Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Source, By Type, By End User, By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

Global Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics market was valued at USD 65.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 85.83 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.85% over the forecast period. As sustainability and circular economy initiatives gain momentum, the PCR plastics market has emerged as a key contributor to environmental progress.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 65.34 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 85.83 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	4.85%
Fastest Growing Segment	Packaging
Largest Market	Asia-Pacific

With growing environmental concerns and a rising demand for sustainable consumer products, the recycling sector has experienced substantial expansion. PCR plastics, derived from used plastic products, are increasingly recognized for their ability to reduce plastic waste and lower the environmental impact associated with virgin plastic production. This market growth is being driven by heightened environmental awareness and a widespread transition toward sustainable business practices.

Several factors are fueling the rise of the PCR plastics market, including more stringent environmental regulations, increased consumer preference for eco-friendly products, and a broader industry acknowledgment of recycling as a commercially viable strategy. Governments around the world are implementing regulations to curb plastic waste, encouraging the integration of recycled content into production processes.

Key Market Drivers

Government Regulations and Policy Initiatives

Government policies continue to be a key driver in the global PCR plastics market. Regulatory frameworks such as the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are enforcing minimum recycled content thresholds. For example, PET beverage bottles are required to contain at least 25% recycled plastic by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The PPWR also targets the separate collection of 77% of plastic bottles by 2025, increasing to 90% by 2029.

In parallel, the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) sets clear recycling targets for packaging materials, including plastics. Many countries are also implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, which hold manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer disposal. These regulations not only encourage but often mandate the use of recycled materials, making PCR plastics a strategic necessity for compliance.

Governments are also providing financial incentives such as tax credits and subsidies to companies that adopt recycled materials, helping to mitigate the higher upfront costs. Additionally, national commitments to international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, are reinforcing the shift toward PCR plastics as part of broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.

Moreover, several nations are restricting landfill disposal of plastic waste, further pressuring businesses to adopt circular solutions. These regulatory measures collectively create a favorable landscape for the growth of the PCR plastics market.

Key Market Challenges

Market Volatility

Despite its potential, the PCR plastics market faces considerable challenges due to market volatility. As a sector that depends on stable input prices and consistent demand, it is highly susceptible to economic fluctuations, geopolitical uncertainties, and disruptions in the supply chain.

Frequent shifts in raw material availability and pricing, compounded by regulatory uncertainties, have made long-term strategic planning more complex for industry stakeholders. These conditions have also led to reduced investment in recycling infrastructure and technological innovation, limiting the sector's capacity to scale.

To navigate this volatility, businesses must diversify their supply chains, strengthen risk management practices, and work closely with regulators to establish a more stable and supportive policy environment.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements in Recycling

Technological innovation is a critical trend shaping the future of the PCR plastics market. Breakthroughs in recycling technologies-particularly chemical and molecular recycling-are enabling the conversion of previously non-recyclable plastics, including mixed and contaminated waste, into high-quality materials with properties comparable to virgin plastics.

For instance, in February 2025, PolyCycl introduced its sixth-generation Contiflow Cracker chemical recycling system. This advanced technology integrates a continuous pyrolysis process with proprietary purification methods (PyOilClean), allowing for the transformation of low-value plastics into refined hydrocarbon oils by removing contaminants such as halogens and heteroatoms.

Other leading companies, including Eastman and PolyCycl, are also pioneering molecular-level recycling methods. These innovations are enhancing the quality, scalability, and economic viability of PCR plastics. Concurrently, AI-driven sorting systems and robotics are improving the precision of material separation, increasing recovery rates and the overall efficiency of recycling operations.

Collectively, these advancements are driving wider adoption of PCR plastics by reducing costs, improving quality, and expanding the range of recyclable materials-positioning the industry for sustained long-term growth.

Key Market Players

DS Smith Plc
Veolia Environnement SA
Suez SA
Waste Management, Inc.
Republic Services, Inc.
Waste Connections, Inc.
Biffa plc
Clean Harbors, Inc.
Stericycle, Inc.
Remondis SE & Co. KG
Plastipak Holdings Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market, By Source:

Bottles
Non- Bottle Rigid

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market, By Type:

Polypropylene
Polystyrene
Polyethylene
Others

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market, By End User:

Packaging
Building & Construction
Automotive
Electronics
Others

Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market, By Region:

Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Kuwait
- Turkey
- Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. Impact of COVID-19 on Global Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market

5. Global Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Source (Bottles, Non-bottle Rigid)
- 5.2.2. By Type (Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Polyethylene, others)
- 5.2.3. By End User (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Electronics and Others)
- 5.2.4. By Region
- 5.2.5. By Company (2024)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Type
- 6.2.2. By Source
- 6.2.3. By End User
- 6.2.4. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Source
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By End User
- 6.3.2. Mexico Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Source
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By End User
- 6.3.3. Canada Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Source
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By End User

7. Europe Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Type
- 7.2.2. By Source
- 7.2.3. By End User
- 7.2.4. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. France Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Source
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By End User
- 7.3.2. Germany Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Source
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By End User
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Source
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By End User
- 7.3.4. Italy Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Source
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By End User
- 7.3.5. Spain Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Source
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By End User

8. Asia Pacific Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Type
- 8.2.2. By Source
- 8.2.3. By End User
- 8.2.4. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Source
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By End User
- 8.3.2. India Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Source
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By End User
- 8.3.3. South Korea Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Source
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By End User
- 8.3.4. Japan Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Source
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By End User
- 8.3.5. Australia Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Source
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By End User

9. South America Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Type
- 9.2.2. By Source
- 9.2.3. By End User
- 9.2.4. By Country
9.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Brazil Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Source
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By End User
- 9.3.2. Argentina Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Source
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By End User
- 9.3.3. Colombia Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Source
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By End User

10. Middle East and Africa Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Type
- 10.2.2. By Source
- 10.2.3. By End User
- 10.2.4. By Country
10.3. MEA: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. South Africa Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Source
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By End User
- 10.3.2. Saudi Arabia Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Source
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By End User
- 10.3.3. Egypt Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Source
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By End User
- 10.3.4. Kuwait Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 10.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.4.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.4.2.2. By Source
    - 10.3.4.2.3. By End User
- 10.3.5. Turkey Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 10.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.5.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.5.2.2. By Source
    - 10.3.5.2.3. By End Use
- 10.3.6. UAE Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market Outlook
  - 10.3.6.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.6.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.6.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.6.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.6.2.2. By Source
    - 10.3.6.2.3. By End User

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porters Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. DS Smith Plc
- 15.1.1. Business Overview
- 15.1.2. Company Snapshot
- 15.1.3. Products & Services
- 15.1.4. Current Capacity Analysis
- 15.1.5. Financials (As Reported)
- 15.1.6. Recent Developments
- 15.1.7. Key Personnel Details
- 15.1.8. SWOT Analysis
15.2. Veolia Environnement SA
15.3. Suez SA
15.4. Waste Management, Inc.
15.5. Republic Services, Inc.
15.6. Waste Connections, Inc.
15.7. Biffa plc
15.8. Clean Harbors, Inc.
15.9. Stericycle, Inc.
15.10. Remondis SE & Co. KG
15.11. Plastipak Holdings Inc.