Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Report 2026

The post-consumer recycled plastics market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.84 billion in 2025 to $17.9 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of plastic recycling programs, rising environmental awareness among consumers, growth of packaging and consumer goods industries, increased availability of post-consumer plastic waste, early adoption of mechanical recycling processes.

The post-consumer recycled plastics market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.41 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing regulatory mandates for recycled content, rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, expansion of chemical recycling technologies, growing investments in circular economy infrastructure, increasing use of recycled plastics in automotive and construction. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for circular plastic materials, rising adoption of recycled content packaging, growing investment in advanced plastic recycling technologies, expansion of high-quality pcr resin applications, enhanced focus on material traceability and compliance.

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.

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 June 2024, Dow Inc., a US-based materials science company, acquired Circulus for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Dow aims to expand its mechanical recycling capabilities and increase its supply of post-consumer resins (PCR) to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials. Circulus Holdings PBLLC is a US-based plastics recycling company that converts plastic waste into post-consumer resins.

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, Custom Polymers Inc., MBA Polymers Inc., Waste Management Inc., Republic Services Inc., Waste Connections Inc., Remondis SE & Co KG, Plastipak Holdings Inc., CarbonLITE Industries LLC, Avangard Innovative LP, Otto Environmental Systems Inc., Closed Loop Partners.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the post-consumer recycled plastics market in 2025. 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, South East Asia, 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, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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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