The recycled plastics market in Europe was valued at USD 11.04 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% from 2024 to 2030. This anticipated growth is being driven by several key factors, including increased environmental consciousness among consumers and organizations, strict regulatory frameworks that promote recycling, rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and a broader transition towards circular economy models.
Europe is at the forefront of global plastic waste management efforts. Many EU member states possess the financial resources and institutional capacity to invest in advanced recycling technologies and innovative sustainability practices. In 2023, the region successfully recycled 12,409.43 kilotons of plastic, reflecting its ongoing commitment to minimizing environmental impact. This progress is further supported by a shift in consumer preferences toward eco-friendly products and a growing public focus on waste reduction.
According to the European Association of Plastic Manufacturers, plastic waste recycling in Europe has seen significant improvement—rising by 80% over the past decade. Plastics continue to play a vital role in various industries, including packaging, construction, electronics, and automotive. As a result, government authorities across Europe are emphasizing the importance of recycling and are providing incentives to businesses that adopt such practices. These efforts aim to address the challenges of excessive plastic waste and limited landfill capacity.
For instance, the European Union has established specific targets to reduce plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments. The EU plans to achieve 25% recycled content in plastic bottles by 2025 and increase that target to 30% by 2030. Further strengthening this commitment, the EU introduced Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 in October 2022. According to this new regulation, beginning July 10, 2023, only plastics produced using approved or notified innovative recycling technologies—and containing repurposed polymers—can be legally marketed within the EU.
Key Market Trends & Insights:
• In 2023, polyethylene emerged as the dominant material in the recycled plastics market, accounting for the largest revenue share of 33.1%. This leading position is largely due to polyethylene’s versatile and advantageous properties. It is lightweight and transparent, offering excellent resistance to various physical and environmental factors. Its impermeability to liquids and microorganisms makes it ideal for hygienic applications, while its ability to withstand heat and abrasion adds to its durability. Furthermore, polyethylene is known for its flexibility and full recyclability, making it a preferred choice across multiple industries focused on sustainable material usage.
• The plastic bottles segment led the market in 2023 among the various sources of recycled plastics. The market, when segmented by source, includes materials such as bottles, films, foams, fibers, bags, and others. Among these, bottles are the most recycled due to their high consumption rates, ease of collection, and strong demand for reuse in new packaging and container products.
• From an end-use perspective, the packaging segment held the largest market share in 2023. This dominance reflects the widespread use of recycled plastics in packaging applications, particularly in food, beverages, cosmetics, and household goods. Europe continues to make significant progress in recycling technologies and infrastructure development to support this demand. The continent invests heavily in modernizing its facilities and adopting innovative recycling solutions to remain competitive in the global market and to meet evolving environmental and regulatory expectations.
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Market Size & Forecast:
• 2023 Market Size: USD 11.04 Billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 20.76 Billion
• CAGR (2024-2030): 9.6%
Key Companies & Market Share Insights:
Key players operating in the Europe recycled plastics market include Veolia, Müller-Guttenbrunn Group, MBA Polymers, Inc., Paprec Group, Morssinkhof Rymoplast, Suez SA, and Berry Global Inc. These companies play a vital role in driving the growth and innovation of the recycled plastics industry through their expertise, global reach, and investments in sustainable technologies.
MBA Polymers, Inc. is recognized for its specialized services in value engineering, plastic recycling, and potential evaporation processes. The company focuses on producing high-quality recycled plastics sourced from post-consumer durable goods, including discarded electronics, household appliances, and end-of-life vehicles. MBA Polymers has established itself as a leader in transforming complex waste streams into reusable plastic materials, thereby supporting a circular economy.
Veolia, a French multinational corporation, is one of the foremost providers of environmental services globally. The company’s core areas of expertise include water management, waste treatment, and energy solutions, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovative practices. Veolia offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of both industrial and municipal clients. These include decarbonization strategies, improving energy efficiency, optimizing resource use, and implementing advanced waste treatment solutions. The company's mission is to provide practical and scalable solutions to pressing environmental challenges around the world.
Key Players
• Veolia
• Müller-Guttenbrunn Group
• MBA Polymers, Inc
• Paprec Group
• Morssinkhod Rymoplast
• Suez SA
• Berry Global Inc
• LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
• KW Plastics
• Jayplas
• Total Energies
• Borealis AG
• Rialti S.p.A.
• Iber Resinas SL
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Conclusion:
Europe's recycled plastics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by stringent recycling regulations, increased environmental awareness, and a shift towards sustainable packaging solutions. Key sectors such as packaging, construction, and automotive are leading the demand for recycled plastics. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are at the forefront, implementing policies and infrastructure to support recycling initiatives and promote a circular economy. This collective effort positions Europe as a leader in sustainable plastic management and circular resource utilization.