Low-Density Polyethylene Global Market Report 2024

The low-density polyethylene market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $51.75 billion in 2023 to $56.93 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to various factors, including industrialization and economic expansion, innovations and diverse applications of products, changes in consumer lifestyles, availability and pricing of raw materials, as well as dynamics in global trade. These elements collectively contributed to the growth of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) during that time.

The low-density polyethylene market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $82.25 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. Anticipated growth in the forecast period is driven by growing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy, infrastructure development, energy transition, and environmental policies. Additionally, increased consumer awareness of plastic waste and market consolidation contribute to this growth. Major trends expected involve technological advancements in material science and manufacturing, rising demand in the healthcare sector, global regulatory changes, and advancements in production processes.

The increasing demand for Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) within the packaging industry is poised to drive market growth. LDPE finds growing applications in both food and non-food packaging, effectively reducing packaging costs. Its favorable properties, including good tensile strength and flexibility, streamline the packaging process. In food packaging, LDPE is utilized for manufacturing items such as coffee can lids, bread bags, and fruit and vegetable bags in grocery stores. Additionally, it is prevalent in non-food packaging applications, including shipping sacks, bubble packing, envelopes, overwrap, and rack and counter bags. According to the American Plastics Council (APC), LDPE accounts for 65.5% of the total plastic film used in food packaging and 54.9% in non-food packaging. The rising demand for packaging, both in the food and non-food sectors, is a key driver for LDPE utilization in the packaging industry.

The growth of the low-density polyethylene market is expected to be fueled by the expanding pharmaceutical industry. With a focus on the discovery, development, and production of drugs and medicines, the pharmaceutical sector extensively employs low-density polyethylene materials for packaging due to their durability, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and suitability for pharmaceutical applications. Notably, projections by IQVIA Inc., a US-based pharmaceutical company, indicate an anticipated total expenditure on pharmaceuticals in the US ranging between $380 to $400 billion by 2025, up from $359 billion in 2020. This growth underscores the pivotal role of low-density polyethylene in meeting the packaging needs of the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry.

The ascent in popularity of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is expected to impose constraints on the growth of the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market. LLDPE, acting as a substitute for LDPE, offers additional benefits such as higher tensile strength and increased resistance to UV rays and environmental factors. Projections from Plastivision indicate a shift in demand, with LLDPE expected to reach 3 million metric tons for making industrial containers by 2023, compared to LDPE's projected demand of 1.2 million metric tons for kitchen appliances. The market for LDPE faces challenges due to the superior tensile strength and flexibility offered by LLDPE when compared to LDPE.

The low-density polyethylene market is currently witnessing a prominent trend of strategic partnerships, a strategy gaining popularity among major companies. Companies engaged in low-density polyethylene operations are leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance their competitive positions, streamline supply chain efficiency, and expand their market reach. An illustrative example is the partnership formed in July 2023 between Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, a Germany-based producer of inks and coatings, Wildplastic GmbH, a Germany-based producer of recycled products, and Hamburg University of Technology (TU-Hamburg), a Germany-based research university. The primary objective of this collaboration is to address the recyclability of plastic waste. A key focus area is the effective deinking of collected plastic waste before it undergoes the recycling extrusion process, contributing to more sustainable and efficient plastic recycling practices.


Major companies operating in the low-density polyethylene market are strategically focusing on introducing innovative products with reduced carbon footprints to gain a competitive advantage. For example, in May 2022, SABIC, a Saudi Arabia-based chemical manufacturing company, launched LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ PBT resin, which is produced from chemically upcycled ocean-bound PET bottles. This specific compound has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 14% and cumulative energy demand by up to 25% when compared to glass fiber. It stands as a promising material for various consumer electronics applications, including computer fan housings, vehicle seats, electrical connectors, and enclosures. This initiative aligns with the industry trend towards sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

In September 2022, Repeats Group BV, a prominent plastics recycling platform headquartered in the Netherlands, successfully completed the acquisition of Polimero Srl for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move positions Repeats Group to expand its presence in the Italian market by incorporating Polimero Srl's expertise in manufacturing high-quality recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin. The acquisition enhances Repeats Group's capabilities in delivering premium recycled materials and strengthens its position in the sustainable plastics industry.

Major companies operating in the low-density polyethylene market report are China National Petroleum Corporation, PetroChina Company Limited, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Sinopec Beijing Yanshan Company, Reliance Industries Limited, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., BASF SE, Repsol SA, INEOS Group Holdings SA, Dow Inc., Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries NV, LG Chem Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Braskem SA, Sasol Limited, Westlake Chemical Corporation, Borealis AG, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Huntsman Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Nova Chemicals Corporation, Qatar Petrochemical Company, National Petrochemical Company, Qatar Chemical Company Ltd., Versalis SpA. Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the low-density polyethylene market in 2023. North America was the second-largest region in the global low-density polyethylene market. The regions covered in the low-density polyethylene market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Manufacturing methods include the autoclave and tubular processes. Autoclaving, a sterilization method using high-pressure steam, increases the boiling point of water under pressure. LDPE applications span film, sheets, extrusion coatings, injection molding, and various other uses. Industries utilizing LDPE include agriculture, electrical and electronics, packaging, construction, among others.

The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market statistics, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market share, detailed low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) industry. This low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The countries covered in the low-density polyethylene market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) market consists of the sales of rigid and soft low-density polyethylene. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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