Growth Opportunities in a Circular Economy for Plastics

Increased Demand for Sustainable Solutions and Need to Make New Plastic Products with More Recycled Content Will Enhance the Growth Pipeline

This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the circular economy for plastics by exploring two key areas: the market for recycled plastics and a qualitative analysis of methods to enhance plastics circularity. The research includes an overview of the demand for recycled PE, PP, PET, PVC, PA, and ABS in various industries. It expands on Frost & Sullivan's understanding of the demand for recycled plastics and their prospects in a circular economy framework.

The study discusses volume for each polymer type and each region from 2019 to 2029 and provides a seven-year forecast based on expected compound annual growth rates, with the base year of 2022 and a forecast period from 2023 to 2029.

The current size of the recycled plastics market is assessed based on factors such as circularity goals; legislative and consumer drivers; potential for material substitution; and shifting political, socioeconomic, regulatory, environmental, raw material, and technology trends. These factors, classified as growth drivers and restraints, are considered in the forecast analysis.

The study analyzes the increasing demand for products that prioritize sustainability and high performance, driving the growth of recycled plastics. Moreover, the study offers an in-depth analysis of the potential for substituting virgin plastics with recycled counterparts in various end-use applications. It also assesses the top growth opportunities for recycled plastics during the forecast period.

In addition to quantitative analysis, a qualitative assessment has been conducted on the concepts of reuse, different types of recycling methods available, and alternate feedstocks for plastics. Several case studies are mentioned and represent various reuse, recycling, and alternate feedstock cases. These cases provide an understanding of the diversity of thought in the circular economy for plastics and the various approaches manufacturers are taking to achieve circularity. This analysis provides insights into the feasibility and potential impact of implementing circular economy practices in the plastic industry.

Key Features

Objectives of Market Analysis for Recycled Plastics:

• Evaluate the current market size and growth potential for recycled plastics.
• Identify key market players, stakeholders, and their roles in driving plastic recycling initiatives.
• Analyze region-specific variations in the demand for recycled plastics.
• Assess market barriers, including economic, regulatory, and technological factors impacting the adoption of recycled plastics.
• Examine consumer attitudes and preferences toward recycled plastic products.

Objectives of Qualitative Analysis of Plastic Circularity Improvement:

• Review and analyze various methods and technologies aimed at improving the circularity of plastics, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and alternative feedstocks.
• Assess the environmental, economic, and social implications of different plastic circularity improvement methods.
• Identify technological advancements, best practices, and innovative approaches that enhance plastic circularity.
• Analyze case studies and real-world examples of successful circularity initiatives in different industries and regions.

Market Segmentation by Polymer Type: recycled PE, recycled PP, recycled PET, recycled PVC, recycled PA, recycled ABS.

Regional Segmentation:

• Americas: United States, Canada, Latin America (including Mexico)
• Europe: Western Europe (27 EU countries, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland), Eastern Europe, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
• Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA): Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar in the Middle East; African countries; and South Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh
• Asia-Pacific: China, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea