Government initiatives and regulations drive global packaging-waste recycling market

The packaging-waste recycling market is valued at US$30,900.2 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$48,446.3 million in 2033. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.6 per cent over the forecast period.

The market was valued at US$29,590 million in 2022 and is anticipated to exhibit a y-o-y growth of 4.4 per cent in 2023. The packaging-waste recycling systems used in industrial sectors acquired more than half of the market considering end use in 2023.

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.

Packaging-Waste Recycling Market Trends and Analysis

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 and 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.

Factors Restraining the Market’s Growth

Complexity: Efficient recycling is hampered by the variety and complexity of packaging materials, particularly composite and multi-material packaging. Certain materials are expensive and have lower recycling rates, as they are harder to separate and recycle.

Lack of Standardization: Customers can become confused about what is recyclable if there are no established recycling procedures or labeling systems in place. This ambiguity makes recycling less efficient and raises the possibility of contamination.

Costs: The establishment and upkeep of recycling infrastructure, which includes facilities for sorting, collecting, and processing waste, can be costly. These hefty initial expenses can occasionally make recycling enterprises less financially viable.

Country-Wise Insights

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 per cent. China and the United States are anticipated to follow with CAGRs of 4.9 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively.

Growing Government Initiatives in the United States to Surge Demand

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.

Increasing Recycling Rates in the United Kingdom to Drive Demand

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.

Rising Adoption of Circular Economy in Germany to Influence Market Dynamics

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 centre on addressing the issues related to excessive packaging in the e-commerce industry.

Increasing Environmental Concerns among Population Boosting Sales in China

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.

Increasing Adoption of Waste-Management Strategies in Japan to Fuel Growth

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 and processing systems.

Competitive Landscape

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.

For instance

In Oct. 2022, KW Plastics signed an agreement with Clean Planet Energy, a renewable and alternative energy company.

In Sept. 2022, Novolex invested US$10 million in its North Vernon, United States facility to increase its recycling capacity.

In 2022, WM Recycle America, LLC acquired Avangard Innovative’s United States operations.

In Jan. 2022, Plastipak Holdings, Inc. invested to expand its PET recycling capacity at its manufacturing site in Bascharages, Luxembourg.

These insights are based on a report by Ismail Sutaria Packaging Waste Recycling Market by Future Market Insights.