Jul 24, 2024
Plastic recycling is no longer just an environmental initiative, it is a booming industry poised for remarkable growth. The global market for plastic recycling is projected to leap from $42.4 billion in 2024 to an impressive $57.9 billion by 2029, growing at a steady 6.4% CAGR. As we become increasingly aware of our ecological footprint, the push towards sustainable plastic solutions is stronger than ever.
In this blog, we'll explore the growth of the plastic recycling market, covering trends, case studies, industry leaders, and innovative startups.
The plastic recycling market is experiencing significant expansion, attracting investments and innovations. The increasing demand for recycled plastics in manufacturing and packaging sectors is a major driving force behind this growth. The consistent CAGR of 6.4% reflects a robust market poised for sustained expansion over the next few years.
One of the leading trends driving the plastic recycling market is the rise of the circular economy. Companies are adopting practices that focus on reusing materials and reducing waste. This shift not only reduces environmental impact, but also lowers costs and opens new revenue streams.
Example: Major brands are redesigning their products to incorporate more recycled materials and promote a full lifecycle approach to plastic use.
Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations and policies to encourage recycling and reduce plastic waste. These policies are creating a favorable environment for the recycling industry to thrive.
Example: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are compelling manufacturers to take back and recycle their products, leading to increased demand for recycled materials.
Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products, and this shift is pushing companies to adopt more eco-friendly practices. The trend towards sustainable living is driving the demand for recycled plastics.
Observation: Products made with recycled materials are becoming more popular, as consumers prefer brands that prioritize sustainability.
Advancements in recycling technology are changing the entire industry. From chemical recycling to AI-driven sorting systems, emerging technologies are making recycling more efficient and cost-effective.
Spotlight: Companies are now able to recycle a wider range of plastics, including those that were previously non-recyclable, thanks to breakthroughs in chemical recycling processes.
The growing plastic recycling market is attracting significant investments from both private and public sectors. Venture capitalists and institutional investors are funding startups and established companies that focus on innovative recycling solutions.
Notable Trend: Increase in investment in recycling infrastructure and technology, indicating a strong belief in the future profitability of the recycling industry.
The global market for plastic recycling is expected to grow from $42.4 billion in 2024 to $57.9 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2024 to 2029.
Sweden is a global recycling leader, with an impressive 99% of household waste recycled. The country has implemented a circular economy model, focusing on reducing waste and maximizing the reuse of materials. The success of Sweden’s recycling program can be attributed to strong governmental policies, public awareness campaigns, and advanced recycling technologies. By 2030, Sweden aims to be completely free from fossil fuels, where plastic recycling plays a crucial role in this transition.
What They Do
Veolia is a global leader in resource management, providing water, waste, and energy management solutions.
Offerings
Veolia offers comprehensive waste management services, including advanced plastic recycling technologies and facilities. They provide customized solutions to help businesses and municipalities manage their plastic waste efficiently.
Innovations
Veolia's inventions include a Japanese plant that recycles complicated plastic waste into high-quality raw materials, ensuring recycled plastics meet industry quality standards.
What They Do
Berry Global Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of plastic packaging products.
Offerings
Berry Global offers a variety of plastic packaging solutions, including sustainable and recyclable products. They focus on creating packaging that is not only functional but also environmentally friendly.
Innovations
Berry Global has developed the Entour™ line, which includes fully recyclable flexible packaging solutions. Their innovations aim to reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials and promote a circular economy.
What They Do
Custom Polymers is a global recycler and reprocessor of post-industrial and post-consumer plastics.
Offerings
They provide customized recycling solutions, transforming plastic waste into high-quality resins and compounds. Their services include collection, sorting, processing, and resale of recycled plastics.
Innovations
Custom Polymers has created proprietary technologies that enhance the efficiency and quality of plastic recycling. Their innovative processes ensure that recycled plastics meet industry standards for performance and safety.
What They Do
PureCycle Technologies specializes in recycling polypropylene, a commonly used plastic in packaging and consumer products.
Offerings
PureCycle Technologies offers a proprietary recycling process that refines polypropylene waste to produce a high-quality, virgin-like resin. This recycled resin can be used in a variety of applications, including consumer goods, packaging, and automotive components.
Innovations
PureCycle's unique recycling process removes contaminants from waste polypropylene, creating a high-quality recycled product and aiming to establish a closed-loop system.
What They Do
Novoloop transforms plastic waste into high-performance materials.
Offerings
Novoloop's proprietary technology, Accelerated Thermal Oxidative Decomposition (ATOD), converts low-value polyethylene trash into high-value materials. These materials can be used in various applications, including footwear, automotive parts, and electronics.
Innovations
Novoloop’s ATOD technology breaks down polyethylene trash into valuable chemical building blocks, producing high-quality materials that rival those made from virgin plastics. This procedure diverts waste from landfills and reduces the need for fossil fuel-based raw materials.
The plastic recycling market is poised for significant growth, driven by innovative technologies and increased awareness of environmental issues. Key players and startups are at the forefront of this transformation, developing solutions that promise a more sustainable future. By learning from successful case studies and supporting these pioneering companies, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener world.
Consider becoming a member of the BCC Research library and gain access to our full catalog of market research reports in your industry. Not seeing what you are looking for? We offer custom solutions too, including our new product line: Custom Intelligence Services.
Contact us today to find out more.
Karishma Arora is an Assistant Team Lead in Marketing Operations at BCC Research, with a master's degree in commerce. She is a passionate marketer with a knack for creativity and data-driven strategies.
In the face of increasing environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable pla...
Introduction Biodegradable polymers can decompose in soil and water with microor...
In the fascinating world of materials science, few substances captivate the imag...
We are your trusted research partner, providing actionable insights and custom consulting across life sciences, advanced materials, and technology. Allow BCC Research to nurture your smartest business decisions today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Contact UsBCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts assess growth opportunities, market sizing, technologies, applications, supply chains and companies with the singular goal of helping you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype.