Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling - Global Stategic Business Report

The global market for Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling was estimated at US$500.4 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$762.0 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling market.

Global Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is the Urgency to Recycle FRP Materials Gaining Industry-Wide Attention?

The global spotlight on sustainability, waste reduction, and circular economy practices has placed fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) recycling under increasing scrutiny. FRPs - composites made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass or carbon - are used extensively across industries like automotive, construction, aerospace, wind energy, and marine for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance. However, their thermoset nature makes recycling extremely challenging, as traditional thermal and mechanical recycling methods often compromise structural integrity or generate environmental hazards. The rapid growth in demand for lightweight and high-performance materials has created a parallel challenge: managing end-of-life FRP waste responsibly. Wind turbine blades, decommissioned aircraft parts, and scrapped automotive components have all contributed to mounting composite waste. As landfilling becomes increasingly unsustainable and legislation around composite disposal tightens in regions such as the EU and North America, the industry is under pressure to develop scalable and eco-friendly recycling solutions. Consequently, interest in FRP recycling is no longer a niche concern - it is evolving into a strategic imperative for manufacturers, waste management companies, and regulators alike.

Is Innovation Unlocking New Pathways in Composite Recycling?

Breakthroughs in recycling technologies are unlocking new potential in the recovery and reuse of fiber-reinforced plastics. Mechanical grinding, pyrolysis, solvolysis, and fluidized bed techniques are being refined to improve fiber yield, energy efficiency, and resin separation. Among these, chemical recycling methods such as solvolysis and supercritical fluid processing are gaining traction for their ability to preserve fiber quality, particularly when dealing with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Research initiatives and pilot programs across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. are driving material recovery from aerospace-grade composites and wind turbine blades, with recovered fibers being reused in automotive, construction, or consumer goods. Additionally, innovative hybrid approaches that combine thermal and chemical processes are being developed to tackle the diversity of composite materials in the waste stream. Several companies are also investing in closed-loop systems where recycled FRP waste is reintroduced into manufacturing as filler material or reinforcement for new composite parts. As material science advances and industrial partnerships strengthen, these technologies are beginning to offer viable alternatives to landfilling and incineration - previously the dominant end-of-life options for FRP.

How Are Policy Changes and Market Pressures Fueling the Shift to Recycling?

Growing regulatory pressure and environmental accountability are compelling industries that rely heavily on FRP materials to rethink their end-of-life strategies. The European Union’s Green Deal and circular economy action plans, along with national bans on landfill disposal of composite materials, are accelerating the adoption of recycling practices. In parallel, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks are being expanded to include composite waste, holding manufacturers accountable for sustainable disposal. OEMs in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors are increasingly factoring recyclability into their design and procurement decisions, favoring suppliers that offer take-back schemes or use recycled composites. Sustainability certifications, ESG reporting, and investor scrutiny are also influencing corporate behavior, with recycling commitments becoming central to CSR and environmental policies. The demand from consumers and governments for greener, lower-carbon solutions is creating reputational and economic incentives for industries to close the loop on FRP use. In response, consortiums and cross-industry collaborations are forming to create standardized recycling infrastructures and promote shared best practices. These evolving market dynamics are transforming recycling from an operational burden into a competitive differentiator and long-term cost management strategy.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the FRP Recycling Market Globally?

The growth in the fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) recycling market is driven by several factors across technology, regulation, industry behavior, and environmental priorities. First, the increase in global FRP production - especially in wind energy, automotive lightweighting, and infrastructure - has created a proportional surge in composite waste volumes. This waste accumulation is intensifying the need for sustainable disposal methods. Second, stricter regulatory frameworks and landfill restrictions are pushing industries to seek compliant, eco-efficient recycling alternatives. Third, the emergence of commercially viable recycling technologies, particularly for high-value CFRPs, is making the economics of recycling more attractive than ever before. Additionally, there is rising industrial interest in integrating recycled content into new manufacturing streams to reduce environmental impact and meet circular economy goals. The shift toward sustainability-driven procurement and product lifecycle design is encouraging original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to adopt recyclable and recycled materials proactively. Lastly, supportive public policies, funding for R&D, and the rise of sustainability-conscious consumers are collectively reinforcing the demand for responsible waste management practices in composites. As these forces converge, the FRP recycling market is set for strong and sustained growth, underpinned by the twin imperatives of environmental responsibility and material recovery efficiency.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Product (Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic, Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic); Recycling Technique (Thermal/Chemical Recycling, Incineration & Co-Incineration Recycling, Mechanical Recycling); End-Use (Industrial End-Use, Transportation End-Use, Building & Construction End-Use, Sports & Leisure End-Use)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic segment, which is expected to reach US$563.0 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 8.2%. The Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic segment is also set to grow at 4.9% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $136.3 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 11.5% CAGR to reach $161.7 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Aditya Birla Chemicals, Aeron Composite Pvt. Ltd., Carbon Conversions, Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry Co. Ltd, Carbon Fiber Recycling and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured):

• Aditya Birla Chemicals
• Aeron Composite Pvt. Ltd.
• Carbon Conversions
• Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry Co. Ltd
• Carbon Fiber Recycling
• Conenor Ltd
• Eco-Wolf Inc.
• ELG Carbon Fibre Ltd.
• EMG Carbon Fibre Ltd.
• Gen 2 Carbon Limited
• Global Fiberglass Solutions
• Karborek Recycling Carbon Fibers
• MCR (Mixt Composites Recyclables)
• Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials GmbH
• neocomp GmbH
• Procotex Corporation
• Reprocover
• Toray Industries, Inc.
• Ucomposites A/S
• Vartega Inc.

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What’s Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry