PCR Plastic Packaging Market Report 2026

The pcr plastic packaging market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $54.73 billion in 2025 to $58.21 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising plastic waste generation, early adoption of recycled plastics in packaging, expansion of collection and recycling programs, increasing sustainability commitments by brands, availability of basic recycled plastic materials.

The pcr plastic packaging market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $75.07 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing regulatory enforcement on recycled content, rising investments in chemical recycling, growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, expansion of food-grade pcr applications, increasing collaboration across recycling value chains. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of post-consumer recycled plastic packaging, rising demand for high-quality pcr resins, growing integration of recycled content mandates, expansion of advanced plastic recycling technologies, enhanced focus on circular packaging models.

The expansion of e-commerce activities is expected to drive the growth of the PCR plastic packaging market in the coming years. E-commerce activities include online buying and selling, digital payment systems, and a variety of transaction models that have transformed modern commerce through the internet. PCR plastic is widely used in e-commerce shipping applications such as mailers, bubble wrap, and protective packaging, as it offers durability while supporting environmental responsibility by reducing reliance on virgin plastics. For example, in November 2023, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau, part of the United States Department of Commerce, retail e-commerce sales in the United States reached approximately $284.1 billion in the third quarter of 2023, representing a 2.3% increase compared with the second quarter of 2023. Therefore, the rapid growth of e-commerce activities is driving the expansion of the PCR plastic packaging market.

Major companies operating in the PCR plastic packaging market are increasingly emphasizing innovative product development and sustainable branding, including the introduction of 100% PCR bottles, to enhance environmental sustainability by using post-consumer recycled materials. Bottles made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic demonstrate a strong commitment to circular economy principles and reduced environmental impact. For instance, in November 2023, Berry Global Group, Inc., a US-based plastic packaging manufacturer, launched a range of reusable bottles made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic for The Bio-D Co., a UK-based eco-friendly cleaning products company. These bottles are available in 25-ounce, 33-ounce, and 1.3-gallon sizes for products such as laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, dishwasher rinse aid, dish soap, and home and garden cleaners. Bio-D plans to distribute these bottles through more than 300 refill stores across the UK, allowing consumers to reuse and recycle packaging. The use of PCR bottles helps reduce carbon emissions, cutting approximately 14.3 tons of CO₂ annually compared with virgin plastic packaging.

In August 2024, Dow Inc., a US-based manufacturing company, acquired Circulus Holdings for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Dow aimed to expand its mechanical recycling capabilities and strengthen its supply of high-quality post-consumer resin for sustainable plastic packaging solutions. Circulus Holdings PBLLC is a US-based recycling and manufacturing company specializing in the production of food-grade and non-food-grade post-consumer resin derived from recycled low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene for use in flexible packaging and related applications.

Major companies operating in the pcr plastic packaging market are Amcor Limited, Berry Global Group Inc., Mondi Group, DS Smith Plc, Sonoco Products Company, Silgan Holdings Inc., Silgan Dispensing Systems, Pactiv Evergeen Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Huhtamäki Oyj, Inteplast Group, Plastipak Holdings Inc., Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, INDEVCO, Printpack Inc., Coveris Holdings S.A., Charter Next Generation Inc., ProAmpac Holdings Inc., Winpak Ltd., Greif Inc., Alpha Packaging Holdings Inc., NEX Films, Genpak LLC, Envision Plastics, Palcon Corporation, Spectra Packaging Solutions Ltd., Reflex Packaging Inc., Kelly Green Products, Mills River.

Europe was the largest region in the PCR plastic packaging market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the pcr plastic packaging market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the pcr plastic packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The PCR plastic packaging market consists of sales of PCR plastic bottles, PCR plastic containers, PCR plastic tubs, and PCR plastic trays. 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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