The global post-consumer recycled plastics market size is expected to reach USD 21.64 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.7% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing environmental concerns, growing urbanization, industrialization, and rising concerns to reduce the carbon footprint in the manufacturing of plastic resin are expected to drive the market.

Demand for post-consumer recycled plastics is expected to increase majorly in the packaging application and various industries, including electrical and electronics, food and beverages, automotive, and textiles. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food and beverage are the primary sectors driving the demand for post-consumer recycled plastics. In addition, post-consumer recycled plastics are used in the production of various plastics. Rising environmental concerns and various government regulations to reduce the carbon footprint are expected to drive the demand for post-consumer recycled plastic.

The global market is segmented based on type as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane (PUR). Polyethylene was the prominent source segment and accounted for over 20.0% share of the global revenue in the year 2019. The polystyrene segment is expected to witness significant growth in the future due to the high demand for packaging products, such as films, sheets, and foam, which are used in a wide range of industries.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market

Detailed Segmentation:

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market is moderately fragmented, with key participants involved in R&D and technological innovations. Notable companies include BASF SE, SABIC, Evonik Industries AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Arkema, Celanese Corporation, and Eastman Chemical Company among others. Many of these players are engaged in framework development to improve their market share.

Type Insights

In terms of revenue, the polyethylene (PE) type segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 20% in 2023. Post-consumer recycled PE is a type of recycled plastic obtained from various plastic products, such as films, sheets, and pellets. Post-consumer PE offers barrier performance along with enhanced protection, making it suitable for several food & beverage packaging applications. In the coming years, the PP type segment is likely to grow at a significant rate.

Source Insights

In terms of source, the bottles segment led the market in 2023 with a substantial revenue share. Plastic bottle is a major source for the PCR process. Plastic bottles are commonly used to package beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and other products. The huge amount of plastic bottles produced as waste by customers is used as a significant source material for recycling. Moreover, an increase in awareness regarding the need for sustainable practices will support segment growth.

Regional Insights

North America post-consumer recycled plastics market accounted for a significant market share in 2023. The regional market in North America is characterized by the presence of several players such as Eastman Chemical Company. Increased concerns over landfills and the presence of a regulatory framework in the region, along with the surging focus on reducing carbon footprint and increasing inclination of consumers toward sustainable packaging products, building & construction materials, and electrical & electronics products, are expected to fuel the demand for various PCR plastics, such as PE, PP, and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), in North America in the coming years.

Browse through Grand View Research's Plastics, Polymers & Resins Industry Research Reports.

• The global cosmetic and toiletry containers market was valued at USD 32.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2030. 

• The global Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SSBR) market size was valued at USD 12.84 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2024 to 2030. 

Key Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Company Insights

Key companies are adopting several organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as new product development, mergers & acquisitions, and joint ventures, to maintain and expand their market share.

• In November 2023, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. announced the establishment of an industrial-scale catalytic advanced plastic recycling demonstration plant at the Wesseling location of the company in the country. It will be the first single-train recycling plant of LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. that is expected to convert post-consumer plastic waste into feedstocks for fresh plastic production

• In August 2023, Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the UAE, announced the debut of new polypropylene (PP) products for the automobile sector that contains up to 70% PCR materials. The first solution comprises 50% PCR material, lowering the carbon footprint by approximately 28% compared to virgin grades. The second solution, which incorporates up to 70% PCR materials, was designed to produce wheel arches and other exterior components.

• In January 2023, PureCycle, an advanced recycling company, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges jointly announced plans to develop PureCycle's first polypropylene (PP) recycling facility in Europe. The new factory is projected to have an annual capacity of 59,000 metric tons (130 million pounds), with a high growth potential. The 14-hectare (35-acre) site can accommodate up to four processing lines, with an estimated total capacity of 240,000 metric tons (500 million pounds) per year.

Key Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the post-consumer recycled plastics market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.

• BASF SE

• SABIC

• Evonik Industries AG

• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

• Arkema

• Celanese Corporation

• Eastman Chemical Company

• Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

• Exxon Mobil Corporation

• Covestro AG

Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global post-consumer recycled plastics market based on source, type, and region:

Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Bottles

• Non-bottle Rigid

• Others

Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Polypropylene (PP)

• Polystyrene (PS)

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Polyurethane (PUR)

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

• Others

Post-consumer Recycled Plastics Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o Germany

o France

o UK

o Italy

• Asia Pacific

o China

o Japan

o India

o Malaysia

• Central & South America

o Brazil

• Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

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