Global Recycled PET Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the Recycled PET Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global Recycled PET market is expected to record a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 11.74 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 20.02 Billion.

Recycled PET Market Overview

The rPET industry is growing at a fast pace as industries and consumers shift towards green substitutes for virgin plastic. Made from post-consumer PET waste like bottles, the application of rPET is widespread in packaging, apparel, and consumer goods due to its lower environmental impact and reduced plastic pollution.

Government policies, environmental awareness creation, and sustainability efforts of companies are promoting rPET consumption across the world. Irrespective of feed processing cost and quality concerns, innovation and regulatory drivers are setting up rPET as a trend material for global change towards a circular economy.

Recycled PET Market Key Growth Drivers

The Trends in the Recycled PET industry has huge growth prospects against the backdrop of a chain of factors:

• Environmental Awareness Growth: As individuals and organizations become increasingly exposed to heightened environmental awareness, there is an increasing need for such environmentally friendly materials as recycled PET (rPET). One-use plastic environmental impact, plastic pollution, and global warming are pushing such change. Businesses are switching to the application of more sustainable methods, and consumers are calling for product products with recycling material incorporated, and this fuels growth in rPET markets. For example, Coca-Cola India rolled out 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles for its beverages in carbonated form in 250ml and 750ml pack sizes in October 2023 to assist in driving a circular economy.The bottles, which are produced by partners like Moon Beverages and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, feature a “Recycle Me Again” mark to prompt consumer recycling. This step, together with the use of Affordable Small Sparkling Pack (ASSP) packaging, reduces emissions by as much as 66 percent and is in line with Coca-Cola’s goal for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 and 50% recycled content by 2030.

• Policies of the Government: Governments everywhere are bringing policies into existence that promote recycling and reduce plastic waste, thus fueling the rPET market. Single-use plastic bans and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are some of the policies that compel manufacturers to incorporate recycled material into their products.The guidelines provide a good climate for rPET adoption by different industries.For instance, on February 16, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for the first time in October 2021 under the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. The rules categorize plastic packaging into rigid, flexible, multi-layered, and compostable packaging, for which producers, importers, and brand owners will be held liable for waste by reuse, recycling, and disposal.For the first time, packaging will be obliged to use recycled plastic, at rising percentages from 2025 to 2029. The regulations also include an EPR certificate trading mechanism, a plastic circular economy, and environmentally friendly waste management in India.

• Plastic Waste Crisis: With the growing plastic waste crisis, recycling and utilization of rPET have gained further attention. Produced by millions of tons annually, plastic waste is generating an urgent need for waste management solutions in a sustainable way.rPET has become a desirable solution by way of transforming waste post-consumer plastic into profitable raw materials so as to deter environmental pollution. For instance, in February 2025, Mexican firm Petgas has developed a pyrolysis machine in Boca del Río that converts plastic waste into fuels like gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and coke. It can handle 1.5 tons of plastic per week and produces approximately 356 gallons (1,350 liters) of fuel. The process begins with propane but becomes self-sustaining. Petgas asserts that its fuel contains lower sulfur levels and a smaller footprint, and is designed to fight plastic pollution and make waste into a usable commodity. These types of efforts, in combination with conventional recycling initiatives, help mitigate the plastic waste epidemic and support the use of rPET.

Recycled PET Market Key Threats

The Recycled PET sector is faced with certain severe threats that can inhibit its future profitability and growth. Some of the threats are:

• PET Waste Contamination: PET waste contamination compromises the rPET market by influencing the quality of the recycled products, especially for food contact. It requires sophisticated sorting and cleaning technology, increasing recyclers’ costs of operation. For example, The Plastic Soup Foundation in March 2021 finds that recycled PET bottles are perhaps not a healthy packaging material for beverages and foods, as noted by a study from Britain showing that recycled plastic bottles release higher levels of potentially hazardous chemicals such as antimony and BPA compared to virgin plastic bottles. The research tested 91 studies and identified 150 chemicals that can migrate from PET bottles to their contents, of which 18 exceed safety levels and create fears regarding the EU’s ambitious plan for 30% recycled plastic in beverage bottles by 2030.They are also promoting refillable bottles for everyone as a safer alternative and demanding strict design requirements to ensure that the bottles do not leak additives, microplastics, and nanoplastics.

• Inadequate Collection Infrastructure: Deficient collection infrastructure deprives the market of quality recyclable PET waste. There is a shortage of proper collection and segregation infrastructure in most countries, particularly developing countries, and this results in reduced recycling and feedstock shortage for rPET production. This deficit hinders scalability and sustainability in the rPET sector. For instance, in August 2023, Recykal’s Samudra Manthan program prevented over 70,000 metric tons of plastic from entering the ocean as part of a pilot program for 207 districts across 19 Indian states, including 33 coastal districts and 173 districts in major rivers. The program is one example of the company’s commitment to green practices and sustainable living, demonstrating the success of collaboration and community involvement in the eradication of plastic waste.

Recycled PET Market Opportunities

• Growth in Emerging Economies: Emerging economies offer extensive opportunities to the rPET sector with urbanization, growing consumer consciousness, and pro-government policies. The Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and countries of Africa are experiencing rising demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and therefore offer potential markets for rPET solutions. For example, in March 2025, Bhilwara Energy is commissioning LNJ GREENPET, India’s biggest bottle-to-bottle food-grade rPET plant at Tonk, Rajasthan by September 2026. Covering 95 acres, it will recycle 20 million PET bottles per day to produce 100 kilotons of resin every year and create over 700 new job opportunities. The plant will be of global standards and will enable India to attain its net-zero vision, catering to packaging and FMCG segments.

• Food-Grade rPET Development: Food-grade rPET development presents new possibilities for use in the packaging industry. New recycling technologies allow high-quality food and beverage package rPET with superior safety and quality standards. This creates an expanded market for rPET as well as consumers’ need for environmentally friendly packaging. For example, Coca-Cola India in July 2023 has rolled out 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles for the first time for beverage and food packaging in India under its “World Without Waste” vision. This promotes a circular economy through the minimization of virgin plastic consumption and minimizing carbon footprints. By the year 2030, the company aims for 50% of packaging being made from recycled material and partners with others in maximizing waste collection. On the issue of safety standards and sources, Coca-Cola aims to optimize production with the trend benefiting customer demand for sustainable products.

Recycled PET Market Segmentation Analysis

By Color

• Clear PET: Clear PET is transparent, recyclable polyethylene terephthalate, prized for transparency, flexibility, and simplicity of processability. Perfect for good-looking, aesthetically pleasing packaging such as beverage bottles, it’s easier to recycle than pigment-added PET, so it’s one of the best environmentally friendly production processes. For example, India, with increasing demand for packaged drinks, is facing increasing difficulties in managing PET bottle waste in November 2024. As increasing plastic usage continues, efficient recycling processes such as PET flakes and granules processing need to be implemented. The current situation of PET bottle-to-bottle recycling in India, Indian developments, and future regulations are the matters that this article tackles.

• Colored PET: Recycled colored and pigmented PET. Even though it is rich in color diversity, it is hard to recycle because it is challenging to separate it, and it is contaminated. But newer technologies are making it easier. For example, in July 2024, New technologies such as molecular recycling are making it easier to process colored and opaque PET, which were hard to process with conventional processes. Firms such as Eastman are making investments in upgraded facilities to convert such materials into food packaging suitable for use in reducing landfill waste. Collection and sorting are also being enhanced by converting packaging waste into an asset.

By Grade

• Post-consumer Resin (PCR): PCR is obtained from PET products that have been consumed and rejected by the final consumer, i.e., bottle drinks. PCR is a pillar of the recycling industry and contributes significantly to environmental conservation and resource protection. For example, May 2023, Sabic launched LNP Elcrin WF0051iQ, a chemically upcycled, renewable PBT resin processed from post-consumer PET bottles. Specifically designed for thin-wall electrical applications, it has UL94 V0 ratings at 0.4 mm and is brominated/chlorinated flame retardant-free. The product conserves almost 11% carbon footprint, recycles 39 PET bottles in a kg, and is SCS-certified recycled content and source.It is also marked by high flow, low abrasion, and supports compact designs.

• Post-commercial Resin: Post-commercial resin is commercial waste PET consisting of unsold product or packaging waste. The post-commercial resin is popular because, while contaminated with type-specific residues, its level of purity relative to contaminants makes it process well.For instance, Ganesha Ecopet increased its production of bottle-grade rPET capacity to 42,000 t/a in September 2024 with two new Starlinger lines and hopes to recycle 25% of India’s PET bottle scrap by 2026.Growth is driven by increasing demand led by EPR legislation and sustainability trend among the buyers.PET bottles are collected from throughout the nation and carbon footprint of PET is reduced by recycling water and using renewable energy.

• Post-industrial Resin: Post-industrial resin is derived from PET waste generated during production, like trim and off-specification products.Such a type of resin would be typically clean and even, allowing for very recyclability into new products. For example, in November 2022, Recycled plastics are growing increasingly financially sound as “green premiums” narrow, enabling recycling to be more profitable and enhancing investment in collection and processing. Growing PCR demand, changing packaging trends, and online marketplaces are reducing costs. Progressive businesses are adopting PCR packaging, establishing supplier networks, and leveraging digital platforms to remain sustainable and competitive.

By Application

• Bottles of Food & Beverages: PET is extensively employed to produce bottles of food and beverages because of its recyclability, clarity, and versatility. Use of PET in the food and beverage industry is one of the key causes of plastic waste reduction and environmental packaging.For instance, in April 2023, FIJI Water will be replacing 500 mL and 330 mL bottles with 100% recycled plastic (rPET), excluding caps and labels, in the UK and EU markets starting in Spring 2023, representing nearly 70% of their worldwide bottle volume. The firm also plans to retrofit its whole range of bottles to rPET by 2025. FIJI Water has also invested in clean energy projects in Fiji, such as microturbine energy generation and low-sulphur shipping fuels standards.

• Non-food Bottles: rPET bottles are utilized for packaging household cleaners, personal care products, and detergents.These uses take advantage of the strength and versatility of rPET. For instance, in April 2024, Unilever is introducing its Wonder Wash laundry detergent for 15-minute wash loads in entirely recyclable PET bottles with 35% post-consumer recycled content. This is in line with Unilever’s goal of recycling 72% of its plastic packaging and in line with waste infrastructure development and emissions reduction through the prevention of incineration.Wonder Wash, a “science-backed innovation” from the Dirt Is Good brand, will be available in the UK, Ireland, and China from mid-April and set to be rolled out to further markets in the latter half of the year.

• Fiber: Recycled PET fibers are made through the processing of PET waste into thin strands, which are then utilized in textiles, automotive parts, and home decor. This brand facilitates the circular economy by recycling waste into useful products. For example, in April 2022, Patagonia, The North Face, and Levi Strauss lead the Circular Fashion Index (CFX) for lengthening product lifecycles, with Patagonia having scored 8.50/10 for its rental scheme and recycled materials. Industry average in 2022 was 2.97, up from 1.6 in 2020, a sign of increased demand for sustainability in fashion. Consciousness is increasing, but the actual behavior of recycling, mending, and renting remains scarce, particularly beyond luxury segments. The report calls on companies to design for lasting products, encourage mending, and adopt secondhand models to reduce the environmental footprint of the industry. Their sustainability efforts have set the benchmark in the fashion sector, proving that recycled content can be used without sacrificing quality.

• Sheets & Films: Recycled PET sheets and films are used in packaging, signage, and protective covering. These have good clarity, strength, and recyclability, which makes them an ideal option for many industrial applications. For example, in November 2024, BoPET (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate) films are becoming increasingly popular within the packing industry owing to their strength, clarity, and resistance to environmental conditions, thus it is an adaptable and environmentally friendly option. JB rPET, one of the top rPET producers in India, promotes recycling of BoPET films and their uses in food safety, pharmaceuticals, and electronics and mentions the material’s growth rate with a projected CAGR of 4.68% through 2034. With sustainability emerging as the major driver, BoPET presents a combination of utility and sustainability and is poised to play an important role in emerging packaging solutions.

• Strapping: Recycled PET strapping is applied for restraining goods in transport and storage. It offers a robust, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly substitute for the conventional strapping products. For example, in December 2024, PET straps have become a suitable and environmentally friendly option in the corporate world to hold and secure merchandise during shipping and packaging. Since highly tensile-strength, elastic, and wear-resistant, PET straps are good for most applications in construction, automotive, textiles, and foods & beverages, and guaranteed to hold products in one piece to transport. And since they cost less, it is safer to handle, recycled, and lowers carbon footprint as compared to steel strapping while being in pace with sustainability targets, PET straps are an apt solution.

• Others: The “Others” subcategory of the rPET application category consists of rope and motor vehicle parts, demonstrating the versatility of the material in non-traditional packaging uses. rPET is gaining popularity for the production of ropes because of their high strength, durability, and water resistance, making them suitable for application in marine, industrial, and agricultural uses. In the automotive sector, rPET is used in the manufacture of parts like seat covers, insulation, and interior panels that contribute to vehicle lightweighting and greenification. Car manufacturers, in an effort to minimize their carbon footprint, are increasingly using rPET-based parts in their vehicles, particularly electric and hybrids.

Recycled PET Market Impact of Recent Tariff Policy

The current tariff policies on the importation of virgin PET resin, particularly in the United States as well as the European continent, have also had a chain reaction in the entire recycled PET (rPET) sector. In the sense that they inflate the cost of virgin PET through additional tariffs, such policies de facto counteract the cost leadership virgin material has had over recyclable material in the past. Such cost congruence has made rPET an appealing and sustainable alternative to cost-conscious manufacturers in search of low-cost and environmentally friendly raw materials, particularly in packaging, textile, and beverage manufacturing.

Because of these policy shifts, rPET demand has been on the rising path, driving investments in recycling equipment and capacity. Major industry players are adding production capacity and entering into partnerships to maintain a steady supply of quality rPET. Challenges persist as there is no tariff code that is globally recognized for rPET, and thus trade documentation, compliance, and data tracking are challenges. Such regulatory uncertainty can potentially paralyze international trade and instill fear among both buyers and suppliers.

In spite of the problems, the momentum created by the tariffs is backing the long-term growth of the recycled PET industry. Policymakers, businesses, and environmental groups see it as a way of encouraging circular economy practice and to wean off virgin plastic manufacturing. On the big canvas of environmental sustainability, these tariffs are not just economic instruments but also drivers that nudge industries towards cleaner and greener production paradigms.

Report Scope

Recycled PET Market Regional Analysis

The Recycled PET market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Following is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: North America, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico specifically, is a leader in adopting recycled PET due to high levels of environmental consciousness, regulation, and corporate green initiatives. The continent is spending heavily on recycling plants to help drive a circular economy. In July 2022, for example, Evergreen commissioned a 54,000 sq. ft. adding four extrusion lines and its Clyde, Ohio plant’s capacity to 113 million pounds yearly of food-grade rPET. Funded by a $5M investment by Closed Loop Partners and the American Beverage Association, the venture enables Evergreen to move into food-grade rPET production and drive recycling targets worldwide.

• Europe: Europe takes the lead when it comes to recycling with good infrastructure and strict EU policy that demands lower plastic waste and more recycled content in products, driving the rPET market. For example, in February 2025, The European PET industry, worth more than €5.5 billion, is challenged despite encouraging trends such as a 75% collection rate and 24% rPET content in bottles. High rPET prices, lower-cost imports, and sluggish EU recycling sector growth jeopardize long-term sustainability. Stakeholders call for enhanced coordination, harmonized legislation, and a level playing field to ensure competitiveness and prevent problems confronting the EU textiles industry.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region, consisting of China, India, and Southeast Asia, is seeing fast-paced industrialization and urbanization, leading to increased consumption of plastic. Focus is being laid on increasing recycling capacity and adopting sustainable practices to manage plastic waste better. For instance, in August 2023, Amcor signed a deal to purchase Indian flexible packaging company Phoenix Flexibles, which has a plant in Gujarat, for approximately US$20 million. The deal will grow the size of Amcor in India’s high-growth market, increase machine-direction oriented film technology to provide more sustainable packaging solutions, and increase Amcor product offerings in high-value categories. The transaction is anticipated to close in September 2023.

• LAMEA: The LAMEA market is slowly adopting recycled PET solutions due to heightened environmental consciousness, regulatory changes, and the need for sustainable waste management. Despite the ongoing growth of the market, there is strong potential as countries are investing in recycling technology and infrastructure. In February 2025, The IFC partnered with the Mohinani Group to boost plastic recycling in West Africa through a $37 million loan for Polytank Ghana and Sonnex Packaging Nigeria. The project will create PET recycling facilities manufacturing 15,000 tons of rPET per year, substituting virgin PET in packaging. The initiative will provide 90% of raw materials locally, establish more than 4,000 employment opportunities, and achieve $21 million in yearly import savings, facilitating climate change mitigation and economic development.

Recycled PET Market Key Developments

In recent years, the Recycled PET market has experienced a number of crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In April 2024, Amcor launched the first-ever one-liter PET bottle for carbonated soft drinks made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. This stock option helps brands meet sustainability commitments, address regulations, and satisfy consumer demand for responsible packaging, while also ensuring a quick market entry. As a leader in packaging innovation, Amcor aims to have all its packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025, with 95% of this goal already achieved, and used over 375 million pounds of recycled material last year.

• In September 2024, Placon launched EcoStar 50S, a sustainable packaging material made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic that meets current packaging requirements in all 50 U.S. states, and will use it for its stock food and retail PET products at no additional cost to customers. Placon has been a leader in PCR packaging for over three decades and offers custom packaging to customers with PCR content ranging from 25% to 100%, with certification available.

• In April 2022, Indorama Ventures (IVL) has completed its acquisition of Ngoc Nghia (NN), a leading PET packaging company in Vietnam, for approximately 3,096.12 million Baht, expanding IVL’s integrated PET product offerings in the region. NN, with four manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, produces 5.5 billion units of PET preforms, bottles, and closures annually and has established partnerships with major global and Vietnamese brands. IVL aims to grow the business sustainably, better serve its regional customers, and potentially expand its recycled PET business into Vietnam.

These important changes facilitated the companies to widen their portfolios, to bolster their competitiveness, and to exploit the possibilities for growth available in the Recycled PET market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

Recycled PET Market Competitive Landscape

The Recycled PET market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Amcor Ltd
• PLACON
• Clear Path Recycling LLC
• Verdeco Recycling Inc.
• Indorama Ventures Public Ltd.
• Zhejiang Anshun Pettechs Fibre Co. Ltd.
• PolyQuest
• Evergreen Plastics Inc.
• Phoenix Technologies
• Libolon
• Biffa
• Others

These firms utilize a chain of methods to enter the market, including innovations, mergers and acquisitions, and cooperation.

The Recycled PET (rPET) industry is fueled by heightened environmental consciousness and the rising need for sustainable packaging solutions. Major brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Unilever are incorporating recycled PET in their packaging to achieve sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

The firms are committing to employ greater amounts of recycled material, especially in food-grade packaging, to reduce plastic waste and lower carbon emissions. As consumers and governments increasingly demand eco-friendly practices, rPET is emerging as a major material in the packaging industry.

Apart from the mass corporate uptake, the rPET market is also benefiting from advances in recycling technologies. Advances such as chemical recycling are making PET waste treatment more efficient, allowing more waste to be converted into high-quality recycled product.

This technology is crucial for increasing the availability of rPET in industries such as textiles, automotive, and packaging. As rPET becomes increasingly popular as a substitute for virgin PET, more industries are adding it to their supply chain.

Local and regional players are also expanding their presence in the rPET market, especially in emerging economies where sustainable packaging is a fast-rising trend. Specialized internet platforms and online marketplaces for recycled products are also expanding market access and demand for rPET products. The market is also becoming more competitive as manufacturers focus on delivering high-quality, affordable solutions, rendering rPET a cornerstone of the global shift towards a circular economy.

The Recycled PET Market is segmented as follows:

By Color

• Clear
• Colored

By Grade

• Post-consumer Resin
• Post-commercial Resin
• Post-industrial Resin

By Application

• Food & Beverage Bottles
• Non-food Bottles
• Fiber
• Sheets & Films
• Strapping
• Others (including Rope and Automotive Parts)

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America