PLASTIC RECYCLING MACHINE MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)
Global plastic recycling machine market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.59 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.46 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2024 to 2031.
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Strict regulations around plastic waste recycling and rising adoption of sustainable plastic waste management practices are expected to boost demand for plastic recycling machines. Growing concerns about environmental pollution due to plastic waste is expected to boost demand for effective plastic recycling solutions. The market is witnessing growth due to implementation of plastic bans in many countries like, Netherlands Japan, Thailand, etc. and favourable government initiatives like Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion Law, by Japan to promote plastic waste recycling practices. However, high installation and maintenance costs of plastic recycling machines can hamper the market growth.
Strict regulations on plastic waste disposal
Plastic, being a non-biodegradable material, tends to accumulate in landfills and the environment, if not disposed of properly. This has led governments across many countries to implement stringent regulations regarding plastic waste disposal and recycling. Major economies like China, India and several European nations have either banned or imposed heavy restrictions on importing plastic waste for disposal.
This has disrupted the existing plastic waste management processes and forced cities and waste management companies to find sustainable solutions within their territories. With landfills filling up rapidly and incineration not being a viable long-term option, plastic recycling is now being encouraged and incentivized through policy support and initiatives. Financial incentives are being offered for setting up plastic recycling infrastructure and achieving recycling rates. Compliance to recycling norms is being closely monitored through periodic audits and checks.
The aggressive regulatory push is aimed at creating a circular economy for plastics and minimizing environmental pollution from plastic waste. Municipalities and companies now have no choice but to collaborate with recycling technology companies and invest in plastic recycling machinery to reuse plastics domestically. Large recycling projects are being rolled out across many cities and regions. All these factors boosts demand for different types of plastic recycling machines capable of processing diverse plastic streams in an automated, cost-effective manner. For instance, in May 2022, Xycle a plastic recycling company, began construction of a plant in the port of Rotterdam to convert 20,000 tons of non-mechanically recyclable plastic into sustainable raw materials annually, providing an alternative for the chemical industry.
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Growing public concern about plastic pollution
Single-use plastics have become an inseparable part of one’s daily lives. However, increasing instances of marine life entanglement in plastic debris, graphics images of animal/bird ingestion of plastic, and plastic trash clogging water bodies and landscapes have raised serious public concern about plastic pollution in recent years. High-profile social media campaigns and documentaries covering the plastic pollution crisis like Blue Planet II have brought international attention to this issue. Younger consumers are more likely to choose brands that are committed to sustainability and addressing plastic pollution through tangible actions rather than commitments.
Public outcry has pressured consumer brands as well as cities and countries to reduce plastic usage and prioritize recycling. Companies now recognize the business and branding risks of not being seen to take plastic pollution seriously. Making recycling easily accessible to citizens and displaying tangible progress on plastic waste management through scientifically designed systems has become a priority for many urban local bodies and waste management authorities. This shift not only aims to address environmental concerns but also to meet the growing expectations of environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders. For instance, in June 2021, GENIUS MACHINERY, recycling machines manufacturer, responded to increased demand for washing machines and waste film recycling by providing solutions for PE, PP, LDPE, and HDPE recycling that are energy-efficient and low-maintenance.
Key Takeaways from Analyst:
Global plastic recycling machine market is expected to witness growth significantly over the forecast period due to rising environmental concerns and stringent government regulations regarding plastic waste disposal. Factors such as increasing plastic waste generation and rising need for effective plastic waste management can boost demand for plastic recycling machines. However, high investment cost for setting up recycling plants can hamper the market growth.
North America is expected to continue dominating the global market over the next five years. U.S. will remain the largest as well as the fastest growing market owing to the "War on Pollution" campaign and new policies to promote circular economy.
Europe and Asia Pacific offer lucrative opportunities for recycling machine suppliers as recycling rates are continuously rising in major economies like Germany, China, India, etc. due to stiff rules on import of rejected plastic scrap and growing awareness about circular plastic economy.
New machine designs with advanced features like ability to process mixed plastic waste, higher throughput, and auto sorting capabilities will gain more traction as these help improve recycling rates and reduce contamination in recycled plastic output. Moreover, the market is witnessing rising demand for refurbished machines from emerging economies supported by financing programs from OEMs and multi-laterals.
Market Challenge: Contamination of Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is often contaminated with other materials, making it difficult for machines to effectively separate and sort recyclables. New machine vision and sensor technologies are needed to better identify different polymer types mixed together. There is also the challenge of developing machines that can handle the increasingly complex mix of plastic products now being recycled. Build-up of residue on sorting screens and conveyor belts requires frequent cleaning cycles, reducing processing efficiency.
Market Opportunity: Increasing Volume of Recyclables Due to Policy Changes
As more countries implement plastic bag bans and other waste reduction policies, the volume of recyclables available for processing will rise significantly. Developing nations aiming to improve recycling rates represent a new and untapped customer base for manufacturers. Innovations in machine learning and robotics have the potential to revolutionize sorting capabilities, enhancing efficiency and leading to higher quality recycled materials. These superior materials can then be utilized in a broader range of products. Moreover, the growing emphasis on sustainability is driving advancements in recycling technology, paving the way for more advanced and cost-effective solutions in the market.
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Insights, By Type of Equipment - Growing Need for Plastic Washing Lines for Effective Wastewater Treatment in Plastic Recycling Processes
In terms of type of equipment, plastic washing lines segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 34.8% in 2024, owing to growing need for effective wastewater treatment in plastic recycling processes. Plastic washing lines play a vital role in removing contamination like ink, paper labels, metals, and oils from plastic waste before further processing like extruding or granulating. With increasing volumes of post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste, effective washing is crucial to ensure high recyclability and reuse of plastic materials. Stringent regulations around wastewater discharge have further propelled investments in technologically advanced plastic washing lines capable of deep contamination removal without use of excessive water or chemicals. Their ability to optimize resource usage makes plastic washing lines particularly suitable for large scale plastic recycling facilities.
For instance, in October 2022, EREMA Group started offering a readily available recycling machine called the READYMAC system. It is designed for standard post-consumer recycling applications, without the need for custom configurations.
Insights, By Application- Dominance of the Post-Industrial Recycling Segment
In terms of application, post industrial recycling segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 44.82% in 2024 due to rising adoption of closed loop recycling practices by plastic manufacturers and brand owners. Unlike post-consumer plastic waste, post-industrial plastic scrap generated during product manufacturing and packaging is cleaner and more homogeneous. This makes it easier to process and reuse it to make new products from same polymer types. Many companies have also set up in-house plastic recycling capabilities to reduce production waste. This closed loop approach helps lower procurement costs, ensures uninterrupted supply of recyclates, and improves sustainability credentials of companies. Initiatives like the Alliance to End Plastic Waste further promote such collaborative frameworks for industrial plastic waste management.
For instance, in November 2022, Polystar Machinery Co., Ltd. which is a recycling machines manufacturer, introduced a new recycling machine with advanced energy-saving technology and integrated shredding capabilities.
Insights, By Distribution Channel - OEM Dominance Due to Emphasis on Direct Accountability in Plastic Lifecycle
In terms of distribution channel, OEM segment is estimated to contribute the highest market share of 64.38% in 2024 as more plastic recycling companies now prefer to directly purchase and install new equipment from OEMs rather than go through third party resellers and distributors. Obtaining plastic recycling machines directly from their manufacturers ensures timely delivery and customized configurations as per process requirements. It also allows for direct engagement and accountability at each stage - from initial equipment selection and design to long term maintenance support. Strict Extended Producer Responsibility rules worldwide are placing more responsibility for plastic waste on producers. As a result, recycling businesses are forming direct partnerships with OEMs to ensure clear accountability throughout the entire plastic product lifecycle. This focus on direct responsibility is leading to more sales through OEM distribution channels.
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North America has been the dominant region with estimated market share of 46.92% in 2024, owing to strong presence of key industry players and well-established recycling industry. The U.S. accounts for the major share within the region due to broad acceptance of recycling practices and supportive regulatory landscape. Stringent recycling mandates have propelled the demand for sophisticated sorting and processing equipment over the years. The presence of leading OEMs such as Pellenc ST, Tomra Systems ASA, and Burek Investments B.V has ensured superior product availability. Canada and Mexico have also contributed to the regional market growth due to increasing e-waste volumes and initiatives to boost recycling rates.
Europe is the fastest growing regional market with CAGR of 7.01% in 2024. Germany heads Europe's competitive market due to emphasis on sustainability and circular economy goals. Advanced robotics and AI integration by Germany-based manufacturers such as Bulk Handling Systems, Vecoplan LLC, and Herbold Meckesheim GmbH has enhanced processing efficiencies. The Plastics Recyclers Europe association has played a pivotal role in strengthening recycling infrastructure and facilitating technology exchange. Meanwhile, major recycling hubs in Italy, U.K., France, and Spain are witnessing expansion led by policy nudges and financial incentives.
The industry presence, adoption rates, and policy environments have established North America's prominent standing whereas initiatives focusing on resource security and innovations are fuelling Europe's rapid advancement in the global plastic recycling machine market.
Plastic Recycling Machine Market Report Coverage
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 3.59 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2019 to 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 to 2031 |
| Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 6.2% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 5.46 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Segments covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
Amstar Machinery Co. Ltd., Arlington Machinery, B+B Anlagenbau, CP Manufacturing, Doll Plast, GENIUS MACHINERY, Hikon India, ICMA San Giorgio SpA, KOWIN, Munchy, Netplasmak A, Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH, POLYSTAR MACHINERY CO., LTD., Precious Plastic, PRM-Taiwan, RECYCLEAN, Sant Engineering Industries, Vecoplan |
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*Definition: The plastic recycling machine market comprises machines used to recycle plastic waste into reusable plastic products. These machines sort, shredding, wash, and melt plastic waste of different resins like PET, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, and PS. The recycled plastic can then be reshaped and remoulded into new products like plastic lumber, benches, fencing, insulation, and more. Plastic recycling machines help reduce plastic waste at landfills and lower costs for manufacturers by providing recycled plastic.
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About Author
Ramprasad Bhute is a Senior Research Consultant with over 6 years of experience in market research and business consulting. He specializing in Construction Engineering and Industrial Automation and Machinery, this professional has developed a robust skill set tailored to optimizing processes and enhancing operational efficiency. Notable achievements include leading significant projects that resulted in substantial cost reductions and improved productivity. For instance, he played a pivotal role in automating machinery processes for a major construction firm, which led to a 25% increase in operational efficiency. His ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights has made him a trusted advisor in the field.
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