The packaging waste recycling market is valued at USD 30,900.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 48,446.3 million in 2033. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period.
The market was valued at USD 29,590.0 million in 2022 and is anticipated to exhibit a y-o-y growth of 4.4% in 2023. The packaging waste recycling systems used in industrial sectors acquired more than 1/2 of the market considering end-use in 2023.
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Market Value 2022 | USD 29,590.0 million |
| Estimated Packaging Waste Recycling Market Size (2023) | USD 30,900.2 million |
| Projected Packaging Waste Recycling Market Value (2033) | USD 48,446.3 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.6% |
Policies and regulations have been put in place by governments and regulatory agencies all over the world to promote the recycling of packaging waste. These laws frequently establish goals for recycling rates, place limitations on particular materials, and provide incentives for the packaging sector to adopt sustainable practices.
The packaging waste recycling market is propelled by the advancement of cutting-edge recycling technology. The environmental impact of packaging waste is lessened, and total recycling rates are raised due to innovations, including better sorting systems, chemical recycling, and effective processing techniques.
In the packaging sector, the idea of a circular economy, one in which resources are recycled and utilized again, has gained momentum. Businesses are embracing the circular economy by using eco-friendly products, promoting recyclable packaging, and taking part in extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiatives.
As customers' knowledge of the environment grows, so does the need for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging options. These days, consumers are inclined to select goods with straightforward packaging or packaging that can be recycled. The packaging waste recycling market is directly impacted by this change in consumer behavior.
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The global packaging waste recycling market recorded a CAGR of 2.2% during the historical period. It reached a market value of USD 29,590.0 million in 2022 from USD 27,150.7 million in 2018.
The growth of this market was influenced by the growing circular economy and sustainability initiatives. The rising accumulation of packaging wastes such as plastics, paper, metal, and glass in landfills created detrimental effects on plants and animals. The packaging waste recycling process is the ideal solution to reduce the aforementioned impacts.
Manufacturers, especially in regions such as Europe and North America are adopting several technologies to enhance the effectiveness of recycling and maintaining the quality of the packaging just as the parent product. The strict regulatory measures taken by the administrations were often subjected to changes that create caution to manufacturers and retailers. This also helped to create awareness among end-users and further helped to expand the market.
The key objective of the process is to minimize waste, generate efficient resources, and enhance sustainability. The recycling process can accommodate a variety of material-based packages such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass. Plastics, being a well-known threat to the environment have recently adopted innovation and become more efficient & recycle-friendly products.
The table presents the expected CAGR for packaging waste recycling market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2022 to 2033. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2022 to 2032, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 4.4%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 4.8% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2023 to H2 2033, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 4.5% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 4.7% in the second half.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.4% (2022 to 2032) |
| H2 | 4.8% (2022 to 2032) |
| H1 | 4.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.7% (2023 to 2033) |
Principal Consultant
Growing Adoption of Circular Economy Initiatives
The packaging waste recycling market has witnessed a trend toward circular economy initiatives. This has helped to increase the life cycle of the packaging products and reduce waste. In addition, consumers are showing more concerns over the type of package, the life cycle of the package, and the accumulation of packaging waste.
Manufacturers are adopting recyclable and reusable packaging materials that can have an added advantage. It can also help them to improve brand reputation in the market.
For instance, prominent beverage firms in the United States have initiated a campaign to provide awareness of the benefits of recycling across the country. This has helped them to expand and acquire brand loyalty from a large number of consumers.
Drivers Impacting Global Packaging Waste Recycling Market
Stringent Regulatory Frameworks
Stringent regulatory measures driven by the rising use of products that cause the degradation of the environment have shown a growth in the market for packaging waste recycling. The food and beverage sector is mainly adopting plastic-based packaging as they are flexible and convenient. However, the same materials are hard to decompose and end up in waste. This has compelled countries to create strict regulatory frameworks to reduce waste.
Cosmetic companies have also been subjected to regulatory frameworks in packaging recycling. For instance, Europe addresses reducing raw material use and greenhouse gas emissions. To adhere to these regulations and ensure the quality of packaging, manufacturers are adopting recycling practices.
Material Innovation
Certain materials are vulnerable to damage and can be used only once during the packaging process. Innovation in such packaging segment can increase the shelf life and recyclability of the material. For instance, virgin plastics cannot be used in food & beverage packaging efficiently due to the possibility of chemical transfer between the material and the food.
The alternate plastic materials such as HDPE, LDPE, and acrylic plastics are resistant to these factors and are recyclable. The acceptability of these materials in applications is further driving the market. Manufacturers are adopting innovation in their material manufacturing process to enhance the recyclability of the packaging products.
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The table below highlights the anticipated growth rates of different countries. Among these, Japan is expected to remain a highly lucrative market for packaging waste recycling, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.3%. China and the United States are anticipated to follow with CAGRs of 4.9% and 3.5%, respectively.
| Country | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.5% |
| Germany | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | 2.3% |
| Japan | 6.3% |
| China | 4.9% |
A greater understanding of how packaging waste affects the environment has resulted in more public pressure and government laws. In an effort to lessen the environmental impact of packaging materials, the United States’ governments have put recycling and trash reduction initiatives into place.
Programs for extended producer responsibility or EPRs have been investigated or put into place in several states of the United States. By giving producers more control over packaging waste management, EPR encourages manufacturers to create packaging that is more environmentally friendly.
Businesses are putting emphasis on environmentally friendly packaging options, such as employing recyclable materials, shrinking packaging, and creating goods with end-of-life concerns in mind. The notion of a circular economy, which prioritizes the recycling and reuse of goods above their disposal, has gained popularity. This entails encouraging the reuse of resources in the production process in addition to recycling them.
Increasing recycling rates is mainly dependent on consumer-focused education and awareness initiatives in the United Kingdom. Reducing contamination in recycling streams can be achieved by educating the public about appropriate recycling techniques.
In Germany, the idea of a circular economy has gained popularity, highlighting the necessity of lowering waste production and encouraging material recycling and reuse. This entails minimizing packing through manufacturing process optimization in addition to reducing post-consumer waste.
The amount of packaging trash produced by online retail has increased dramatically in Germany due to the country's booming e-commerce industry. Sustainability initiatives now center on addressing the issues related to excessive packaging in the e-commerce industry.
China has acknowledged the problems with packaging waste for the environment and has taken a number of steps to solve these issues, including regulations and initiatives. The government has set goals to decrease the environmental effect of packaging materials and boost recycling rates.
The National Sword Policy was put into place by China to limit the import of specific recyclable materials, especially plastic garbage. This regulation sought to solve issues with inappropriate processing and disposal of foreign garbage that were connected to environmental concerns.
One of Japan's key strategies has been raising public awareness of the value of recycling and trash reduction. Waste management strategies must be successful in encouraging the public to actively engage in recycling programs and embrace eco-friendly packaging options.
To manage more packaging trash, Japan is investing in upgrading and growing its recycling infrastructure. This involves creating recycling facilities and making increasingly sophisticated sorting & processing systems.
The table below signifies leading sub-categories under material and application categories in the packaging waste recycling market. The paper and paperboard segment is expected to surge at a CAGR of 6.7% in the evaluation period. Under the application category, the industrial segment is projected to rise at a CAGR of 4.7% by 2033.
| Material | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Paper and Paperboard | 6.7% |
| Plastic | 3.6% |
Consumers' growing environmental consciousness has raised the demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging. In response, companies are improving their environmental credentials by using recycled paper and paperboard in their packaging.
The goal of package design and technological innovations is to maximize the usage of recycled paper and paperboard while preserving the integrity and performance of the packaging. This comprises advancements in printability, barrier qualities, and light weighting.
Due to the above-mentioned factors, the paper and paperboard segment is expected to surge at a CAGR of 6.7% by 2033. The segment is projected to lead the material category in the market.
| End-use | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| Industrial | 4.7% |
| Commercial | 3.8% |
The industrial sector recycles maximum packaging waste. This is due to the fact that strict regulations are imposed to reduce the packaging waste in the sector. Commercial sectors expected to gain more than 1/4th of the market by 2033.
There is a growing need for packing materials for product delivery and shipping as e-commerce grows. Recycled materials are used in e-commerce packaging to lessen the logistics and transportation industry's environmental impact.
Key companies are primarily focused on improving the recycled packaging quality, compatibility, and sustainable integrity in the market. Leading players in this market include Ball Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, International Paper, WestRock Company, DS Smith plc, Berry Global, Crown Holdings, and Mondi Plc. Key players are further directing toward mergers, partnerships, investments, product launches, and developments to expand their market reach.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Packaging Waste Recycling Market Size (2023) | USD 30,900.2 million |
| Projected Packaging Waste Recycling Market Value (2033) | USD 48,446.3 million |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2033 |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2022 |
| Historical Data | 2018 to 2022 |
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD million, Volume in ‘000 Units and CAGR from 2023 to 2033 |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis |
| Segments Covered | Material, Form, Packaging Format, Recycling Process, End-use, Region |
| Key Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; East Asia; South Asia and Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; Central Asia; Russia and Belarus; Balkan and Baltic Countries; Middle East and Africa; BENELUX |
| Key Companies Profiled | Ball Corporation; Smurfit Kappa Group Plc; International Paper; Westrock Company; DS Smith Plc; Berry Global; Crown Holdings; Mondi Plc; WM Intellectual Property Holdings L.L.C; Waste Connections; Clean Harbors Inc.; GFL Environmental; Cleanway |
The packaging waste recycling market size is estimated to reach USD 30,900.2 million in 2023.
Packaging waste recycling demand is set to expand at a 4.6% CAGR through 2033.
The target market size is expected to reach USD 48,446.3 million by 2033.
The growing emphasis on circular economy initiatives and rising sustainability awareness.
International Paper Company, WestRock Company and Mondi Plc. are key players.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Key Market Trends 4. Key Success Factors 5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 6. Global Market - Pricing Analysis 7. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD million) Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 8. Market Background 9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material 9.1. Paper and Paperboard 9.1.1. Coated Unbleached Kraft 9.1.2. Bleached 9.1.3. Molded Fiber Pulp 9.2. Plastic 9.2.1. PE 9.2.2. PET 9.2.3. PP 9.2.4. PVC and Others 9.3. Metal 9.3.1. Steel 9.3.2. Aluminum 9.4. Glass 9.4.1. Type 1 9.4.2. Type 2 9.4.3. Type 3 9.5. Wood and Others 10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Form 10.1. Primary 10.2. Secondary 10.3. Tertiary 11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Packaging Format 11.1. Flexible 11.1.1. Films and Wraps 11.1.2. Labels 11.1.3. Bags and Pouches 11.1.4. Sachets and Stick Packs 11.1.5. Other (Liners, Laminates) 11.2. Rigid 11.2.1. Bottle and Jars 11.2.2. Boxes and Cartons 11.2.3. Cups 11.2.4. Drums 11.2.5. Cans 11.2.6. Trays 11.2.7. Tubes 11.2.8. Others (Vials, Lids) 12. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Recycling Process 12.1. Open Loop 12.2. Closed Loop 13. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use 13.1. Industrials 13.1.1. Food and Beverages 13.1.2. Pharmaceuticals 13.1.3. Personal Care and Cosmetics 13.1.4. Homecare 13.1.5. Chemicals 13.1.6. Other Industrial 13.2. Commercial 13.2.1. Offices 13.2.2. Hospitals 13.2.3. Educational Institutes 13.2.4. Malls 13.2.5. Other Commercials 13.3. Food Service 13.3.1. Hotels 13.3.2. Cafes 13.3.3. Restaurants 13.4. Household 14. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 14.1. North America 14.2. Latin America 14.3. East Asia 14.4. South Asia and Pacific 14.5. Western Europe 14.6. Eastern Europe 14.7. Central Asia 14.8. Russia and Belarus 14.9. Balkan and Baltic Countries 14.10. Middle East and Africa 15. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 16. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 17. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 18. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 19. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 20. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 21. Central Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 22. Russia and Belarus Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 23. Balkan and Baltic Countries Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 24. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033 25. Market Structure Analysis 26. Competition Analysis 26.1. International Paper Company 26.2. WestRock Company 26.3. Ball Corporation 26.4. Smurfit Kappa Group 26.5. WestRock Company 26.6. DS Smith plc 26.7. Mondi Plc 26.8. Berry Global 26.9. Crown Holdings 26.10. WM international property holdings LLC 26.11. Waste Connections 26.12. Clean Harbours LLC 26.13. GFL Environmental Inc. 27. Assumptions and Acronyms Used 28. Research Methodology
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Packaging Waste Recycling Market
