Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Report 2025

The post-consumer recycled plastics market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $15.96 billion in 2024 to $17 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to corporate sustainability initiatives, consumer demand for sustainable products, voluntary industry initiatives, infrastructure for plastic waste collection, reduced dependence on virgin plastics, economic incentives for recycling.

The post-consumer recycled plastics market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $21.75 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising global plastic waste concerns, extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, green labeling and certification, consumer education and advocacy, expansion of collection infrastructure, influence of global sustainability goals. Major trends in the forecast period include growing awareness of plastic pollution, advancements in recycling technologies, government regulations and policies, focus on closed-loop recycling systems, development of PCR content standards, collaborations across the value chain, economic incentives for recycling.

The rising demand for non-residential construction projects is anticipated to drive growth in the post-consumer recycled plastics market in the future. Non-residential construction encompasses any buildings, whether permanent or temporary, that are not intended for private use. Recycled plastics serve as a viable and low-emission alternative material for constructing these structures across various applications. For instance, plastic waste can be incorporated into green concrete, while recyclable polymers can replace materials like steel and brick. For example, in April 2023, ConstructConnect, a provider of construction data and project insights, reported a significant increase in non-residential building construction spending. Year-to-date spending surged by 17.5%, with the manufacturing and lodging sectors experiencing the highest growth rates - manufacturing construction rose by 53%, and lodging increased by 38.8%. This growth aligns with broader trends in non-residential development, reflecting heightened demand in commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure projects. Consequently, the growing demand for non-residential construction is fueling the post-consumer recycled plastics market.

The rising demand in the automotive industry is projected to boost the growth of the post-consumer recycled plastics market moving forward. The automotive industry encompasses the sectors involved in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of vehicles. Post-consumer recycled plastics are utilized in producing various interior components, including dashboards, door panels, and trim pieces for automobiles. For example, in May 2023, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, a Belgium-based organization representing automobile manufacturers, reported that global motor vehicle production reached 85.4 million units in 2022, indicating a significant increase of 5.7% compared to 2021. Additionally, a February 2022 report from Brand Finance PLC, a UK-based brand valuation firm, noted that the automotive sector achieved approximately 78 million unit sales in 2022, reflecting a substantial 10% increase. Therefore, the growing demand in the automotive industry is driving the expansion of the post-consumer recycled plastics market.

Technological advancement is a significant trend in the post-consumer recycled plastics market. Leading companies in this sector are concentrating on developing innovative technological solutions that can be applied to other elements, thereby promoting advancements like AI-powered sortation, which supports the circular economy for recycled plastics. For example, in October 2022, AMP Robotics, a Colorado-based firm specializing in AI-driven recycling solutions, introduced its AI-based system designed for the recovery of film and flexible packaging. This innovation tackles the challenges associated with sorting flexible plastics, which have traditionally been difficult to recycle due to their lightweight and malleable nature. AMP's system utilizes sophisticated machine learning algorithms to identify, pick, and sort film and flexible packaging materials from mixed recycling streams, significantly enhancing material recovery rates and operational efficiency for recycling facilities.

Major companies in the post-consumer recycled plastics market are focused on product innovation, such as the introduction of 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic pails, to offer reliable services to their customers. These pails are containers made from recycled plastic materials that have been used by consumers and reprocessed into new products. For instance, in February 2023, ExxonMobil, a US-based natural gas company, launched 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic pails. This initiative assists customers in reducing waste, converting waste into value, and furthering sustainability objectives. These pails are the first to serve as packaging for lubricating oils, promoting the use of recycled plastic, minimizing plastic waste, and fostering sustainable development.

In April 2022, SCG Chemicals, a Bangkok-based chemical manufacturing company, acquired Sirplaste-Sociedade Industrial De Recuperados De Plásticos Sa, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition of Sirplaste shares would help SCGC expand its high-quality PCR business, one of the primary products under SCGC GREEN POLYMERTM, which includes eco-friendly polymer solutions in four sectors. Sirplaste-Sociedade Industrial De Recuperados De Plásticos SA is a Portugal-based plastic recycling company.

Major companies operating in the post-consumer recycled plastics market are Veolia Environnement SA, Suez SA, Biffa PLC, DS Smith PLC, Genpak LLC, Envision Plastics Industries LLC, Multiplast Systems Inc., KW Plastics Inc., Clear Path Recycling LLC, Jayplas, Delta Plastics, Custom Polymers Inc., MBA Polymers Inc., Waste Management Inc., Republic Services Inc., Waste Connections Inc., Clean Harbors Inc., Remondis SE & Co. KG, Stericycle Inc., Plastipak Holdings Inc., CarbonLITE Industries LLC, Avangard Innovative LP, B. Schoenberg & Co. Inc., Mohawk Industries Inc., Omachron Plastics Inc., Otto Environmental Systems Inc., Closed Loop Partners, Ecoraster Inc., GridX LLC, Braskem.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the post-consumer recycled plastics market in 2024. North-America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the post-consumer recycled plastics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the post-consumer recycled plastics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Post-consumer recycled plastics represent materials derived from everyday recycled products like aluminum, paper, cardboard, and plastic bottles. These recycled plastics serve as viable alternatives in manufacturing packaging films, containers, sheets, and various products that typically rely on virgin plastic resin.

Diverse types of post-consumer recycled plastics exist, including polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and others. Polypropylene, for instance, finds application in consumer product packaging, diverse industries requiring plastic parts, including automotive sectors, specialized devices like living hinges, and fabric production. As a thermoplastic addition polymer formed from propylene monomers, polypropylene holds significant utility across various sectors. Within the post-consumer recycled plastics market, services encompass collection and transportation, recycling processes, incineration, and landfill management. These recycled plastics find utilization across industries such as packaging, building and construction, automotive manufacturing, electronics, furniture, and various other end-use sectors.

The post consumer recycled plastics market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides post consumer recycled plastics market statistics, including post consumer recycled plastics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an post consumer recycled plastics market share, detailed post consumer recycled plastics market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the post consumer recycled plastics industry. This post consumer recycled plastics 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 post-consumer recycled plastics market consists of sales of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polycarbonate (PC) plastics. 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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