RECYCLED PLASTIC GRANULES MARKET ANALYSIS

Recycled Plastic Granules Market Size and Trends

The global recycled plastic granules market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.25 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.43 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2024 to 2031.

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Strict government regulations and rules regarding plastic waste disposal and rising awareness about environmental protection are driving more companies to use recycled plastic granules. The market is witnessing positive trends owing to the implementation of stringent laws prohibiting the use of virgin plastics and landfill disposal of plastic waste across various countries. Moreover, sustainable production practices and focus on circular economy is further buttressing the demand for recycled plastic granules from industries such as construction, automotive, and packaging.

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Insights By Product Type - PP Granules Segment Leads Due to Wide Range of Applications

In terms of product type, PP granules segment is expected to contribute 35.4% share of the market in 2024, owing to their versatility and widespread usage. Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that can be easily recycled and reprocessed. It possesses desirable properties such as resistance to moisture, chemicals, and microorganisms. These characteristics make PP highly suitable for varied applications. The versatility of PP granules, coupled with advancements in recycling technologies, is expected to maintain their market leadership in the coming years.

Insights By Application - Automotive Remains the Largest Consumer of Recycled Plastic Granules

In terms of application, the automotive segment is expected to contribute 37.4% share of the market in 2024. Rising vehicular production and stricter environmental regulations are key growth drivers. Automakers actively pursue light-weighting to improve fuel efficiency without compromising safety. Plastic components help achieve this goal while retaining strength and durability. Recycled plastic granules allow automakers to procure cost-effective, sustainable plastic raw materials. 

Regional Insights

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Regional Analysis:

Dominating Region: Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is expected to command the largest share of the market, with a projected 45.3% of the market share in 2024. This dominance is driven by strong government policies that promote sustainability and waste reduction. Additionally, the region benefits from a significant presence of major recycling companies and a well-established infrastructure for waste collection and sorting, creating an ideal environment for large-scale plastic recycling.

Fastest-Growing Region: Europe

Europe exhibits the fastest growth, driven by a rapidly expanding plastic manufacturing industry alongside rising environmental consciousness. Countries like the U.K. and Germany are aggressively focusing on developing domestic recycling capabilities to meet the growing need for recycled feedstock.

Recycled Plastic Granules Market Outlook for Key Countries

Sustainable Packaging Demand and Government Initiatives in the U.S.

The U.S. leads the global recycled plastic granules market, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. In December 2023, Coca-Cola announced the launch of a fully-recycled PET bottle, reinforcing the trend toward circular economies. The U.S. government has also prioritized plastic waste management through initiatives like the “Save Our Seas 2.0” plan, aiming to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling efforts.

Germany Dominates the Europe Recycled Plastic Granules Market with Strict Recycling Laws and Technological Innovation

Germany remains a dominant player in the Europe recycled plastic granules market due to stringent recycling laws and technological advancements in waste processing. For instance, according to European Parliament report in June 2024, the total plastic waste produced in the EU in 2021 was 16,13 million tons. Around 6,56 million tons of plastic waste were recycled. In September 2023, BASF announced an investment in advanced recycling technology to boost the use of recycled plastics in production.

China Drives the Asia Pacific Recycled Plastic Granules Market Growth with Strong Government Support and New Policies

China is a key driver in the Asia Pacific recycled plastic granules market, with strong governmental support for recycling initiatives. In March 2023, the Chinese government introduced a new policy mandating that plastic packaging be made from at least 50% recycled materials by 2025. This is expected to significantly boost the demand for recycled plastic granules.

Government Investments in Recycling Infrastructure in India Drives Market Growth

The India recycled plastic granules market is growing rapidly, driven by a rising focus on sustainability and plastic waste management. In 2024, the Indian government allocated US$ 59 million to improve plastic waste recycling infrastructure as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance recycling capacity and demand for recycled granules.

Japan Boosts the Recycled Plastic Granules Market Growth with Innovation and Government Support for Circular Economy Initiatives

Japan is a leading market for recycled plastic granules due to its innovative recycling technologies. The Japanese government has implemented a policy requiring all plastic packaging to be recyclable by 2025. In February 2024, Mitsubishi Chemical announced a collaboration with Tokio Marine & Nichido and ABT, a recycling firm, to produce high-quality recycled plastic pellets for use in automotive manufacturing.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Top Strategies Followed by Global Recycled Plastic Granules Market Players

• Established players focus on extensive R&D to innovate new products. Companies like Nexus CirClean Divert and Cleanway invest heavily in R&D to develop high-performance recycled plastic products. They hire expert researchers and engineers to constantly experiment with new recycling technologies, materials science, and product formulations. This helps them stay ahead of competition.
• Mid-level players deliver cost-effective, quality solutions. Players like Polyace Polymers and Sojitz focus on being cost-leaders without compromising on quality. They optimize production processes, negotiate bulk material prices and offer competitive product pricing. This targets the large price-sensitive consumer segment looking for value buys.
• Small-scale players target niche markets with specialized products. New entrants look at developing solutions for unique industry niches. They closely work with niche customers to deeply understand their micro demands. This helps small players like Envision Plastics and Ecoplastics commercialize innovative products filling specialized needs better than generalized solutions. They leverage digital channels well for new customer outreach.

Emerging Startups in the Global Recycled Plastic Granules Market

Innovative Technologies: Companies are developing smart sensors integrated with AI and IoT. RePolySense has invented a technology using sensor fusion and machine learning algorithms. It collects real-time data on recycling streams to increase sorting accuracy and reduce contamination. Another startup Recyclotron is using robotics, computer vision and machine learning to automate plastic sorting with high efficiency.

Sustainable Solutions: Startups focus on eco-friendly products and closed-loop recycling. Companies like Closed Loop Partners are commercializing bio-based plastic made from food and agricultural waste combined with recycled plastics using novel chemical processes.

Market Contribution: Startups target niche sectors. Agilyx develops plastics-to-fuel technology converting non-recyclable plastics to diesel and gasoline helping reduce landfill waste. Polywood collaborates with furniture brands to manufacture outdoor furniture using recycled plastic lumber helping construction industry achieve sustainability goals. 

Recycled Plastic Granules Industry News

• On December 2 2024, Berry Global’s European Flexibles division reported a notable 36% year-on-year rise in the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene (PE) in its industrial, non-contact sensitive consumer, and agricultural film products. This growth highlights the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable packaging solutions and supporting customers in achieving their environmental objectives.
• The merger between Veolia and Suez was finalized in 2021. SUEZ is a France-based utility company specializing in water and waste management services. This strategic acquisition created a global leader in environmental services, combining both companies' capabilities in waste management, water treatment, and recycling. The merger expanded Veolia's footprint in the recycling and waste management sector, including the plastic recycling market, and helped the company strengthen its position in providing recycled plastic granules and sustainable solutions.

Key Takeaways from Analyst

• Rising concerns about plastic waste and strict government regulations banning single-use plastics have driven significant advancements in the industry. Leading companies are focusing on developing cutting-edge recycling technologies to enhance waste collection and processing efficiency. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a dominant player in recent years, largely due to export-driven manufacturing industries in countries like China and India, which produce substantial amounts of plastic waste. Europe is also a fast-growing market for recycled plastic granules supported by favorable policies around circular economy initiatives by the European Union.
• Regulatory push for higher recycled content in plastic products and packaging will further drive demand. Recycled plastic granules offer an affordable alternative to virgin plastic raw materials. However, inconsistent waste collection infrastructure in developing nations pose challenges to achieve economies of scale in sourcing quality feedstock. Absence of harmonized global standards for recycled plastic products impacts their trade and widespread adoption. Fluctuating recycled plastic prices depending on oil prices also influence procurement decisions of end users.

Market Report Scope

Market Dynamics

Market Driver - Increasing government regulations promoting recycling and sustainable practices

With growing concerns around plastic waste polluting land and sea, governments across the world are introducing stricter regulations to promote recycling and sustainability. Plastic production has been increasing exponentially each year due to its inexpensive and durable properties. However, most plastic items have a very short use cycle and end up as waste. Landfills are filling up at an alarming rate with plastic waste that takes centuries to decompose. Burning plastic waste releases toxic fumes into the air.

Market Challenge - High costs associated with the recycling process and technology

This market is facing significant challenges due to the high costs associated with plastic recycling process and technology. Recycling plastic requires multiple steps of sorting, cleaning, and processing the used plastic into fluid and feedstock. This recycling process is complex and requires sophisticated machinery. The machinery and equipment needed for sorting, cleaning, and processing used plastic comes with very high initial investment costs. Additionally, the maintenance and operation of these recycling plants incurs substantial operating expenses.

Market Opportunity - Innovations in recycling technologies enhancing efficiency and effectiveness

This market is witnessing significant new opportunities arising from ongoing innovations in recycling technologies. Carbios has developed an enzymatic recycling technology that breaks down PET plastics into their original building blocks, which can then be used to produce new, high-quality plastic. New melt filtration and degradation techniques are helping produce higher quality recycled plastic granules from mixed plastic waste streams. Emerging recycling robotics and automation are optimizing operations and reducing labor costs.

Market Segmentation

•  Product Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
• • PP Granules
  • PE Granules
  • HDPE Granules
  • LDPE Granules
  • Polycarbonate Granules
  • Polystyrene Granules
  • Others
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
• • Automotive
  • Consumer Product
  • Textile
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Veolia Environnement S.A.
  • BASF SE
  • Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
  • Suez Recycling and Recovery
  • Repreve (Unifi, Inc.)
  • Clear Path Recycling
  • Green Line Polymers
  • Customized Polymers, Inc.
  • KW Plastics
  • EcoStar
  • A&E Plastics, Inc.
  • Berry Global, Inc.
  • Loop Industries, Inc.
  • RPC Group plc
  • Constar International LLC