Plastic Waste Management Market Outlook:
Plastic Waste Management Market size was USD 39.2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 64.9 billion by the end of 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2034. In 2025, the industry size of plastic waste management is estimated at USD 41.5 billion.
The growth of the plastic waste management market is mainly propelled by regulatory frameworks designed to restrict plastic exports and enhance domestic recycling efforts. The amendment to the Basel Convention in 2019 mandates prior informed consent for the export of contaminated plastic waste among 189 countries, thereby limiting the transfer of waste from developed to developing nations. Concurrently, China’s initiative known as “Operation National Sword” has drastically decreased global imports of plastic waste since 2018. These rules promote putting money into local sorting and recycling plants, as shown by the U.S. PPI for "plastic resins and materials," which rose from about 216 index points in 2020 to roughly 289 in 2021.
Supply chains for raw materials are increasingly focusing on sourcing recycled feedstock domestically. According to UNCTAD, in 2022, the global export of primary plastic forms reached 164 million tons, accounting for 49% of the total. At the same time, the export of plastic waste saw a decline, falling from 15.4 million tons in 2012 to only 5.7 million tons in 2022. In 2024, the EU exported 35.8 million tons of recyclable raw materials while importing 46.8 million tons, which reflects a growing capacity for internal recycling. Research and development investments are supported by government grants and industry levies associated with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes under the oversight of Basel. Although consumer-level Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is scarce, service costs continue to be pressured by inflation in upstream feedstock and energy.
Plastic Waste Management Market - Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
-
Green/Circular chemical production: The production of green and circular chemicals is driving up the global need for solutions to manage plastic waste. By 2023, sustainable chemicals made up about 26% of the total chemical output around the world. The sustainable polymers market is projected to hit $72 billion by 2028, with an estimated CAGR of about 9%. Investments in greener catalytic technologies within the industry have led to a nearly 21% reduction in energy use for each chemical process. These innovations contribute to production cycles that are both cost-effective and produce fewer emissions. There's a growing demand for chemically recyclable plastics and circular feedstock loops, particularly in the packaging and automotive industries. This transition improves recovery rates and fosters the integration of a circular economy.
-
EU ECHA and REACH-like standards: According to ECHA’s REACH regulations, chemical manufacturers in the EU are required to register hazardous substances, which include plastic additives, providing comprehensive information on hazards and exposure. This legal structure promotes transparency throughout the plastic chemical supply chain. Right now, over 56% of EU facilities are operating under sustainability compliance protocols. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for green chemical formulations and environmentally friendly plastic additives. Businesses are putting money into circular process designs to fulfill REACH requirements. This regulation is prompting significant changes in the production and management of plastic-related chemicals.
1. Demand Analysis of Plastic Waste Management Market – Statistical Overview
Global Plastic Waste Generation & Recycling Demand
|
Metric |
Value (2023) |
Projection (2026) |
Key Insights |
|
The annual plastic waste generated |
400 million metric tons |
450 million metric tons |
2.5% annual growth |
|
Plastic recycling rate |
9% (36 million tons) |
12% (54 million tons) |
EU targets 30% by 2030 |
|
Plastic-to-fuel demand |
8 million tons processed |
12 million tons expected |
Pyrolysis/gasification growth |
|
Landfill diversion rate |
50% (200 million tons) |
45% (202.5 million tons) |
Declining due to stricter regulations |
Regional Demand Drivers
|
Region |
Key Demand Factors |
Recycling Rate (2023) |
Policy Influence |
|
Europe |
- EU Single-Use Plastics Directive |
32% |
55% recycled content mandate by 2025 |
|
North America |
- EPR laws in Canada/US - Plastic Pact commitments |
16% |
30% recycling target by 2030 (U.S.) |
|
APAC |
- China’s import ban |
12% |
Ban on single-use plastics in 10+ countries |
|
Middle East |
- Oil-based plastic production - Waste-to-energy adoption |
8% |
Saudi Vision 2030 recycling push |
Sector-wise Demand for Plastic Waste Management
|
Sector |
Plastic Waste Share (2023) |
Key Demand Drivers |
|
Packaging |
40% (160 million tons) |
- EPR regulations - Brand sustainability pledges |
|
Construction |
20% (80 million tons) |
- Recycled polymer demand in insulation - LEED certification trends |
|
Automotive |
10% (40 million tons) |
- EU ELV Directive (95% recovery rate) - Lightweight recycled plastics |
|
Electronics |
8% (32 million tons) |
- WEEE Directive compliance - Urban mining for e-waste plastics |
|
Textiles |
7% (28 million tons) |
- Fast fashion backlash - Polyester recycling tech (chemical recycling) |
Technology Adoption Trends
|
Waste Management Method |
Processing Volume (2023) |
Growth Rate (2023–2026) |
|
Mechanical Recycling |
25 million tons |
4% CAGR |
|
Chemical Recycling |
2 million tons |
18% CAGR |
|
Waste-to-Energy |
15 million tons |
6% CAGR |
|
Landfill |
200 million tons |
-3% CAGR |
Corporate & Consumer Influence
|
Factor |
Impact on Demand |
|
FMCG brands’ recycled content pledges (e.g., Unilever 25% by 2025) |
+22% demand for rPET/HDPE |
|
E-commerce packaging waste (200B parcels/year) |
+15% demand for biodegradable alternatives |
|
Public awareness (70% consumers prefer sustainable packaging) |
+30% municipal recycling program adoption |
2. Structured Analysis of Price History, Sales Volumes, And Influencing Factors
Price History of Recycled Plastics (USD/ton)
|
Material |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Key Price Influencers |
|
rPET (Flakes) |
$450 |
$480 |
$620 |
$850 |
$780 |
- EU plastic tax ($800/ton non-recycled) |
|
rHDPE (Pellets) |
$600 |
$580 |
$720 |
$950 |
$880 |
- Packaging industry demand |
|
rPP (Pellets) |
$400 |
$420 |
$550 |
$700 |
$650 |
- Automotive sector recovery |
|
Mixed Plastics |
$150 |
$140 |
$200 |
$250 |
$230 |
- Chemical recycling adoption |
Sales Volumes (Million Tons)
|
Segment |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Growth Drivers |
|
Mechanical Recycling |
18 |
20 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
- EPR laws |
|
Chemical Recycling |
0.8 |
1.0 |
1.5 |
1.8 |
2.2 |
- Hard-to-recycle plastic demand - Corporate pledges (e.g., Amazon) |
|
Plastic-to-Fuel |
6.5 |
7.0 |
7.8 |
8.5 |
9.0 |
- Waste-to-energy policies - High-calorific value waste |
|
Landfill |
210 |
205 |
195 |
185 |
175 |
- EU landfill bans (55% diversion by 2025) |
Key Influencing Factors
Regulatory Policies
|
Policy |
Impact |
Region |
|
EU Single-Use Plastics Directive |
+30% rPET demand (2021–2023) |
Europe |
|
China’s National Sword Policy |
-50% plastic waste imports (2019), shifted demand to Southeast Asia |
Global |
|
U.S. Inflation Reduction Act |
$250M grants for advanced recycling |
North America |
Technological Advancements
|
Technology |
Adoption Rate |
Impact on Prices/Volumes |
|
AI Sorting Robots |
+40% since 2020 |
Reduced processing costs by 15% |
|
Enzymatic Recycling |
Pilot phase (2023) |
Potential to cut rPET price by 20% |
|
Pyrolysis Plants |
50+ new units (2022–2023) |
Increased plastic-to-fuel output by 25% |
3. Plastic Waste Management Market in Japan: Shipments, Investments & Financial Performance
Shipments (Plastic Waste Processed)
|
Category |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Trend |
Key Drivers |
|
Mechanical Recycling |
1.8M tons |
2.0M tons |
2.2M tons |
+10% YoY |
- Stricter EPR laws |
|
Chemical Recycling |
50K tons |
75K tons |
110K tons |
+47% YoY |
- Government R&D subsidies |
|
Waste-to-Energy |
5.2M tons |
5.0M tons |
4.8M tons |
-4% YoY |
- Shift to material recycling |
|
Landfill |
2.5M tons |
2.3M tons |
2.1M tons |
-8% YoY |
- 2030 landfill ban roadmap |
Investments (USD Million)
|
Sector |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Major Projects |
|
Recycling Facilities |
$320 |
$450 |
$600 |
- Toyo Styrene’s new PS recycling plant (2023) |
|
Advanced Sorting Tech |
$120 |
$180 |
$250 |
- AI-powered robots (Fanuc, SoftBank) - NTT’s IoT waste tracking |
|
Chemical Recycling |
$80 |
$150 |
$220 |
- Mura Technology’s hydrothermal plant (2024) |
|
Public Sector Funding |
$200 |
$250 |
$300 |
- METI’s Circular Economy Initiative |
Financial Performance of Key Players
|
Company |
Revenue (USD Mn, 2023) |
Profit Margin |
Key Activities |
|
JEPLAN |
$420 |
12% |
- BRING™ PET recycling tech - Partnership with Coca-Cola |
|
Kyoei Industry |
$380 |
9% |
- Largest HDPE/PP recycler - Toyota supply chain |
|
Mitsui Chemicals |
$1,200 (Plastics segment) |
15% |
- Chemical recycling JVs - Bio-based polymers |
|
Daiseki |
$290 |
11% |
- Industrial waste processing - Zero-emission plants |
Challenges
-
Pricing pressures from raw material volatility: The volatility in raw material prices, influenced by geopolitical events and disruptions in the supply chain, has a considerable effect on chemical manufacturers involved in plastic waste management. For instance, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 led to a 31% increase in natural gas prices across Europe, which sharply elevated production costs. These fluctuations create challenges for pricing strategies and diminish profit margins. Manufacturers are faced with the choice of either absorbing these increased costs or transferring them to customers, which in turn impacts market competitiveness and the stability of demand.
-
Global supply chain disruptions and raw material scarcity: The COVID-19 pandemic, along with persistent geopolitical tensions, resulted in considerable shortages of raw materials worldwide. In 2021, the Asia-Pacific region saw a 13% reduction in chemical imports, which adversely affected the availability of supplies. These ups and downs pose difficulties for pricing strategies and reduce profit margins. Consequently, producers faced challenges in efficiently meeting the rising market demand, which in turn impacted production timelines and the overall growth of the industry.
Plastic Waste Management Market Size and Forecast:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2034 |
|
CAGR |
5.5% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 39.2 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2034) |
USD 64.9 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Plastic Waste Management Market Segmentation:
Recycling Technologies Segment Analysis
Chemical recycling is projected to take a 40% portion of the worldwide plastic waste management market, which is likely to generate the highest revenue in recycling technologies because it can handle mixed and contaminated plastics that aren't fit for mechanical recycling. This approach aligns with circular economic objectives by transforming waste plastics into feedstock for new materials. The ECHA emphasizes the continuous regulatory support for chemical recycling technologies aimed at mitigating plastic pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, initiatives from the U.S. Department of Energy are investing in advanced recycling to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.
Waste Collection & Sorting Segment Analysis
Mechanical sorting is projected to account for 28% of the global plastic waste management market, primarily driven by the growing adoption of automation in both municipal and industrial waste management. Governments around the world are advocating enhanced sorting efficiency to improve recycling rates and lessen reliance on landfills. For instance, the U.S. EPA supports innovative sorting technologies through grants and guidelines aimed at achieving the National Recycling Goal of 52% by 2030. Additionally, the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan mandates enhanced waste sorting methods to reduce contamination in recycled plastics, which in turn boosts the need for mechanical sorting systems.
Our in-depth analysis of the global plastic waste management market includes the following segments:
|
Segment |
Subsegments |
|
Recycling Technologies |
|
|
Collection & Sorting |
|
|
Treatment & Disposal |
|
|
Waste to Energy |
|
Vishnu Nair
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Plastic Waste Management Market - Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific Market Insights
APAC’s plastic waste management market is expected to hold a 40% share in the global market by 2034, propelled by swift economic development, stringent environmental regulations, and heightened investments in sustainable technologies. China is at the forefront of this adoption, supported by substantial government incentives and industrial reforms. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are concentrating on advancements in green chemistry, whereas India and Malaysia are enhancing their infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to optimize waste processing. The growth of public-private partnerships and increased funding for research and development further strengthen sustainable chemical production throughout the region.
China is anticipated to maintain the largest revenue share in Asia-Pacific, estimated at 18.3% by 2034, propelled by significant government investments in circular economy strategies and environmental reforms. The National Development and Reform Commission's allocation of $6 billion in 2023 for sustainable chemical projects has expedited the adoption of plastic waste recycling technologies. The modernization of China's industrial sector, along with rigorous pollution control regulations, enhances the demand for sophisticated chemicals used in plastic waste management. Furthermore, government incentives aimed at promoting green manufacturing, coupled with a diverse industrial foundation, support ongoing growth.
Plastic Waste Management Market in APAC – Country-wise Insights
|
Country |
Industrial Development |
Economic Progress & Investment |
Key Plastic Waste Management Initiatives |
|
China |
- World's largest plastic producer (30% global output) |
- $15B+ invested in waste management (2021-2025) |
- Banned 24 types of waste imports (2021) |
|
Japan |
- 92% PET bottle recycling rate (highest globally) |
- $2B circular economy fund |
- "Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy" (2030 targets) |
|
India |
- 3.5M tons/year plastic recycling capacity |
- $1.4T infrastructure pipeline includes waste management |
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules (2022) |
|
South Korea |
- 70% plastic waste recycling rate |
- $900M invested in chemical recycling (2020-2024) |
- Volume-based waste fee system |
|
Indonesia |
- 2nd largest marine plastic polluter (improving) |
- $1B National Plastic Action Partnership |
- $10/month household waste collection fee |
|
Vietnam |
- 3,300 recycling enterprises |
- $2.2B waste management market (2023) |
- National action plan for marine plastic waste - EPR implementation roadmap (2024) |
|
Thailand |
- 25% plastic waste recycled (2023) |
- $7B BCG economy investment plan |
- Ban on plastic cap seals (2022) - "Upcycling Upstarts" government grants |
|
Malaysia |
- 140% increase in recycling facilities (2018-2023) - Major plastic waste importer |
- $1.2B waste-to-energy investments - 35% plastic recycling rate (2023) |
- Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics - Advanced pyrolysis plants development |
Europe Market Insights
Europe is anticipated to account for 30% of the worldwide plastic waste management market share by 2034, propelled by stringent regulations from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and ambitious sustainability objectives outlined in the European Green Deal. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France are at the forefront of demand growth, fueled by increasing investments in green chemistry and circular economy initiatives. Government funding and research and development efforts concentrated on advanced recycling and sustainable chemical production support the sector's growth.
Germany is projected to maintain the largest revenue share in Europe by 2034, propelled by its strong chemical manufacturing sector, sophisticated recycling infrastructure, and governmental policies that encourage sustainable chemical development. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) fosters innovation through significant funding, which includes a €3.6 billion investment in sustainable chemicals for the year 2024. Germany's prominence in the adoption of a circular economy and its rigorous environmental regulations are fundamental to this market leadership.
Plastic Waste Management Market in Europe – Country-wise Insights
|
Country |
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities |
Research & Development (R&D) |
Export-Oriented Economy & Eco-Innovations |
|
Germany |
- 1,500+ recycling plants (30% EU capacity) |
- 50+ patents in pyrolysis tech (2021–2023) |
- 40% recycled plastic exports (rPET, rHDPE) - "Green Dot" system drives circular packaging |
|
France |
- 800 sorting facilities with AI/robotics - Largest PET recycler (Carbios’ enzymatic tech) |
- €1B+ invested in bio-recycling (2021–2025) - CITEO’s eco-design labs |
- 35% recycled plastics used in automotive (Renault, Peugeot) - EU’s top exporter of recycled polymers |
|
Netherlands |
- World’s first commercial pyrolysis plant (Brightlands) - Port of Rotterdam: EU’s recycling hub |
- 20% of EU plastic-to-fuel patents - TNO’s carbon capture from plastic waste |
- 50% waste plastics processed for re-export - Circular hotspot for multinationals (Unilever, DSM) |
|
Italy |
- 600+ mechanical recycling units (focus on rPET) - Eco-mechanical sorting (Hera Group) |
- Novamont’s bio-plastics R&D (€200M investment) - EU-funded CIRC-PACK project |
- 25% recycled plastics in luxury packaging (Gucci, Prada) - Mediterranean waste trade hub |
|
Spain |
- 400 recycling plants (30% growth since 2020) - Repsol’s chemical recycling network |
- Aimplas’ biodegradable plastic innovations - €150M for marine waste R&D |
- Top 5 global rPET exporter - Solar-powered recycling facilities (ACCIONA) |
|
Sweden |
- 100% energy-from-waste plants (malmo, Stockholm) - TOMRA’s AI sorting dominance |
- RISE Institute’s plastic-to-hydrogen projects - 15+ EU Horizon 2025 grants |
- Fossil-free recycling by 2030 (Vattenfall) - Nordic circular economy leader |
|
Poland |
- Fastest-growing EU recycler (+25% capacity since 2021) - 300+ new sorting lines (2020–2023) |
- €500M for advanced sorting robotics - COBRO’s packaging research |
- Central Europe’s recycling hub (exports to DE/NL) - Low-cost rPET production |
North America Market Insights
North America’s plastic waste management market is anticipated to account for around 26% of the worldwide plastic waste management market share by the year 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is propelled by rigorous environmental regulations imposed by the EPA and heightened government investment in sustainable chemical initiatives. The advancement of chemical recycling technologies, along with federal grants aimed at promoting clean energy chemical production, further enhances market adoption. Additionally, demand is bolstered by industrial mandates regarding chemical waste disposal and strategies focused on the circular economy.
Key Plastic Waste Management Market Players:
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The market for managing plastic waste through chemical processes is primarily controlled by multinational companies that utilize innovative and sustainable strategies. Major industry players allocate significant resources towards green technologies, initiatives related to the circular economy, and expansion into various regions. Corporations such as BASF and Dow are at the forefront with their cutting-edge recycling solutions, whereas Asian companies like Mitsubishi Chemical and LG Chem concentrate on merging digital advancements with environmentally friendly product offerings to sustain their competitive edge and comply with changing global regulations. The table below presents the top 15 manufacturers in the plastic waste management market.
Top 15 Global Manufacturers in Plastic Waste Management Chemical Market
|
Company Name |
Country |
Estimated Market Share (%) |
|
BASF SE |
Germany |
8.6 |
|
Dow Inc. |
USA |
8.1 |
|
SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries) |
Saudi Arabia |
6.4 |
|
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation |
Japan |
5.6 |
|
LyondellBasell Industries |
USA |
5.3 |
|
Covestro AG |
Germany |
xx |
|
LG Chem |
South Korea |
xx |
|
Reliance Industries Limited |
India |
xx |
|
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. |
Japan |
xx |
|
Formosa Plastics Corporation |
Taiwan |
xx |
|
INEOS Group |
UK |
xx |
|
Braskem S.A. |
Brazil |
xx |
|
Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad |
Malaysia |
xx |
|
SABIC Innovative Plastics |
USA |
xx |
|
Queensland Chemical Industries |
Australia |
xx |
Here are a few areas of focus covered in the competitive landscape of the market:
Recent Developments
- In April 2024, Dow Inc. rolled out some cutting-edge chemical recycling additives, leading to a 20% rise in adoption rates among plastic recyclers throughout North America. These new additives greatly improved the quality and recyclability of polymers, aiding the region’s expanding circular economic initiatives.
- In March 2024, BASF SE unveiled its biodegradable polymer called “Ecoflex Plus,” which helped the company increase its global market share in biodegradable plastics by 24%. This surge was mainly fueled by the growing demand for sustainable packaging within the European Union, further solidifying BASF’s position as a leader in eco-friendly chemical solutions.
- Report ID: 2770
- Published Date: Jul 16, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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