Product Code: GVR-4-68040-556-1
Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market Growth & Trends:
The global mechanical & chemical recycling of polyethylene market is anticipated to reach USD 30.14 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.25% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The mechanical and chemical recycling of polyethylene market represents a vital component of the broader plastic waste management and circular economy landscape. Polyethylene, one of the most widely used plastics globally, is integral to diverse sectors ranging from flexible packaging and consumer goods to construction and automotive. As sustainability becomes a core strategic imperative across industries, the recycling of polyethylene-through mechanical means like extrusion and pelletizing, as well as chemical processes such as pyrolysis and solvolysis-is emerging as a high-impact solution to mitigate environmental pressures. These recycling methods help transform post-consumer and post-industrial polyethylene waste into high-quality secondary raw materials, reducing dependency on virgin fossil-based polymers and aligning with international emissions and waste reduction goals.
The market is propelled by the rising global focus on plastic circularity and compliance with environmental regulations. Mechanical recycling is gaining traction due to its relative cost-effectiveness and scalability, particularly in high-volume, low-contamination waste streams such as HDPE bottles and LDPE films. Meanwhile, chemical recycling is carving out a niche in processing complex, contaminated, and multi-layered waste types that mechanical systems cannot efficiently handle. This dual-technology landscape is further strengthened by increasing brand-owner commitments to recycled content integration and net-zero targets, as well as policy shifts across Europe, North America, and Asia that are mandating recycled content thresholds and incentivizing end-of-life plastic recovery systems. These developments are collectively fostering a sophisticated market ecosystem focused on innovation, traceability, and high-purity material recovery.
The market players are focusing on various strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations. For instance, in June 2024, Dow announced an agreement to acquire Circulus, a North American recycler specializing in converting plastic waste into post-consumer resin (PCR). The deal included two recycling facilities located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Arab, Alabama, with a combined capacity of 50,000 metric tons per year.
Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market Report Highlights:
- Based on recycling type, mechanical recycling held the largest share, accumulating USD 11.06 billion market size in 2024.
- Based on application, packaging accounted for the largest share of 34.67% market size in 2024.
- Europe dominated the market, driven by the rapid advancement of digital technologies in waste management and recycling operations. European governments and private sector players are increasingly deploying AI-powered sorting systems, blockchain-based traceability tools, and smart material recovery facilities (MRFs) to enhance the quality and efficiency of polyethylene recycling.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
- 1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
- 1.2. Market Definition
- 1.3. Information Procurement
- 1.3.1. Purchased Database
- 1.3.2. GVR's Internal Database
- 1.3.3. Secondary Materials & Third-Party Perspectives
- 1.3.4. Primary Research
- 1.4. Information Analysis
- 1.4.1. Data Analysis Models
- 1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
- 1.6. Data Validation & Publishing
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Market Insights
- 2.2. Segmental Outlook
- 2.3. Competitive Outlook
Chapter 3. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market Variables, Trends & Scope
- 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook
- 3.1.1. Parent Market Outlook
- 3.2. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping
- 3.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
- 3.3.1. Profit Margin Analysis of Key Value Chain Participants
- 3.3.2. Raw Material Trends
- 3.3.3. Raw Material Price Analysis
- 3.4. Technology Overview
- 3.4.1. Commercial Production Technology
- 3.4.2. Roadmap of Technology Advancement, 2018 to 2030
- 3.5. Sustainability Trends
- 3.5.1. Recycling and Circular Economy
- 3.6. Regulatory Framework
- 3.6.1. Policies and Incentive Plans
- 3.6.2. Standards and Compliances
- 3.6.3. Regulatory Impact Analysis
- 3.7. Average Price Trend Analysis, 2018 to 2030 (USD/kg)
- 3.7.1. Key Factors Influencing Pricing
- 3.8. Supply Demand Gap Analysis
- 3.9. Market Dynamics
- 3.9.1. Market Driver Analysis
- 3.9.2. Market Restraint Analysis
- 3.9.3. Industry Challenges
- 3.10. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 3.10.1. Supplier Power
- 3.10.2. Buyer Power
- 3.10.3. Substitution Threat
- 3.10.4. Threat from New Entrant
- 3.10.5. Competitive Rivalry
- 3.11. PESTEL Analysis
- 3.11.1. Political Landscape
- 3.11.2. Economic Landscape
- 3.11.3. Social Landscape
- 3.11.4. Technological Landscape
- 3.11.5. Environmental Landscape
- 3.11.6. Legal Landscape
Chapter 4. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market: Recycling Type Outlook Estimates & Forecasts
- 4.1. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market: Recycling Type Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030
- 4.1.1. Mechanical Recycling
- 4.1.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 4.1.2. Chemical Recycling
- 4.1.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
Chapter 5. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market: Application Outlook Estimates & Forecasts
- 5.1. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market: Application Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030
- 5.1.1. Packaging
- 5.1.1.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 5.1.2. Automotive
- 5.1.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 5.1.3. Building & Construction
- 5.1.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 5.1.4. Electrical & Electronics
- 5.1.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 5.1.5. Textile
- 5.1.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 5.1.6. Others
- 5.1.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
Chapter 6. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market Regional Outlook Estimates & Forecasts
- 6.1. Regional Snapshot
- 6.2. Mechanical & Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Market: Regional Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030
- 6.3. North America
- 6.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.4. U.S.
- 6.3.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.4.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.5. Canada
- 6.3.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.5.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.6. Mexico
- 6.3.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.3.6.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4. Europe
- 6.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.4. UK
- 6.4.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.4.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.5. Germany
- 6.4.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.5.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.6. France
- 6.4.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.6.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.7. Italy
- 6.4.7.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.7.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.7.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.8. Spain
- 6.4.8.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.8.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.4.8.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5. Asia Pacific
- 6.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.4. China
- 6.5.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.4.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.5. India
- 6.5.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.5.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.6. Japan
- 6.5.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.6.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.7. South Korea
- 6.5.7.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.7.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.7.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.8. Australia
- 6.5.8.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.8.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.5.8.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6. Central & South America
- 6.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.4. Brazil
- 6.6.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.4.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.5. Argentina
- 6.6.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.6.5.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7. Middle East & Africa
- 6.7.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.4. Saudi Arabia
- 6.7.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.4.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.5. South Africa
- 6.7.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by recycling type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
- 6.7.5.3. Market estimates and forecast, by application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) (Kilotons)
Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape
- 7.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, By Key Market Participants
- 7.2. Vendor Landscape
- 7.2.1. Company categorization
- 7.2.2. List of Key Distributors and channel Partners
- 7.2.3. List of Potential Customers/End-users
- 7.3. Competitive Dynamics
- 7.3.1. Company Market Share Analysis & Market Positioning
- 7.3.2. Competitive Benchmarking
- 7.3.3. Strategy Mapping
- 7.3.4. Heat Map Analysis
- 7.4. Company Profiles/Listing
- 7.4.1. Participant's overview
- 7.4.2. Financial performance
- 7.4.3. Product benchmarking
- 7.4.3.1. Veolia
- 7.4.3.2. Biffa
- 7.4.3.3. Plastipak
- 7.4.3.4. MBA Polymers
- 7.4.3.5. Loop Industries
- 7.4.3.6. Brightmark
- 7.4.3.7. Plastic Energy
- 7.4.3.8. Eastman Chemical
- 7.4.3.9. Agilyx
- 7.4.3.10. Dow Inc.