PCR Plastic Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Material (Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Others), By Product Type (Bottles, Bags & Pouches, Trays, Clamshells, Blister, and Others), By End-use Industry (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Homecare, Electronics, and Others), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global PCR plastic packaging market is experiencing significant expansion due to the increasing focus on environmental sustainability and circular economy practices. As both consumers and producers place greater importance on eco-friendly solutions, there is a growing need for packaging options that reduce waste and lessen environmental impact. Additionally, regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability targets encourage the use of recycled materials in packaging.

• The Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Act in Australia aims to substantially improve the country’s approach to managing plastic waste and boosting recycling efforts. This regulation targets an increase in the amount of recycled content used in plastic packaging by establishing clear goals for the proportion of recycled material required in new products. By reducing dependence on new plastics, the act seeks to lessen environmental harm and promote a circular economy.

PCR Plastic Packaging Market Driver

Rise in Plastic Waste and its Use in the Packaging to Bolster the Industry Growth

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste is fueling the higher demand for PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic packaging as both businesses and consumers look for more sustainable options to tackle environmental issues. As plastic waste builds up in landfills and oceans, it worsens pollution and harms ecosystems. This escalating problem has raised awareness about the importance of effective waste management and recycling efforts.

• Eurostat reports that in 2018, approximately 41.5% of plastic packaging waste in the EU was recycled. Additionally, more than half of the plastic packaging waste produced was recycled in seven EU Member States.

PCR Plastic Packaging Market Restraint

Restricted Supply of Recycled Raw Material May Hinder the Market Growth

A major challenge hindering the expansion of PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic packaging is the restricted supply and variable quality of recycled materials. The recycling process can produce PCR materials that may not meet the standards required for high-performance packaging due to problems such as contamination, uneven quality, and degradation of material properties.

• The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) has reported that securing high-quality recycled materials continues to be a major challenge. According to their 2021 report, recycled plastics frequently do not meet the strict standards required for various applications owing to issues such as contamination and inconsistent material properties. 

PCR Plastic Packaging Market Opportunity

Improvements in Recycling Technology and Innovation in Packaging to Offer New Opportunities

Continuous innovation in packaging to incorporate PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) content is creating new opportunities across the industry. Improvements in recycling technology and material science are enhancing the quality and effectiveness of PCR materials, expanding their applicability across various uses. These advancements facilitate the shift toward a circular economy and fuel growth in the sustainable packaging industry by enabling new design and functional possibilities.

• In May 2022, Triworld launched its first post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic film, which is 30% recycled PCR and 100% recycled and approved for frozen food packaging. The project was initiated together with RISE and Lidl Future Initiatives (LFI) and the mission was to develop a recyclable food contact material containing PCR.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the PCR Plastic Packaging Market
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for the PCR Plastic Packaging Market
• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis by Material

Based on material, the market is subdivided into polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and others.

Polyethylene (PE) is the dominating segment of the global PCR plastic packaging market. The high demand for polyethylene (PE) in PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic packaging is largely due to its widespread use and ease of recyclability. PE is a popular material in packaging due to its durability and adaptability and can be effectively recycled into high-quality PCR materials. Its widespread presence in consumer goods generates a substantial supply of post-consumer PE, making it an ideal choice for recycling programs. The combination of widespread usage and efficient recycling makes PE a preferred choice for sustainable packaging solutions.

Analysis by Product Type

Based on product type, the market is subdivided into bottles, bags & pouches, trays, clamshells, blister, and others.

The bottles segment holds the largest share of the global PCR plastic packaging market. The increasing demand for bottles in various end-use industries, such as food, beverage, personal care, and others, is bolstering the segment growth.

• According to WRAP, it takes a whopping 75% less energy to make a plastic bottle from recycled materials compared to producing it from scratch.

Analysis by End-use Industry

Based on end-use industry, the market is fragmented into food & beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care & cosmetics, homecare, electronics, and others.

The food & beverage segment exhibits the highest demand for PCR plastic packaging. The soaring demand for convenient and processed food due to the changing lifestyle and changing consumer preferences is increasing the demand for packaging solutions with PCR content.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Europe is the dominating region of the global PCR plastic packaging market. The growth of the region is attributed to the strong regulations and incentives to promote recycling and the use of recycled materials in packaging.

North America is anticipated to witness significant expansion during the forecast period. The rising awareness about plastic pollution and its impact on the environment is encouraging businesses to seek sustainable packaging solutions, fueling the regional growth.

Key Players Covered

The global PCR plastic packaging market is fragmented, with the presence of a large number of group and standalone providers.

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Mondi (U.K.)
• Amcor plc (Switzerland)
• Berry Global (U.S.)
• Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)
• Genpak (U.S.)
• AlphaPoly (Canada)
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc (U.S.)
• Anchor Packaging LLC (U.S.)
• ALPLA (Austria)
• SKS Bottle & Packaging, Inc. (U.S.)
• D&W Fine Pack (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• In April 2024, Amcor, in collaboration with Kimberly Clark, launched packaging for its Eco Protect diapers with 30% recycled materials in Peru. The new bags contain post-consumer recycled content and provide a more sustainable packaging solution for the hypoallergenic diapers made with certified, plant-based fibers.
• In April 2024, Amcor launched a one-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for carbonated soft drink (CSD) use that is made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.