plastics for instance containers, caps, closures, packaging trays, and parts used in automobiles lead to the build-up of discarded non-bottle rigid plastics. These materials, which often consist of various polymer types, are difficult to recycle because of the complex structure of their compounds. However, new approaches to sorting and recycling technologies are facilitating the separation and recycling of non-bottle rigid plastics thus minimizing waste, and encouraging sustainable practices among various industries that use these highly useful products.
"The Polypropylene (PP) to be the fastest growing polymer type in the post-consumer recycled plastics market."
Polypropylene is among the key polymer types in the post-consumer recycled plastics market which is experiencing the highest growth rate because of its wide applicability, growing consumer concerns for environment, and improvements in recycling facilities. This rising demand is because industries are now realizing the possibility of using recycled PP in different areas such as packaging, automotive and consumer products. In addition to this, the difficulties encountered in the recycling of PP waste have been solved by the developments in recycling technologies, making it more feasible to recycle PP for reintegration back into the manufacturing process and this has accelerated its growth of post-consumer recycled plastics.
"The mechanical processing holds the largest market share in the post-consumer recycled plastics market."
Mechanical recycling has specific advantages in the recycling of plastics especially in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and retaining polymer properties. Mechanical recycling is also more efficient in terms of energy consumption than chemical recycling as it involves sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing to recover the material. Furthermore, this approach does not introduce new chemicals and preserves the inherent properties of the polymer; thus, recycled plastics do not lose their original properties and retain their original quality and performance and can further be used in different applications, thus contributing to resource conservation and proper waste management practices.
"The building & construction application holds the second largest market share in post-consumer recycled plastics market."
The use of recycled plastics in building and construction products is gradually growing because of the sector's growing concern with sustainability, resources efficiency, and plastics waste reduction. The use of post-consumer recycled plastics in construction materials have benefits like, reduced dependence on virgin materials, lower levels of landfill disposal and potential energy savings during production of plastics products. Demand for recycled plastics grows as the industry seeks eco-friendly solution for applications such as insulation, roofing and structural elements, aligning with sustainable building practices and addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional construction materials.
"Europe is the second biggest market in post-consumer recycled plastics market."
Currently, the post-consumer recycled plastics market is rapidly developing, especially in Europe, mainly due to the strong regulatory framework and commitment to environmental sustainability. Newer laws like EU's goals towards controlling the plastic waste and recycling are forcing industries to opt for environment friendly solutions like recycling of plastics. Such a regulatory pressure coupled with increased concern for the detrimental effect of plastic wastage to the environment is driving the shift towards the circular economy. Customers in Europe are now pressing for sustainable goods and services, and this has led to an increased adoption of post-consumer plastics in various industries such as packaging, automotive, and electronics. Consequently, the availability of recycled plastics is rising, aligning with both regulatory requirements and consumer preferences for more sustainable alternatives. This market demand and convergence of policy is driving the post-consumer recycled plastics market in the region.
Extensive primary interviews were conducted to determine and verify the market size for several segments and sub-segments and the information gathered through secondary research.
The break-up of primary interviews is given below:
By Company Type: Tier 1: 45%, Tier 2: 37%, and Tier 3: 18%
By Designation: C-level Executives: 54%, Directors: 28%, and Others: 18%
By Region: North America: 44%, Europe: 31%, Asia Pacific: 25%,
Notes: Others include sales, marketing, and product managers.
Tier 1: >USD 1 Billion; Tier 2: USD 500 million-1 Billion; and Tier 3: <USD 500 million
Companies Covered Veolia (France), Suez SA (France), WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C. (US), Republic Services (US), Waste Connections (Canada), Biffa (UK), Clean Harbors, Inc. (US), Stericycle, Inc. (US), Remondis SE & Co. KG (Germany), DS Smith plc (UK) are covered in the post-consumer recycled plastics market.
The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of these key players in the post-consumer recycled plastics market, with their company profiles, recent developments, and key market strategies
Research Coverage
This research report categorizes the post-consumer recycled plastics market by source, (Bottle, Non-bottle rigid, and Others), by processing type, (mechanical, chemical and biological), by application (packaging, building & construction, automotive, electronics and other end-use applications), polymer type (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PUR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and other polymers) and by region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East & Africa). The scope of the report covers detailed information regarding the major factors, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities, influencing the growth of the post-consumer recycled plastics market. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been done to provide insights into their business overview, solutions, and services; key strategies; Contracts, partnerships, agreements. new product & service launches, mergers and acquisitions, and recent developments associated with the post-consumer recycled plastics market. Competitive analysis of upcoming startups in the post-consumer recycled plastics market ecosystem is covered in this report.
Reasons to buy the report
The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall post-consumer recycled plastics market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and to plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.
The report provides insights on the following pointers:
Analysis of key drivers (Implementation of stringent regulations related to environmental safety, Increasing number of awareness programs for sustainable waste management, Growing urban population, Rising consumer preference for sustainable products), restraints (Non-compliance with plastic waste management in residential sector, Absence of framework for plastic waste collection and segregation, Lack of adequate recycling facilities), opportunities (Growing demand for plastic waste management in emerging economies, Increased R&D investments in plastic recycling technologies, Rise in public-private partnerships (PPPs) for plastic waste management) and challenges (High recycling cost, and Challenges associated with supply chain management).
Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the post-consumer recycled plastics market
Market Development: Comprehensive information about profitable markets - the report analyses the post-consumer recycled plastics market across varied regions.
Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the post-consumer recycled plastics market.
Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players Veolia (France), Suez SA (France), WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C. (US), Republic Services (US), Waste Connections, Inc. (Canada), Biffa (UK), Clean Harbors, Inc. (US), Stericycle, Inc. (US), Remondis SE & Co. KG (Germany), and DS Smith plc (UK), and among others in the post-consumer recycled plastics market.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.2 MARKET DEFINITION
1.3 STUDY SCOPE
1.3.1 MARKETS COVERED AND REGIONAL SCOPE
1.3.2 YEARS CONSIDERED
1.3.3 INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
1.3.4 CURRENCY CONSIDERED
1.3.5 UNIT CONSIDERED
1.4 STAKEHOLDERS
1.5 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 RESEARCH DATA
2.1.1 SECONDARY DATA
2.1.1.1 Key data from secondary sources
2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
2.1.2.1 Key data from primary sources
2.1.2.2 Key industry insights
2.1.2.3 Breakdown of primary interviews
2.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION
2.2.1 APPROACH 1: MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION, BY VOLUME
2.2.2 APPROACH 2: MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION, BY VALUE
2.3 DATA TRIANGULATION
2.4 FACTOR ANALYSIS
2.5 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS
2.6 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS AND RISK ASSESSMENT
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS
4.1 ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS IN POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET
4.2 ASIA PACIFIC POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY END-USE APPLICATION AND COUNTRY
4.3 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY SOURCE
4.4 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY POLYMER TYPE
4.5 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY PROCESSING TYPE
4.6 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY END-USE APPLICATION
4.7 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY COUNTRY
5 MARKET OVERVIEW
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
5.2.1 DRIVERS
5.2.1.1 Implementation of stringent regulations related to environmental safety
5.2.1.2 Increasing number of awareness programs for sustainable waste management
5.2.1.3 Growing urban population
5.2.1.4 Rising consumer preference for sustainable products
5.2.2 RESTRAINTS
5.2.2.1 Non-compliance with plastic waste management in residential sector
5.2.2.2 Absence of framework for plastic waste collection and segregation
5.2.2.3 Lack of adequate recycling facilities
5.2.3 OPPORTUNITIES
5.2.3.1 Growing demand for plastic waste management in emerging economies
5.2.3.2 Increased research and development (R&D) investments in plastic recycling technologies
5.2.3.3 Rise in public-private partnerships (PPPs) for plastic waste management
5.2.4 CHALLENGES
5.2.4.1 High recycling cost
5.2.4.2 Challenges associated with supply chain management
6 INDUSTRY TRENDS
6.1 TRENDS/DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER BUSINESS
6.2 PRICING ANALYSIS
6.2.1 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND OF KEY PLAYERS, BY APPLICATION
6.2.2 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND, BY REGION
6.3 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
6.4 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
6.5 IMPACT OF GEN AI ON POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET
6.6 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
6.6.1 KEY TECHNOLOGIES
6.6.1.1 Mechanical recycling
6.6.1.2 Chemical recycling
6.6.2 COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGIES
6.6.2.1 Advanced sorting and separation technologies
6.6.2.2 Plastic-to-fuel (energy recovery)
6.6.2.3 Blockchain for traceability and transparency
6.7 PATENT ANALYSIS
6.7.1 INTRODUCTION
6.7.2 METHODOLOGY
6.7.3 PATENT ANALYSIS
6.8 TRADE ANALYSIS
6.8.1 EXPORT DATA (HS CODE 3915)
6.8.2 IMPORT SCENARIO (HS CODE 3915)
6.9 KEY CONFERENCES AND EVENTS, 2024-2025
6.10 TARIFF AND REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
6.10.1 TARIFF ANALYSIS (HS CODE 3915)
6.10.2 REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
6.10.3 STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS INDUSTRY
6.10.3.1 Ban & Restriction - To Reduce Impact of Certain Plastic Products on Environment
6.10.3.2 Economic Instruments Have Impacted Plastic Usage and Behavior Patterns
6.10.3.3 Standardization - Criteria and Guidelines for Quality, Safety, and Acceptability of Products
6.10.3.4 Guidance for Industry - Use of Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging
6.10.3.5 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
6.10.3.6 ISO 15270
6.11 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
6.11.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
6.11.2 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
6.11.3 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
6.11.4 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
6.11.5 INTENSITY OF COMPETITIVE RIVALRY
6.12 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUYING CRITERIA
6.12.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
6.12.2 BUYING CRITERIA
6.13 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
6.13.1 HP AND SLS COLLABORATED TO ACHIEVE CIRCULAR ECONOMY BY LOWERING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND FACILITATING RESOURCE RECOVERY AND REUSE
6.13.2 GERMANY ACHIEVED PLASTIC PACKAGING RECYCLING RATE OF 63% IN 2022
6.13.3 FLIGHT GROUP SET UP FIRST PET-WASH PLANT IN NEW ZEALAND
6.14 MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS
6.14.1 INTRODUCTION
6.14.2 GDP TRENDS AND FORECASTS
6.14.3 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS PERCENTAGE OF GDP
6.14.4 GLOBAL AUTOMOBILE PRODUCTION AND GROWTH
6.15 INVESTMENT AND FUNDING SCENARIO
7 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY POLYMER TYPE
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
7.2.1 HEAT RESISTANCE PROPERTY TO DRIVE DEMAND
7.3 LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE)
7.3.1 HIGH FLEXIBILITY AND ELASTICITY TO FUEL DEMAND
7.4 HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)
7.4.1 HIGH TENSILE STRENGTH AND EXCELLENT CHEMICAL PROPERTIES TO DRIVE DEMAND
7.5 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
7.5.1 LOW MOISTURE ABSORPTION FEATURE TO PROPEL DEMAND
7.6 POLYURETHANE (PUR)
7.6.1 EXCELLENT ELECTRICAL INSULATING PROPERTIES TO DRIVE DEMAND
7.7 POLYSTYRENE (PS)
7.7.1 EASE OF PROCESSING TO FUEL DEMAND
7.8 POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET)
7.8.1 HIGH STRENGTH-TO-WEIGHT RATIO TO BOOST DEMAND
7.9 OTHER POLYMER TYPES
8 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY SOURCE
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.2 BOTTLES
8.2.1 PRESENCE OF ROBUST RECYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE TO DRIVE MARKET
8.3 NON-BOTTLE RIGID
8.3.1 ADVANCEMENTS IN SORTING AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES TO DRIVE MARKET
8.4 OTHER SOURCES
9 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY END-USE APPLICATION
9.1 INTRODUCTION
9.2 PACKAGING
9.2.1 STRINGENT REGULATIONS REGARDING REUSE OF PLASTIC PACKAGING TO DRIVE MARKET
9.3 BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
9.3.1 USE OF ECO-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TO FUEL MARKET GROWTH
9.4 AUTOMOTIVE
9.4.1 ADOPTION OF RECYCLED PLASTICS IN AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING TO DRIVE MARKET
9.5 ELECTRONICS
9.5.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF RECYCLED PLASTICS IN ELECTRONICS TO DRIVE MARKET
9.6 OTHER END-USE APPLICATIONS
10 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY PROCESSING TYPE
10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.2 CHEMICAL PROCESS
10.2.1 RISING ADOPTION OF CHEMICAL RECYCLING TO DRIVE MARKET
10.2.1.1 Chemolysis
10.2.1.2 Pyrolysis
10.2.1.3 Hydrogen technologies
10.2.1.4 Gasification
10.3 MECHANICAL PROCESS
10.3.1 USE IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS TO DRIVE MARKET
10.4 BIOLOGICAL PROCESS
10.4.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS TO FUEL MARKET GROWTH
11 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET, BY REGION
11.1 INTRODUCTION
11.2 NORTH AMERICA
11.2.1 US
11.2.1.1 High demand for plastic products and packaging to drive market
11.2.2 CANADA
11.2.2.1 Government-led efforts toward plastic recycling to drive market
11.2.3 MEXICO
11.2.3.1 Increasing demand for convenience food & beverages to fuel market growth
11.3 EUROPE
11.3.1 GERMANY
11.3.1.1 Rising adoption of advanced plastic recycling technologies to drive market
11.3.2 UK
11.3.2.1 Growing awareness regarding sustainability to drive market
11.3.3 FRANCE
11.3.3.1 Presence of prominent plastic recycling companies to fuel market growth
11.3.4 ITALY
11.3.4.1 Expanding plastic packaging industry to drive market
11.3.5 RUSSIA
11.3.5.1 Improved recycling capabilities to drive market
11.3.6 REST OF EUROPE
11.4 ASIA PACIFIC
11.4.1 CHINA
11.4.1.1 Rapid industrialization and urbanization to drive market
11.4.2 JAPAN
11.4.2.1 Rising emphasis on plastic waste management to fuel market growth
11.4.3 INDIA
11.4.3.1 Growing adoption of sustainable practices to propel market
11.4.4 SOUTH KOREA
11.4.4.1 Favorable government policies for plastic recycling to drive market
11.4.5 VIETNAM
11.4.5.1 Rising focus on curbing plastic pollution and untapped market potential to drive market
11.4.6 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
11.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
11.5.1 GCC COUNTRIES
11.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
11.5.1.1.1 Government-led initiatives to mitigate environmental degradation to drive market
11.5.1.2 Rest of GCC countries
11.5.2 SOUTH AFRICA
11.5.2.1 Expanding middle-class population to drive market
11.5.3 EGYPT
11.5.3.1 Improved waste management practices to boost market growth
11.5.4 REST OF MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
11.6 SOUTH AMERICA
11.6.1 BRAZIL
11.6.1.1 Rapid development of plastic packaging industry to drive market
11.6.2 ARGENTINA
11.6.2.1 Booming food & beverage industry to fuel market growth
11.6.3 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
12 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
12.1 OVERVIEW
12.2 KEY PLAYER STRATEGIES/RIGHT TO WIN
12.3 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS
12.4 RANKING ANALYSIS
12.5 REVENUE ANALYSIS
12.6 COMPANY VALUATION AND FINANCIAL METRICS
12.7 BRAND/PRODUCT COMPARISON
12.8 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: KEY PLAYERS, 2023
12.8.1 STARS
12.8.2 EMERGING LEADERS
12.8.3 PERVASIVE PLAYERS
12.8.4 PARTICIPANTS
12.8.5 COMPANY FOOTPRINT: KEY PLAYERS, 2023
12.8.5.1 Company footprint
12.8.5.2 Source footprint
12.8.5.3 Polymer type footprint
12.8.5.4 End-use application footprint
12.8.5.5 Region footprint
12.9 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: STARTUPS/SMES, 2023