Chemical Recycling Service Market

Chemical Recycling Service Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The global chemical recycling service market size reached US$ 13.78 billion in 2023. Over the forecast period 2024 to 2034, global chemical recycling service demand is anticipated to rise at 25.8% CAGR. Total market value is predicted to increase from US$ 15.71 billion in 2024 to US$ 149.24 billion by 2034.

Demand for chemical recycling services is estimated to remain high in the pyrolysis technology segment. As pyrolysis can handle a wide range of plastic types, including mixed waste streams and contaminated plastics, its demand is anticipated to expand.

Attributes	Key Insights
Chemical Recycling Service Market Anticipated Size (2023A)	US$ 13.78 billion
Estimated Chemical Recycling Service Market Size (2024E)	US$ 15.71 billion
Projected Chemical Recycling Service Market Revenue (2034F)	US$ 149.24 billion
Value-based Chemical Recycling Service Market CAGR (2024 to 2034)	25.8%
Collective Value Share: Top 5 Countries (2024E)	43.5%

Waste Recycling Service Market Trends

• The chemical recycling service market is set to be fueled by growing concerns about plastic waste pollution and the need for long-term solutions.
• Rising demand for recycled plastics is a key driver of the chemical recycling service market's growth.
• With growing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste, industries are looking for alternatives to virgin plastics.
• There is a growing interest and investment from both public & private sectors in the chemical recycling solution market.
• Venture capital firms, corporate investors, and government agencies are funding research and development efforts, as well as supporting the commercialization of new chemical recycling technologies. This investment is helping to scale up operations, build infrastructure, and expand the reach of chemical recycling service solutions.
• The chemical recycling service market presents significant opportunities for addressing plastic waste challenges and is set to advance toward a more sustainable future.
• As technological advancements continue and regulatory frameworks evolve, the market for chemical recycling services is expected to experience constant growth and innovation in the years to come.

Key Chemical Recycling Service Market Highlights

Market to Expand Around 9.4X Through 2034

• The global chemical recycling service market is predicted to expand around 9.4X through 2034. This is due to increasing awareness of plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the environment.
• It has led to more importance on finding sustainable solutions for plastic waste management. This type of sustainable recycling offers a more promising alternative than the traditional methods of converting plastic back into its original building blocks or other useful chemicals, thereby reducing the reliance on landfilling and incineration.
• Rapid growth of the chemical recycling service industry is attributed to a combination of environmental concerns, circular economy initiatives, regulatory pressures, demand for recycled materials, technological advancements, investments, and collaborations.
• Owing to these factors, the chemical recycling service market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 149.24 billion by 2034.

Europe to Remain at the Forefront of the Market

• Chemical recycling services are undergoing a remarkable transformation due to the encouragement of regulatory mandates and growing demand for sustainable solutions.
• The European Union's (EU) Single-use Plastic Directive and Circular Economy Action Plan aimed at curbing plastic waste have created a productive platform for innovative waste management technologies.
• Chemical recycling, with its ability to break down plastics into their molecular components for reuse, is evolving as a promising element in this market.
• Growing preference for eco-friendly products and packaging has deepened the demand for recycled materials. This sustainable solution is achieved by providing high-quality feedstock for manufacturing processes, thereby satisfying both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Innovation in catalyst development, process optimization, and scalability is accelerating growth of the plastics chemical recycling market across Europe.
• Collaborations among industry players, universities, and policymakers are creating an encouraging environment for advancing these technologies.
• As chemical recycling gains traction, Europe is poised to lead the way in transitioning to a more sustainable and circular plastics economy, establishing a model for global waste management practices.
• Circular economy initiatives by the region’s government have increased investments in chemical recycling technologies.
• According to the EU Circular Economy Package, they aim to achieve a 50% reduction in landfill waste by 2030. Due to this factor, it is estimated that around 50% of the global chemical recycling service market share is held by Europe.

Depolymerization Technique Gains Traction with Demand for Premium Plastics

• Demand for high-quality plastics is rising due to several reasons, such as increased awareness of environmental issues, stringent regulations on plastic waste management, and surging interest in sustainable materials.
• To meet the high demand, the depolymerization technique continues to expand as a vital option in the recycling industry.
• Increasing focus on sustainability is also projected to propel the demand for high-quality plastics.
• Consumers are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste and actively seek products that contain recycled materials.
• High-quality recycled plastics made through depolymerization provide a sustainable alternative to virgin plastics, reducing the use of finite resources and minimizing waste.
• On top of that, stringent regulations focused on reducing plastic pollution while encouraging a circular economy are driving demand for premium recycled plastic.
• Governments and regulatory bodies are enacting policies such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and recycling targets that promote the use of recycled materials in product manufacturing.
• The technology allows for the production of recycled plastics that meet the quality standards necessary for compliance with these regulations, facilitating their integration into the supply chain.
• Depolymerization has several advantages over conventional mechanical recycling methods, especially in terms of manufacturing high-quality plastics.
• Mechanical recycling processes, such as shredding and melting, can reduce the quality of recycled materials, constraining their potential applications.
• In contrast, depolymerization offers precise control throughout the recycling process, resulting in the manufacturing of pure, consistent materials with properties similar to virgin plastics.
• Depolymerization technology is also capable of handling a diverse range of plastic scrap streams, including mixed plastics and complex materials like multilayered packaging. This adaptability enables depolymerization facilities to process a wide range of feedstocks while consistently producing high-quality recycled plastics.

2019 to 2023 Chemical Recycling Service Market Outlook Vs. 2024 to 2034 Forecast

The global chemical recycling service market grew at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2019 and 2023. Total market revenue reached about US$ 13.78 billion in 2023. In the forecast period, the worldwide chemical recycling service industry is set to thrive at a CAGR of 25.8%.

Historical CAGR (2019 to 2023)	6.8%
Forecast CAGR (2024 to 2034)	25.8%

• Chemical recycling service is fairly new in the market. A few years ago, the only method to recycle plastic was a mechanical method of shredding and melting of plastic.
• Mechanical recycling processes can damage the quality of recycled plastics over time, leading to downcycling or limited applications for recycled materials.
• Certain types of plastics are more challenging to recycle mechanically, such as multilayer packaging or mixed plastics, which may require alternative recycling methods like chemical recycling to achieve high recycling rates and produce premium quality recycled materials.

Future Scope of the Chemical Recycling Service Market

• The global chemical recycling service market is poised to exhibit healthy growth, totaling a valuation of US$ 149.24 billion by 2034.
• Continuous research & development efforts are expected to drive innovations in chemical recycling technologies, leading to improved efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Innovations in catalyst development, reactor design, process optimization, and feedstock handling are set to improve the performance & feasibility of chemical recycling processes. These are anticipated to make them economical and favored sustainable recycling techniques over the traditional methods.
• Several countries and their regulatory bodies are implementing policies & regulations to promote recycling and reduce plastic waste.
• Government initiatives such as banning single-use plastics and recycling targets are creating a favorable environment for the advanced chemical recycling market along with promoting the sustainability of that nation.
• Rising concept of circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, is gaining momentum globally.
• Sustainable recycling plays a critical role in closing the loop on plastics by changing waste into valuable resources.
• Efficient use of resources during their lifecycle, from extraction and production to consumption and disposal, is anticipated to drive demand. This involves reducing resource consumption, optimizing resource utilization, and minimizing waste generation.
• As companies and governments embrace circular economy principles, chemical recycling is expected to become progressively essential to waste management strategies and supply chain sustainability efforts.

Chemical Recycling Service Market Analysis

• Increasing Awareness of Environment and Changing Consumer Preferences

Rising awareness of environmental issues and shifting preferences of consumers have become significant drivers for the adoption of chemical recycling services. As the world witnesses a growing population, climate change, and resource depletion, individuals are demanding a transition toward more sustainable practices.

Traditional plastic has limitations, such as contamination issues and the inability to recycle certain types of plastics effectively. Chemical recycling offers a hopeful alternative by breaking down plastics into their molecular components and creating new materials without sacrificing in quality.

This process not only redirects plastics from landfills and incineration but also decreases the need for virgin fossil fuels, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic production.

Consumer preferences have changed significantly, pushing the chemical reclamation service market. Modern consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they buy. As a result, they are continually searching for more sustainable alternatives.

They prefer products and packaging that are recyclable, renewable, or biodegradable. As a result, companies face growing challenges in integrating sustainable practices throughout their supply chains, including the use of modern recycling technologies such as chemical recycling services.

Environmental awareness and shifting consumer preferences are significant factors driving the widespread use of chemical recycling services. Chemical recycling services have enormous potential to contribute to more sustainable plastic waste management and a circular economy. They are also expected to align with the preferences of environmentally conscious consumers.

• Government Measures to Transition toward a Circular Economy

Governments around the world are taking initiatives to make the switch to a circular economy. This united front is a leading driver of chemical recycling service adoption.

A circular economy model can help choose the efficiency of resources, lower waste generation, and encourage material reuse, recycling, and regeneration. Chemical recycling services are closely aligned with circular economy principles as these allow valuable resources to be recovered from waste materials that would otherwise be discarded.

One of the primary goals of government-led circular economy initiatives is to minimize the environmental impact of linear production and consumption patterns. Chemical recycling tackles the increasing problem of plastic pollution by offering a way for the reuse and recovery of plastic waste.

It also helps in lowering the need for virgin resources that come from oil and gas. This not only helps to slow the depletion of natural resources but also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and relieve pressure on landfill capacity.

Governments are enacting regulatory frameworks and incentive programs to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly procedures across industries. These policies frequently include recycling targets, extended producer responsibility programs, and financial incentives for companies that invest in innovative recycling technologies such as chemical recycling.

Governments can encourage industry players to give preference to sustainability and acquire technologies that help them shift to a circular economy by creating a supportive policy environment. Government-led efforts to transition to a circular economy are set to provide a compelling reason to adopt chemical recycling services.

By tackling environmental concerns, maneuvering regulatory changes, and allowing economic opportunities, these programs promote broad acceptance of groundbreaking recycling technologies and pave the way for a more sustainable future. Owing to the aforementioned factors, the global chemical recycling & disposal service market is anticipated to showcase steady growth.

Key Factors Restraining Chemical Recycling Service Market Growth

• Lack of Adequate Infrastructure and Investment in Recycling Facilities

Regardless of increasing awareness of the significance of sustainable waste management practices, several sectors still lack the infrastructure required to support the widespread adoption of modern recycling technologies such as chemical recycling. One of the primary challenges is the shortage of specialized facilities equipped to handle chemical recycling processes.

Chemical recycling services further necessitate advanced machinery and expertise to effectively degrade complex materials into constituent components for reuse or conversion into new products. However, investments required for the construction and maintenance of such facilities can be significant, discouraging potential investors and impeding the growth of chemical recycling capacity.

The absence of infrastructure for gathering and organizing recyclable materials complicates chemical recycling efforts. Effective waste collection systems are critical for providing a consistent supply of feedstock to recycling facilities.

In several areas, the present waste management infrastructure is not enough or unproductive, resulting in issues such as damage to recyclable materials and a scarcity of high-quality feedstock for chemical recycling processes. The economic viability of chemical recycling projects is heavily influenced by government incentives, regulatory frameworks, and demand for recycled materials.

Without adequate support from policymakers and stakeholders, the financial risks of investing in chemical recycling ventures may outweigh the potential benefits. It is anticipated to discourage private sector participation and slow chemical reclamation service market growth.

Country-wise Insights

The table below shows the estimated growth rates of the top five countries. India, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan are set to record high CAGRs of 28.0%, 27.5%, 25%, 24%, and 23% respectively, through 2034.

Countries	Projected Chemical Recycling Service Market CAGR (2024 to 2034)
India	28.0%
China	27.5%
Germany	25%
United Kingdom	24%
Japan	23%

Government Initiatives in India to Spur Demand for Waste Recycling Services

India’s advanced recycling technology market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 28.0% through 2034. This growth is attributed to the following factors:

• Rising focus of the government on environmental sustainability and waste management plans is expected to drive demand.
• Rapid urbanization and the growing population in India are projected to push waste generation and plastic usage, thereby augmenting the need for unique services to manage plastic waste.
• Increasing awareness of plastic pollution and its environmental impact among companies and individuals in India is projected to accelerate the demand for sustainable practices, including chemical recycling services.

Increasing Sustainability Goals in China to Push Chemical Recycling of Plastics

China’s chemical recycling service market is expected to showcase a CAGR of 27.5% from 2024 to 2034. The country’s success rate is expected to depend on:

• The government of China has put forward certain targets to achieve sustainability and address environmental pollution, which are set to help promote a circular economy and lower plastic waste.
• China, being one of the largest consumers and producers of plastic in the world, is anticipated to showcase a high demand for technologically advanced waste management solutions.
• Surging industrialization and urbanization in the country is likely to propel the volume of plastic waste, further accelerating the demand for chemical recycling services.

Eco-conscious Consumers in Germany Demand Chemical Recycling Solutions

Germany’s chemical recycling service market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of around 25% in the assessment period. Growth is attributed to the following factors:

• Presence of a well-established waste management solutions and recycling infrastructure in Germany is set to offer a robust foundation for adopting chemical recycling services.
• Increasing developments in industries such as chemical, packaging, and automotive in Germany are anticipated to lead to a high demand for premium recycled materials to cater to stringent norms and sustainability goals.
• Rising environmentally conscious consumers in Germany are increasingly moving toward products with little to no environmental footprints, which is expected to propel the adoption of chemical recycling services.

Category-wise Insights

The section below shows the pyrolysis segment dominating based on technology. It is forecast to thrive at 17.2% CAGR between 2024 and 2034.

Based on products, the synthetic crude oil segment is anticipated to hold a dominant share through 2034. It is set to exhibit a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period.

Pyrolysis to be the Most Preferred Chemical Recycling Technology

Top Segment (Technology)	Pyrolysis
Predicted CAGR (2024 to 2034)	17.2%

• Based on technology, the chemical recycling service market is segmented into three leading sub-segments, including purification, depolymerization, and feedstock recycling.
• The segments are further divided based on the plastic used in these techniques.
• The feedstock recycling segment has three different techniques, namely, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal treatment.
• Out of all the segments, pyrolysis shows the most potential, as it is an old technique that is often used in new technology.
• Pyrolysis offers high conversion rates, typically achieving over 90% conversion of plastic feedstock. Due to this high efficiency, it is set to be an attractive process.
• The liquid oil and gas produced through pyrolysis can be used as feedstock for several applications, including fuel production, chemical synthesis, and energy generation.
• The energy recovery aspect adds economic value to the pyrolysis process, making it financially feasible for waste management and recycling operations.
• As the demand for sustainable waste management solutions continues to expand, pyrolysis is expected to play an increasingly important role in addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution and promoting the circular economy.
• The pyrolysis segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 17.2% in the chemical recycling industry in the forecast period.

Synthetic Crude Oil to Dominate the Closed-loop Chemical Recycling Market

Top Segment (Product)	Synthetic Crude Oil
Projected CAGR (2024 to 2034)	16.9%

• Based on products, the chemical recycling service market is segmented into three key sub-segments, including purification, depolymerization, and feedstock recycling.
• The segments are further segregated based on end-products using this technique.
• The feedstock recycling segment includes hydrocarbons, syngas, and synthetic crude oil.
• Even though demand for hydrocarbons and syngas is extremely high, synthetic crude oil takes the top position as it tackles both waste management and energy generation challenges.
• Synthetic crude oil formed from hydrothermal treatment of plastic waste undergoes distillation, fractionalization, and catalytic conversion processes to improve its quality and turn into high-quality fuel products, such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels.
• As efforts to develop and scale up hydrothermal treatment technologies continue, the production of synthetic crude oil from plastic waste holds great promise as a viable and environmentally sustainable solution for waste management and energy generation.

Competitive Landscape

The global chemical recycling service market is fragmented, with leading players accounting for about 25% to 30% of the share. Agilyx, BASF, Chevron Phillips, ExxonMobil, Honeywell, Lyondellbasell, Dupont Teijin Films, Mitsubishi Chemical, Nova Chemicals, Shell, SK Global Chemical, Sumitomo Chemical, Arcus, BiologiQ, Braskem, Covestro, Eastman, Evonik, Forell Pomini, GreenMantra, Interseroh, Licella, Phigenesis, Quantafuel, and Renew ELP (UK) are the leading companies that provide chemical recycling services.

In order to meet end-user demand, key chemical recycling firms are growing their production capacity and making ongoing investments in research to produce new products. In order to increase their presence, they are also displaying a propensity to implement initiatives like collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, and facility expansions.

Recent Developments in the Chemical Recycling Service Market

• In February 2024, Covestro announced a partnership with LyondellBasell and Invest-NL to invest 13 million Euros in Pryme, a company developing advanced chemical recycling technologies. This collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of Pryme's technology for converting mixed plastic waste into high-quality circular feedstock.
• In December 2023, Reliance became the first in India to use chemical recycling for circular polymers plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)-Plus certified circular polymers.
• In October 2023, KKR-backed waste management company Re Sustainability (formerly Ramky Enviro Engineers) and PolyCycl collaborated to create a network of feedstock facilities in India for the chemical recycling of plastics.

Key Coverage in the Chemical Recycling Service Market Research Report

• Chemical Recycling Vs. Mechanical Recycling
• Chemical Recycling in India
• Chemical Recycling for Circular Polymers
• Chemical Recycling of Textile Waste
• Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste
• Chemical Recycling Impacts
• Chemical Recycling Types: Advantages and Disadvantages

Chemical Recycling Industry Research Scope

Attribute	Details
Estimated Chemical Recycling Service Market Size (2024)	US$ 15.71 billion
Projected Chemical Recycling Service Market Size (2034)	US$ 149.24 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate of the Chemical Recycling Service (2024 to 2034)	25.8%
Historical Data	2019 to 2023
Forecast Period	2024 to 2034
Quantitative Units	Value (US$ billion)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis
Chemical Recycling Service Market Segments Covered	Technology Product Region
Regions Covered in Chemical Recycling Service Market	North America Latin America Western Europe Eastern Europe East Asia South Asia & Pacific Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered	United States Canada Mexico Brazil Germany Italy France United Kingdom Spain BENELUX NORDICS Poland Hungary Balkan and Baltics Russia India Association of Southeast Asian Nations Australia and New Zealand China Japan South Korea Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Other GCC Countries Türkiye Other African Union South Africa
Key Companies Profiled in Chemical Recycling Service Market	Agilyx BASF Chevron Phillips ExxonMobil Honeywell LyondellBasell Dupont Teijin Films Mitsubishi Chemical Nova Chemicals Shell SK Global Chemical Sumitomo Chemical Arcus BiologiQ Braskem Covestro Eastman Evonik Forell Pomini GreenMantra Interseroh Licella Phigenesis Quantafuel Renew ELP (UK)

Chemical Recycling Service Market Segmentation

By Technology:

• Feedstock Recycling
  • Pyrolysis
    • Polyolefins
    • Polystyrene (PS)
    • PMMA
  • Gasification
    • Polycarbonate (PC)
    • Polypropylene (PP)
    • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
    • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
    • Others
  • Hydrothermal Treatment
    • Plastic Packaging Waste
    • Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP)
    • Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
    • Polycarbonate
    • Nylon Derivatives
• Purification
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • Polythene (PE)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
• Depolymerization
  • Polyesters (PET)
  • Polyamides (PA)
  • Polyurethanes (PU)

By Product:

• Feedstock Recycling
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Syngas
  • Synthetic Crude Oil
• Purification
  • Purified Plastic Polymers
• Depolymerization
  • Monomers of the Recycled Polycondensates

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia & Pacific
• Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the value of the chemical recycling service market in 2023?

The global market was valued at US$ 13.78 billion in 2023.

How big is the chemical recycling service market?

The global market value is set to reach US$ 15.71 billion in 2024.

At what rate will the global demand rise through 2034?

Global chemical recycling service demand is anticipated to rise at 25.8% CAGR.

What is the expected market size in 2034?

The chemical recycling service market is set to reach US$ 149.24 billion by 2034.

What is recycling in chemical industry?

It is the breakage of plastic waste and recycling it into novel chemicals.

What is an example of chemical recycling?

Depolymerization, pyrolysis, and gasification.

Why is chemical recycling expensive?

Chemical recycling involves investments in premium technology and infrastructure.