This new report from Smithers addresses the world market for Post-Consumer Recycled packaging plastic across 2016-26. The principal quantitative data focuses on the volume of PCR plastic being reused for packaging, its suitability for reuse, and its cost implications compared to virgin feedstock. The accompanying qualitative analysis examines the availability and design (performance and regulatory) implications of PCR plastic packaging. In this report PCR packaging refers to waste consumer packaging materials that are collected, sorted, recycled and then reused in packaging markets. Reconditioned and recycled industrial/ transit packaging is not included in this report.
Our exclusive content
- How the use of PCR packaging supports the rethinking of the way the industry produces and consumes products and how it has become the overarching structure by which the packaging industry thinks about sustainability in practice
- The technological advancements that are making the use of PCR packaging practical and expandable
- The largest segments of the market and the expansions the industry can expect over the next five years.
What will you discover?
- The regulations and directives that have an impact on the beginning of life of PCR material, with the end goal of the regulation to collect and recycle all the packaging
- The implication the use of PCR packaging has on companies; many must now change their packaging to use more sustainable materials that are able to be recycled
- How consumer behaviour is a large driving force behind the PCR packaging industry: the more that consumers recycle, the more PCR supply there is potentially.
The Smithers methodology
This report is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organisation data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.
Who should buy this report?
- Raw material suppliers
- Recycled material suppliers
- Recycled material converters
- Packaging converters
- Packaging manufacturers
- Brand owners
About the author
Samuel Ng is currently working as a Market Analyst at Smithers, where he works closely with teams on large consultancy projects and market research projects. The authoring of this report plays into a larger research project Sam is currently working on as Smithers seeks to expand its position in the print and packaging industries. Sam has vast experience in primary and secondary research, data and statistical modelling.
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction & methodology
Key drivers and trends in PCR packaging
- Impact of Legislation
- EU Legislation
- North American Legislation
- Asia Legislation
- Other Regions legislation
Market drivers and trends for PCR packaging
- Brand owner commitments to PCR packaging
- Consumer attitudes to plastic packaging
- Barriers to the quality of PCR
- The cost of PCR versus virgin stock
- Biodegradable plastics
Technology forecasts for PCR plastic packaging
- The Circular Economy
- Technologies to aid recycling
- Collection
- Sorting
- Processing
- Recyclable packaging
- Recycled plastic additives
Materials for PCR plastic packaging markets to 2026
- PET
- PE
- PVC
- PP
- PS
- EPS
- Others
End use markets for PCR plastic packaging to 2026
- Food
- Drinks
- Healthcare
- Cosmetics
- Industrial / Transit
- Other consumer goods
Geographic markets for PCR plastic packaging to 2026
- Global
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Other Europe
- North America
- Asia
- China
- India
- Japan
- Other Asia
- Rest of World
Tables & Figures
- Global PCR packaging consumption by polymer type and end use 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Total Europe PCR packaging consumption by polymer type and end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Germany PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Germany PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- UK PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- UK PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- France PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- France PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other Europe PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other Europe PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- North America PCR packaging consumption by polymer type and end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- US PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- US PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other North America PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other North America PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Asia PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Asia PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- China PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- China PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Japan PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Japan PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- India PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- India PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other Asia PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other Asia PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Rest of World PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Rest of World PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Brazil PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Brazil PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other Rest of World PCR packaging consumption by polymer type, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- Other Rest of World PCR packaging consumption by end use, 2016-26 ('000 tonnes)
- PET consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
- PE consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
- PVC consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
- PP consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
- PS consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
- EPS consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)
- Other consumption in PCR by end use, 2016-2026 ('000 tonnes)