New IndexBox report shows that the global market for recycled plastics will grow at a rate of 7.2% per year until 2035. What a t...

1) Regulation – mandatory minimum recycled content (EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, US state laws)

2) Corporate commitments – EPR schemes and ESG targets of major brands (Coca-Cola, Unilever, P&G...)

3) Economics – volatility of virgin plastic prices tied to oil improves the competitiveness of recyclates

4) Technology – advances in sorting, washing and chemical recycling increase output quality

The packaging industry accounts for the largest share of demand (45%), followed by construction (20%), the automotive industry (12%) and textiles (10%).

Regionally, Asia-Pacific dominates (40%), Europe is the most regulatory-advanced market (25%), North America (22%) is growing but faces fragmented legislation.

A shortage of high-quality feedstock is seen as the main risk for most companies. Contaminated waste streams and insufficient collection infrastructure remain another potential key growth brake.

Conclusion:

Recycled plastics are moving from an ecological niche to a mainstream industrial raw material, and regulation is creating additional demand. The question is not whether, but how quickly the market will adapt.