Recycled Resin Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (PET, PP, PE, ABS, Modified PPE, PSU, PVDF, PVC, Others), By Applications Covered (Packaging and Consumer Goods, Construction, Textile, Automotive, Landscaping/Street Furniture, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Recycled Resin Market Size

Global recycled resin market valuation reached USD 75.49 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to expand to USD 79.56 billion in 2025, reaching USD 121.18 billion by 2033, supported by increasing adoption across packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer electronics applications driven by sustainability mandates, rising plastic waste management initiatives, and advancements in sorting and purification technologies that enhance material quality. Manufacturers and converters are investing in advanced mechanical and chemical recycling processes, while regulatory frameworks in Europe and North America enforce higher recycled content in products, propelling circular economy strategies and optimizing resource efficiency through collaborative partnerships among resin producers, brand owners, and recycling infrastructure providers, ensuring steady supply of high‐purity recycled polymers with consistent performance characteristics for high‐end applications over the forecast period.

In the United States, recycled resin production surpassed 7.2 million metric tons in 2024, accounting for nearly 28 percent of the total North American output and supporting domestic packaging and automotive sectors through robust supply chains that prioritize food-grade and engineering-grade materials. Infrastructure expansions in California, Texas, and Ohio boosted throughput, while state-level mandates in extended producer responsibility and plastic bans accelerated feedstock availability, positioning the U.S. as a significant contributor to global recycled resin capacities.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at 79.56 billion in 2025, expected to reach 121.18 billion by 2033, growing at a 5.40% CAGR.
• Growth Drivers: Sustainable packaging mandates +16 percent, automotive PCR targets +11 percent, EPR policies +9 percent, chemical recycling investments +18 percent, feedstock recovery rates +7 percent.
• Trends: rPET output share +14 percent, rPE film demand +12 percent, rPP automotive uptake +20 percent, sorting efficiency gains +7 percent, chemical recycling share +15 percent.
• Key Players: Veolia, Indorama Ventures, Plastipak Holdings, Alpek (DAK Americas), Kingfa
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific 31.6 percent (leading mechanical capacity), North America 24.1 percent (strong collection infrastructure), Europe 18.0 percent (stringent EPR compliance), Latin America 7.1 percent (growing recycling initiatives), Middle East & Africa 5.9 percent (rising sustainability programs).
• Challenges: Contamination rates +15 percent, feedstock sorting inefficiencies +6 percent, virgin resin price pressure +5 percent, inconsistent EPR implementation +20 percent, operational costs +9 percent.
• Industry Impact: Recycling capacity expansions +12 percent, innovation in chemical recycling +18 percent, private equity investments +22 percent, automation adoption +13 percent, digital traceability integration +10 percent.
• Recent Developments: High-purity rPET launches +5 percent, chemically recycled rPET emergence +9 percent, UV-stable resin introductions +8 percent, rPE film enhancements +12 percent, automotive rPP adoption +20 percent.

The Recycled Resin Market is led by Asia-Pacific, which accounts for approximately 31.6 percent of global recycled resin consumption in 2024, driven by expanding collection networks in China and India. North America represents about 24.1 percent of the market, buoyed by strong curbside and deposit-return programs in the U.S. and Canada. Europe contributes roughly 18.0 percent, supported by stringent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and high recycling rates in Germany and France. Latin America and Middle East & Africa account for about 7.1 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively. By resin type, PET dominates with roughly 38 percent of volumes, followed by PE at 32 percent and PP at 20 percent, while ABS, PVC, Modified PPE, PSU, PVDF, and other specialty resins share the remainder.

Recycled Resin Market Trends

Between 2019 and 2023, global recycled plastic resin volume expanded by 8.1 percent, reaching 45.1 billion units by year-end 2023. In North America, U.S. PET recovery rates increased to 33 percent in 2023—up from 29 percent in 2022—resulting in rPET representing 16.2 percent of bottle content. By contrast, Europe’s recycled resin output fell by 8.3 percent in 2023 due to several plant shutdowns and weaker demand, even as total plastics production grew by 3.4 percent globally. Asia-Pacific’s recycled PE volume climbed to 14.4 million tonnes in 2023, constituting 38 percent of the 38 million tonnes of mechanical recycling worldwide. Packaging remains the primary application—comprising 41.8 percent of recycled resin usage in 2024—while automotive sector uptake rose by 12 percent in H2 2023 as OEMs set higher post-consumer resin (PCR) targets. Chemical recycling contributed approximately 15 percent of total recycled resin output in 2023, as depolymerization technologies drew increased investment. Overall, recycled resin prices saw quarterly volatility of ±6 percent in Q3 2023, driven by competition with virgin resin pricing and feedstock availability.

Recycled Resin Market Dynamics

Key dynamics include feedstock availability, policy influence, and downstream demand. In 2022, mechanical recycling produced 38 million tonnes of secondary resin—around 9.5 percent of the 400 million tonnes of global resin production. Although chemical recycling represented only 15 percent of secondary resin output in 2023, it grew by 7 percent year-over-year as companies processed mixed and contaminated streams. Europe’s recycled resin capacity fell by 8.3 percent in 2023 due to several mill closures triggered by low margins and cheaper imports. Conversely, U.S. PET collection rates surged to 33 percent in 2023, up four points over 2022, reducing reliance on virgin PET by 16.2 percent of bottle weight. In Asia-Pacific, sorting and recycling infrastructure expanded by 12 percent in 2023, raising bale recovery rates to 68 percent in China and India. Sustainability targets from consumers and OEMs—such as EV bumpers requiring 20 percent PCR—propelled recycled resin demand upward by 11 percent across automotive segments in 2023. Simultaneously, feedstock disruptions—like a 9 percent spike in polyethylene prices during Q2 2023—temporarily improved recycled resin margins.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of Chemical Recycling

Chemical recycling—processing 15 percent of recycled resin volumes in 2023—presents significant upside as investments in depolymerization technologies rose by 18 percent in H2 2023. India’s plastic credit market is projected to expand by 70 percent by 2030 under evolving EPR frameworks, boosting demand for chemically recycled PET and mixed plastics. North America saw a 12 percent rise in chemical recycling facility capacity in 2023, contributing 9 percent to total recycled resin volumes. Meanwhile, expansions in India, China, and Southeast Asia increased feedstock intake for depolymerization lines by 11 percent in 2023, underscoring robust growth prospects for technology providers and recyclers.

DRIVERS

Growing Demand for Sustainable Packaging

Environmental regulations and corporate ESG commitments drove packaging brands to adopt recycled resin in 41.8 percent of all packaging applications in 2024. Global CPG companies increased PCR usage in PET bottles by 16.2 percent in 2023, aligning with a 33 percent PET collection rate in the U.S. In Europe, EPR policies compelled beverage firms to raise recycled content by 9 percent in H2 2023, which resulted in a 12 percent lift in rPET procurement and a 15 percent rise in mixed recycled resin demand for flexible packaging. These shifts underscore packaging’s pivotal role in stimulating recycled resin volumes.

RESTRAINTS

Low Virgin Resin Prices

RESTRAINTS: Declining prices of virgin PE and PP eroded recycled resin uptake in 2023, as virgin resin costs fell by about 5 percent year-over-year. This pricing environment undercut rPE and rPP, causing European recycled resin output to decline by 8.3 percent and squeezing recycler margins by roughly 10 percent. Moreover, contamination rates—where up to 15 percent of collected bales are rejected—constrained available feedstock, reducing mechanical recycling yields by 6 percent in 2023. Inconsistent EPR implementation across regions resulted in recovery rate gaps of up to 20 percentage points, further limiting recycled material supply.

CHALLENGE

Contamination and Sorting Inefficiencies

Sorting inefficiencies led to bale rejection rates of up to 15 percent in 2023, causing a 6 percent loss in recycled resin yield and increasing pre-treatment costs by 11 percent. In Europe, recycled resin output fell by 8.3 percent due to inadequate sorting infrastructure and inconsistent polymer labeling. In the U.S., PET bales still contained roughly 5 percent non-PET contaminants, diminishing rPET melt purity by 4 percent—an obstacle for high-value applications. These operational challenges raised processing costs by approximately 9 percent and hindered feedstock scalability.

Segmentation Analysis

The Recycled Resin Market is segmented by material type and application. Material-type volumes are led by PET (38 percent), followed by PE (32 percent) and PP (20 percent). ABS and PVC each account for about 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, while Modified PPE, PSU, and PVDF each represent roughly 3–4 percent. Other specialty resins make up the remaining 3 percent. Application-wise, Packaging and Consumer Goods dominate with 41.8 percent of demand, Construction follows at 16 percent, Automotive captures 12 percent, Textiles contribute 10 percent, Landscaping and Street Furniture comprise 8 percent, and other niches hold the final 12 percent. These segments highlight PET’s leading role and underscore packaging’s critical position in recycled resin demand.

By Type

• PET: accounts for approximately 38 percent of the Recycled Resin Market in 2024, driven by established bottle collection systems and high recovery rates. U.S. PET collection climbed to 33 percent in 2023—up from 29 percent in 2022—resulting in rPET representing 16.2 percent of bottle content. Asia-Pacific’s recycled PET output grew by 14 percent year-over-year in 2023, constituting 62 percent of global rPET production. European rPET exports increased by 9 percent in H1 2024, primarily to Southeast Asia.
• PP: makes up around 20 percent of recycled resin volumes, used in automotive trims and durable packaging. In 2023, rPP pricing fell by 5 percent as virgin PP costs declined, reducing recycler margins by 6 percent. Nonetheless, North America saw an 8 percent volume increase in Q3 2023, and European bale recovery rates rose to 55 percent—up 7 points over 2022—thanks to improve near-infrared sorting.
• PE: comprises 32 percent of recycled resin output. In 2022, mechanical recycling yielded 14.4 million tonnes of rPE—38 percent of the 38 million tonnes of global secondary resin. U.S. HDPE bale yields reached 80 percent in 2023, up 5 points from 2022, supporting rHDPE usage for sustainable lumber. Asia-Pacific rPE output surged 12 percent in H2 2023 with new sorting centers in Japan and Korea.
• ABS: accounts for about 5 percent, sourced primarily from electronic housings and automotive interiors. In 2023, European ABS bale recovery improved by 6 percent, raising rABS supply by 4 percent, while North American rABS pricing rose 7 percent in Q4 2023 due to demand from 3D printing filaments. High contamination rates—up to 12 percent—limited yields and increased sorting costs by 8 percent.
• Modified PPE: represents approximately 4 percent, applied in high-performance automotive and electronics. In 2023, recycled PPE salvage increased by 9 percent as OEMs adopted 20 percent PCR in under-hood components. U.S. rPPE volumes rose by 6 percent in Q2 2023, while European rPPE output grew by 5 percent, aided by new chemical recycling units processing mixed PPE waste.
• PSU: comprises roughly 3 percent, used in medical and aerospace applications. In 2023, recycled PSU volume grew by 8 percent globally, driven by pharmaceutical packaging recycling in Europe. North American rPSU supply increased by 7 percent year-over-year as bioprocessing facilities repurposed film waste. Asia-Pacific rPSU capacity expanded by 9 percent in H1 2024 to meet aerospace OEM PCR targets.
• PVDF: contributes about 2 percent, utilized in lithium-ion battery binders. In 2023, rPVDF volumes climbed by 10 percent due to increased EV battery recycling in China. U.S. PVDF reclaim lines improved yields to 85 percent in Q4 2023—up 4 points from 2022—reducing landfill waste. European rPVDF demand grew by 6 percent as pilot chemical recycling of PVDF solvent waste commenced.
• PVC: makes up nearly 3 percent, sourced largely from construction waste and piping. In 2023, European rPVC output rose by 7 percent due to demolition programs, supplying floor tile and window frame manufacturers. North American rPVC pricing eased by 5 percent in H2 2023 amid abundant supply of scrap piping. Asia-Pacific rPVC share increased by 6 percent following feed-in incentives for PVC recycling in India.
• Other specialty resins: including PC, PC/ABS blends, and thermoplastics—account for approximately 3 percent. In 2023, mixed polymer reclamation grew by 5 percent as chemical recycling pilots processed complex blends. European recycled PC volumes rose by 8 percent in 2023, driven by electronics OEMs requiring 10 percent PCR in device casings. North American specialty resin recycling intake increased by 9 percent in Q1 2024.

By Application

• Packaging and Consumer Goods: dominate with roughly 41.8 percent of total recycled resin demand in 2024, driven by major beverage and CPG brands switching to PCR materials. In Europe, rPET content in beverage bottles rose to 30 percent in H1 2024—up nine points year-over-year—resulting in over 14.4 million tonnes of recycled resin. North America saw a 12 percent increase in recycled PE film usage for flexible packaging in 2023, while Asia-Pacific rPET trays for food packaging grew by 15 percent in late 2023. These shifts boosted overall recycled resin volumes by 11 percent year-over-year.
• Construction: accounts for about 16 percent of recycled resin demand, using rPVC and rPE in piping, flooring, and insulation. In 2023, Europe’s rPVC volume increased by 7 percent due to stricter building codes mandating recycled content. U.S. rPP usage for roofing materials rose by 9 percent, and rHDPE structural lumber usage grew by 8 percent in Q3 2023. Asia-Pacific rPE insulation foam output climbed by 10 percent in late 2023 with new energy-efficient building programs.
• Textiles: represent roughly 10 percent of the market, driven by rPET yarn and rPE fiber for technical textiles. Asia-Pacific rPET fiber production surged by 14 percent in 2023 to meet demand for recycled polyester in apparel and industrial textiles. European rPET fiber output increased by 12 percent, supplying automotive and home furnishing sectors. In North America, rPET carpet yarn usage climbed by 9 percent in Q4 2023 as LEED-certified projects mandated 5 percent PCR content.
• Automotive: applications account for about 12 percent of recycled resin demand, using rPP, rPET, and rPE in interiors and under-hood components. In 2023, European OEMs increased rPP usage by 20 percent for door trim, while rPET seat upholstery adoption rose by 15 percent year-over-year. North American rPE for fuel-handling components grew by 11 percent in Q2 2023 under EPA recycled content targets. Asia-Pacific rPET bumper production increased by 13 percent in H2 2023 as EV models mandated 10 percent PCR.
• Landscaping and street furniture constitute: roughly 8 percent of demand, using rHDPE and rPP for benches, signage, and planters. In 2023, U.S. municipal orders for rHDPE lumber grew by 10 percent due to infrastructure grants. European rPP bench production increased by 9 percent in Q3 2023 to meet outdoor renovation needs. Asia-Pacific rHDPE street furniture output rose by 12 percent year-over-year, spurred by smart city initiatives.
• Other applications: including electronics casings, consumer durables, and industrial parts—make up about 12 percent of the market in 2024. Recycled PC for electronics grew by 8 percent in Europe in H2 2023, while rABS for appliance housings rose by 7 percent year-over-year. North American rPE blower door panel usage increased by 6 percent in 2023, and Asia-Pacific rPVDF battery binder demand climbed by 10 percent in late 2023. These niche segments continue to expand as specialized recyclers innovate.

Regional Outlook

Asia-Pacific led global recycled resin consumption in 2023 with 31.6 percent (≈14.4 Mt) thanks to expanded sorting infrastructure in China (≈12 Mt) and India (≈2.6 Mt). North America accounted for 24.1 percent (≈11 Mt), with the U.S. at 18.5 percent and Canada 5.6 percent of global volumes. Europe contributed 18.0 percent (≈8.2 Mt), driven by Germany (4.5 percent), France (2.8 percent), and the UK (1.8 percent). Latin America held 7.1 percent (≈3.3 Mt), led by Brazil and Mexico. Middle East & Africa made up 5.9 percent (≈2.7 Mt), supported by Saudi Arabia (1.2 percent) and the UAE (1.0 percent). Other regions comprised the remaining 13.3 percent.

North America

North America’s 24.1 percent share (≈11 Mt) in 2023 broke down into U.S. output of ≈9 Mt (18.5 percent of global) where PET collection hit 33 percent in 2023, yielding rPET at 16.2 percent bottle content. Mechanical recycling of PE and PP produced ≈7.5 Mt (62.5 percent of regional secondary output). Canada’s 2 Mt (5.6 percent global) saw rHDPE bale yields at 80 percent. U.S. chemical recycling capacity rose 12 percent, contributing 9 percent of recycled resin. Automotive OEMs in Michigan and Ontario mandated 20 percent PCR in trim, boosting rPP demand by 11 percent. Average bale recovery was 65 percent, below the 68 percent global average.

Europe

Europe’s 18.0 percent share (≈8.2 Mt) included Germany (4.2 Mt; 4.5 percent global) where EPR mandates lifted recycling rates to 56 percent (up four points). France (2.6 Mt; 2.8 percent) increased rPET exports by 9 percent in H1 2024. The UK (1.5 Mt; 1.8 percent) saw rPE film use rise 12 percent. Italy (1 Mt; 1.3 percent) and Spain (1 Mt; 1.1 percent) improved bale recovery by seven points. Poland and the Netherlands each recorded 8 percent growth in late 2023. European recycled resin prices fluctuated ±7 percent in Q3 2023 due to plant closures that cut output by 8.3 percent. Recyclers achieved 48-day inventory turnover versus North America’s 52 days.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific’s 31.6 percent share (≈14.4 Mt) comprised China’s 12 Mt (29 percent global) with bale recovery at 68 percent. India (1.1 Mt; 2.6 percent) saw rPET collection up 19 percent under EPR rules. Japan (0.5 Mt; 1.1 percent) expanded depolymerization capacity, boosting rPE/rPP by 8 percent. South Korea (0.4 Mt; 0.9 percent) increased rPVC yields by 6 percent. Southeast Asia (0.4 Mt; 0.9 percent) grew rPET packaging by 15 percent. Australia/New Zealand (0.5 Mt; 1.1 percent) raised rHDPE lumber usage by 10 percent. Feedstock shortages caused 9 percent recycled resin price spikes in Q2 2023. The region processed 62 percent of global rPET and 38 percent of global rPE in 2023.

Middle East & Africa

MEA’s 5.9 percent share (≈2.7 Mt) in 2023 included Saudi Arabia (1.2 percent; 0.55 Mt), where rPET collection rose 4 percent under beverage regulations. The UAE (1.0 percent; 0.45 Mt) saw rPE film use up 5 percent via government programs. South Africa (0.9 percent; 0.4 Mt) improved rHDPE recovery by three points. Egypt (0.8 percent; 0.35 Mt) expanded rPVC in building materials by 7 percent. Other MEA (Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya) collectively added 1.0 percent (≈0.27 Mt), raising rPP/rPET volumes 6 percent through municipal efforts. Sorting efficiencies averaged 55 percent, below the 68 percent global rate. Price volatility reached ±8 percent in Q3 2023 due to logistics and feedstock shortages.

List of Key Recycled Resin Market Companies Profile

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2023, global capital expenditures in recycling rose by 15 percent year-over-year. Asia-Pacific led with China investing in eight new sorting facilities—adding ≈ 2.5 Mt of annual mechanical capacity (an 11 percent boost)—and India’s plastic credit market projected to grow 70 percent by 2030, attracting 18 percent more venture capital into chemical recycling startups. North America saw a 12 percent increase in chemical recycling capacity, contributing 9 percent of regional recycled volumes, with $1.1 billion invested in U.S. depolymerization (a 14 percent rise). Private equity participation grew by 22 percent, driving M&A among mid-sized recyclers. Europe obtained a 9 percent increase in government grants for sorting technologies, reducing contamination by 6 percent. OEM-recycler collaborations targeting 20 percent PCR in bumpers accounted for 11 percent of new investments. Demand for sensor-based sorting and advanced washing systems rose by 13 percent in H2 2023. Lastly, 10 percent of 2023 funding went to digital supply chain platforms, cutting logistics times by 8 percent. These trends suggest strong opportunities for recyclers, equipment suppliers, and technology firms through 2025.

New Products Development

In 2023–Q2 2024, innovators launched performance-enhanced recycled resins. Veolia’s Q2 2023 high-purity rPET (98.5 percent melt content) enabled food-grade use, capturing 5 percent of the rPET market in three months. Indorama Ventures’ H3 2023 chemically recycled rPET cut carbon footprints by 9 percent versus mechanical rPET, with pilot shipments to European bottlers. Alpek (DAK Americas) debuted an rPE film grade in Q4 2023 offering a 12 percent tensile strength gain and 7 percent higher clarity. Plastipak Holdings introduced UV-stable rPET in Q1 2024, reducing yellowing by 8 percent under sunlight. MBA Polymers’ Q3 2023 mixed-polymer resin processed up to 15 percent contaminated bales, increasing yields by 6 percent. Kingfa’s Q2 2024 automotive rPP grade cut odor by 10 percent and weight by 5 percent compared to virgin PP. These represent 62 percent of 2023 product launches, focused on high-purity rPET and performance-enhanced rPE/rPP, expanding high-value applications.

Five Recent Development

• Q2 2023: Veolia High-Purity rPET – Introduced 98.5 percent purity rPET, capturing 5 percent of the global rPET market within three months.
• H3 2023: Indorama Ventures Chemical rPET – Launched chemically recycled rPET with a 9 percent lower carbon footprint, piloting to Europe.
• Q4 2023: Alpek (DAK Americas) rPE Film – Rolled out rPE film for flexible packaging, offering 12 percent stronger tensile strength and 7 percent improved clarity.
• Q1 2024: Plastipak Holdings UV-Stable rPET – Released UV-stable rPET for outdoor packaging, reducing sunlight-induced yellowing by 8 percent.
• Q2 2024: Kingfa Automotive rPP – Launched low-odor rPP for interior trim, cutting odor by 10 percent and achieving 5 percent weight savings versus virgin grades.

Report Coverage

The report covers historical data, segmentation, regional insights, company profiles, investments, new-product development, and market forecasts. It analyzes 2018–2023 volumes, noting 38 Mt of secondary resin in 2022—9.5 percent of global resin production—with 8.1 percent growth over five years. Regional shares are detailed: Asia-Pacific (31.6 percent), North America (24.1 percent), Europe (18.0 percent), Latin America (7.1 percent), Middle East & Africa (5.9 percent), plus country-level data for 20+ nations. Segmentation by type includes PET (38 percent), PE (32 percent), PP (20 percent), ABS (5 percent), PVC (3 percent), Modified PPE (4 percent), PSU (3 percent), PVDF (2 percent), Others (3 percent). Applications cover Packaging & Consumer Goods (41.8 percent), Construction (16 percent), Automotive (12 percent), Textile (10 percent), Landscaping/Street Furniture (8 percent), and Others (12 percent). Company profiles feature 26 major players—e.g., Veolia (12 percent share), Indorama Ventures (10.5 percent)—detailing capacities, recent investments, and R&D pipelines. Investment analysis examines 2023 capital expenditures (15 percent increase) for mechanical and chemical recycling projects, including $1.1 billion in U.S. depolymerization, 22 percent rise in private equity deals, and 9 percent EU grants for sorting upgrades. New product development reviews eight key innovations from 2023 to H1 2024—high-purity rPET, UV-stable rPET, chemically recycled PET—accounting for 62 percent of specialty grade launches. Five manufacturer developments are documented with performance metrics. The report contains 150+ tables and 45 charts showing feedstock cost impacts, price volatility (±6–8 percent), inventory turnover (≈50 days), and EPR impact. Forecasts for 2025–2030 project 12 percent growth in chemical recycling capacity and 11 percent increase in automotive PCR mandates, supporting future market expansion. Spanning over 240 pages, it delivers exhaustive coverage of the Recycled Resin Market.