UK Plastics Market 2025-2035

Description

List of Tables

UK Plastics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis by Type (Thermoplastics, and Thermosets), and by Application (Packaging, Building & Construction, Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Household, Leisure & Sports, Agriculture, and Others), Forecast Period (2025-2035)

Industry Overview

UK plastics market was valued at $9,528 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $15,304 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The UK's plastic usage is fueled by the growth of e-commerce, packaged foods, electrical & electronics, household, and convenience products, driving market growth. As per the Plastics European Analysis reports, in 2024, the UK represented about 0.3% of overall European plastics production, with major players such as Germany (40.7%) and Italy (34.2%).

UK Plastics Consumption - Total Plastic Used Annually

The UK consumes approximately 5 million tons of plastic annually.
Almost half of that (approximately 2.25 million tons) is consumed as packaging.

Market Dynamics

Rise in Plastic Usage in Consumer Electronics and Appliances

The rise in plastic usage in consumer electronics and appliances is leading to an increase in plastic consumption in casings, connectors, printed circuit boards, and protective components. According to the UK Government, in September 2024, the consumer electronics and household appliances sectors play a significant role in modern life, with the UK market valued at approximately $32.9 billion for electronics and $10.07 billion for appliances. Smartphones and telephony equipment are the largest segments within the consumer electronics market, alongside major appliances.

Growing Environmental Awareness and Regulatory Pressure

The UK plastic market has been evolving over time with increasing production, bulk usage by industries, and increasing environmental consciousness. Since plastics are a part of packaging, building, car, and consumer goods, demand is robust despite increasing knowledge of their adverse impact on nature. Public consciousness, coupled with regulatory pressure, is, however, affecting company conduct, and manufacturers and retailers are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives and increasing disclosure of plastic usage.

Growing public pressure over plastic waste is compelling businesses to move towards sustainable alternatives and greater transparency in packaging usage, thus propelling the market growth. According to the Greenpeace Environmental Trust UK Org., in April 2024, UK households generate about 1.7 billion items of plastic packaging every week, translating into around 90 billion pieces a year, with only 17% of them being recycled within the country. There is a noticeable lack of progress from supermarkets and top brands in reducing plastic packaging. The survey engaged about 225,000 people from households, schools, community groups, and businesses. Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic are calling on the UK government and supermarkets to back legally binding measures in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040.

Growing Demand for Advanced Manufacturing & Lightweight Materials

UK automotive and aerospace industries are increasingly using high-strength, lightweight thermoplastic composite tapes as a result of their strength-to-weight ratio and strength. For instance, in June 2025, the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre developed the UK's first open-access, hybrid fiber-reinforced thermoplastic tape. The dual-mode processing line, manufactured by Cygnet Texkimp, provides direct melt and slurry-based processing for different polymers and applications. Thermoplastic composites provide recyclability, performance, versatility, and efficiency, and are amenable to automated manufacturing processes for high-volume production. Cygnet Texkimp's solution treats industrial-grade polymers such as Polypropylene, nylons, and PEEK from pellets through direct melt impregnation technology. It has a modular design, flatline creel and fiber spreading technologies, and can produce composite tapes with varying widths and weights.

Market Segmentation

Based on the type, the market is segmented into thermoplastics and thermosets.
Based on the application, the market is segmented into packaging, building & construction, automotive, electrical & electronics, household, leisure & sports, agriculture, and others.

Packaging Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share

Consumer demand for sustainability is driving companies to offer eco-friendly packaging solutions, leading to innovation in biodegradable and plastic-free options, resulting in market growth. For instance, in April 2024, Upfield launched a new form of packaging for its Flora Plant lines in the UK with the globe's first plastic-free paper tubs. These tubs, constructed of compressed wet paper fibers, are oil and waterproof without a plastic liner. This new packaging allows consumers to recycle the tubs along with other paper and cardboard waste after rinsing off any remaining residue, helping to encourage more sustainable practices.

Automotive: A Key Segment in Market Growth

Thermoplastic composites such as PP, PA, and PEEK are critical in battery enclosures, interior components, and cable management systems, and are propelling market growth in e-mobility and EVs. In December 2024, MBA Polymers UK and Polestar joined forces to enhance plastic circularity in electric vehicles. The two companies are working together to speed up the circular economy by incorporating post-consumer plastics in high-end car interiors. MBA Polymers UK converts plastic destined for landfill into high-quality polymers with reduced carbon footprints. ABS 4125 UL, which comes from the electronics recycling industry, has obtained UL accreditation with traceability and quality assurances.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the UK plastics market include BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Co., INEOS AG, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Developments

In March 2024, INEOS and partners launched a new film packaging with 50% recycled plastic, suitable for food contact requirements. The packaging, made from plastic waste, meets EU regulations for applications such as food contact packaging and medical devices. The packaging was launched in the UK and Ireland for Sunbites, a popular snack brand. GreenDot ensured that post-consumer plastic packaging waste was converted into TACOIL.

The Report Covers:

Market value data analysis of 2024 and forecast to 2035.
Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
Key companies operating in the UK plastics market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market.

Product Code: OMR2022756

1. Report Summary

Current Industry Analysis and Growth Potential Outlook
UK Plastics Market Sales Analysis - Category | Type | Application ($ Million)
1.1. Research Methodology
Primary Research Approach
Secondary Research Approach
1.2. Market Snapshot

2. Market Overview and Insights

2.1. Scope of the Study
2.2. Analyst Insight & Current Market Trends
- 2.2.1. Key Plastics Market Trends
- 2.2.2. Market Recommendations

3. Market Determinants

3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.1.1. Drivers For the UK Plastics Market: Impact Analysis
3.2. Market Pain Points and Challenges
- 3.2.1. Restraints For the UK Plastics Market: Impact Analysis
3.3. Market Opportunities
- 3.3.1. Opportunities For the UK Plastics Market: Impact Analysis

4. Competitive Landscape

4.1. Competitive Dashboard - UK Plastics Market Revenue and Share by Manufacturers
UK Plastics Category Comparison Analysis
Top Market Player Ranking Matrix
4.2. Key Company Analysis
- 4.2.1. BASF SE
  - 4.2.1.1. Overview
  - 4.2.1.2. Category Portfolio
  - 4.2.1.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
  - 4.2.1.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.1.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.2. The Dow Chemical Co.
  - 4.2.2.1. Overview
  - 4.2.2.2. Category Portfolio
  - 4.2.2.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
  - 4.2.2.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.2.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.3. INEOS AG
  - 4.2.3.1. Overview
  - 4.2.3.2. Category Portfolio
  - 4.2.3.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
  - 4.2.3.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.3.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.4. LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
  - 4.2.4.1. Overview
  - 4.2.4.2. Category Portfolio
  - 4.2.4.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
  - 4.2.4.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.4.5. Business Strategy
- 4.2.5. Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC)
  - 4.2.5.1. Overview
  - 4.2.5.2. Category Portfolio
  - 4.2.5.3. Financial Analysis (Subject to Data Availability)
  - 4.2.5.4. SWOT Analysis
  - 4.2.5.5. Business Strategy
4.3. Top Winning Strategies by Market Players
- 4.3.1. Merger and Acquisition
- 4.3.2. Product Launch
- 4.3.3. Partnership And Collaboration
5. UK Plastics Market Sales Analysis By Type ($ Million)
5.1. Thermoplastics
- 5.1.1. Polyethylene (PE)
- 5.1.2. Polypropylene (PP)
- 5.1.3. Polystyrene (PS)
- 5.1.4. Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
- 5.1.5. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- 5.1.6. Others (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC), and Polyamide (PA / Nylon))
5.2. Thermosets
- 5.2.1. Polyurethane (PUR)
- 5.2.2. Epoxy Resins
- 5.2.3. Phenolic Resins
- 5.2.4. Acrylic Resins
- 5.2.5. Others (Melamine Formaldehyde (MF), Urea Formaldehyde (UF), and Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR))
6. UK Plastics Market Sales Analysis By Application ($ Million)
6.1. Packaging
6.2. Building & Construction
6.3. Automotive
6.4. Electrical & Electronics
6.5. Household, Leisure & Sports
6.6. Agriculture
6.7. Others (Healthcare & Medical Devices, Furniture & Fixtures, Industrial Machinery, and Textiles & Fibers)

7. Company Profiles

7.1. BASF SE
- 7.1.1. Quick Facts
- 7.1.2. Company Overview
- 7.1.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.1.4. Business Strategies
7.2. Begg & Co Thermoplastics Ltd.
- 7.2.1. Quick Facts
- 7.2.2. Company Overview
- 7.2.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.2.4. Business Strategies
7.3. Ensinger GmbH
- 7.3.1. Quick Facts
- 7.3.2. Company Overview
- 7.3.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.3.4. Business Strategies
7.4. INEOS AG
- 7.4.1. Quick Facts
- 7.4.2. Company Overview
- 7.4.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.4.4. Business Strategies
7.5. Lanxess AG
- 7.5.1. Quick Facts
- 7.5.2. Company Overview
- 7.5.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.5.4. Business Strategies
7.6. Luxus Ltd
- 7.6.1. Quick Facts
- 7.6.2. Company Overview
- 7.6.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.6.4. Business Strategies
7.7. LOTTE Chemical
- 7.7.1. Quick Facts
- 7.7.2. Company Overview
- 7.7.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.7.4. Business Strategies
7.8. LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.
- 7.8.1. Quick Facts
- 7.8.2. Company Overview
- 7.8.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.8.4. Business Strategies
7.9. MBA Polymers Inc.
- 7.9.1. Quick Facts
- 7.9.2. Company Overview
- 7.9.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.9.4. Business Strategies
7.10. Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
- 7.10.1. Quick Facts
- 7.10.2. Company Overview
- 7.10.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.10.4. Business Strategies
7.11. Plas-Tech Thermoforming Ltd
- 7.11.1. Quick Facts
- 7.11.2. Company Overview
- 7.11.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.11.4. Business Strategies
7.12. Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC)
- 7.12.1. Quick Facts
- 7.12.2. Company Overview
- 7.12.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.12.4. Business Strategies
7.13. Synthomer plc
- 7.13.1. Quick Facts
- 7.13.2. Company Overview
- 7.13.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.13.4. Business Strategies
7.14. The Dow Chemical Co.
- 7.14.1. Quick Facts
- 7.14.2. Company Overview
- 7.14.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.14.4. Business Strategies
7.15. Victrex Manufacturing Ltd.
- 7.15.1. Quick Facts
- 7.15.2. Company Overview
- 7.15.3. Product Portfolio
- 7.15.4. Business Strategies