The global recycled plastics market will grow at a rate of 7.2% per year until 2035.
A new IndexBox report shows that the global recycled plastics market will grow at a rate of 7.2% per year until 2035. What is behind it?
1) Regulation – mandatory minimum recycled content (EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, US state laws)
2) Corporate commitments – EPR schemes and ESG targets of major brands (Coca-Cola, Unilever, P&G...)
3) Economics – volatility of virgin plastic prices tied to oil improves the competitiveness of recyclates
4) Technology – advances in sorting, washing and chemical recycling increase output quality
The packaging industry accounts for the largest share of demand (45%), followed by construction (20%), the automotive industry (12%) and textiles (10%).
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific dominates (40%), Europe is the most regulatory‑advanced market (25%), North America (22%) is growing but faces fragmented legislation.
A shortage of high‑quality input raw materials is considered the main risk for most companies. Contaminated waste streams and insufficient collection infrastructure remain another potential key growth brake.
Recycled plastics are moving from an ecological niche to a mainstream industrial raw material, and regulation is generating additional demand. The question is not if, but how quickly the market will adapt.
Related articles
Data on ESG help improve company management
