Plastic Waste Management Market Analysis

Recycling Technologies Segment Analysis

The chemical recycling segment is projected to capture 40% of the global plastic waste management market share by 2035, owing to its ability to handle mixed and contaminated plastics that aren't fit for mechanical recycling. This approach aligns with circular economic objectives by transforming waste plastics into feedstock for new materials. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) emphasizes the continuous regulatory support for chemical recycling technologies aimed at mitigating plastic pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In April 2025, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reported that nearly 80% of the 308,000 metric tons of new recycling capacity announced each year are from chemical recycling projects. By 2030, the capacity for chemical recycling is expected to cross 5 million metric tons, compared to less than 1 million in 2023. Most of this investment is currently led by the U.S. and Europe, but developing countries are also driving more interest. For instance, Greenback Recycling Technologies is set to build new recycling facilities in Latin America that use microwave technology to handle up to 90,000 metric tons of tough-to-recycle waste, including flexible plastic packaging. Also, PETRONAS Chemical Group aims to construct Asia’s biggest chemical recycling plant. Overall, the recycling movement is poised to double the revenues of key players during the forecast period.

Waste Collection & Sorting Segment Analysis

The mechanical sorting is projected to account for 28% of the global plastic waste management market share throughout the study period, primarily driven by the growing adoption of automation in both municipal and industrial waste management. Governments around the world are advocating enhanced sorting efficiency to improve recycling rates and lessen reliance on landfills. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports innovative sorting technologies through grants and guidelines aimed at achieving the National Recycling Goal of 50% by 2030. Additionally, the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan focuses on sustainable growth and also supports enhanced waste sorting methods to reduce contamination in recycled plastics, which in turn boosts the need for mechanical sorting systems.

End user Segment Analysis

The packaging segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the study period. The robust e-commerce trade is increasing the use of plastic. The report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that the e-commerce trade crossed USD 27 trillion in 2022 and is expected to increase at a high pace in the years ahead. The sustainability trend in this sector is further expected to increase the use of recyclable packaging materials. The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) discloses that the global reusable packaging market was calculated at USD 107 billion in 2023. Overall, high plastic packaging use is likely to accelerate the production and commercialization of smart waste management solutions.

Our in-depth analysis of the global plastic waste management market includes the following segments: