GITNUXREPORT 2026

Plastic Recycling Industry Statistics

The global plastic recycling industry is growing but still only recycles a small fraction of total waste.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, 62% of U.S. MRFs rejected plastics due to contamination.

Statistic 2

EU Single-Use Plastics Directive bans 10 items since 2021, boosting recycling.

Statistic 3

Chemical recycling capacity globally is 1 million tons/year, scaling to 5M by 2028.

Statistic 4

32% of recycled plastics suffer quality loss after one cycle.

Statistic 5

U.S. Plastic Pollution Prevention and Recycling Act proposed in 2023.

Statistic 6

AI sorting technology improves plastic recovery by 25% in MRFs.

Statistic 7

Global deposit return systems cover 40% of beverage containers.

Statistic 8

Pyrolysis for plastic-to-fuel yields 80% diesel from mixed waste.

Statistic 9

India's Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 mandate 100% EPR by 2024.

Statistic 10

Contamination reduces rPET value by 20-30%.

Statistic 11

Enzymatic recycling breakthrough recycles PET in 10 hours at 50°C.

Statistic 12

California's SB 54 requires 25% post-consumer recycled content by 2025.

Statistic 13

Blockchain traceability pilots track 90% of recycled plastics in supply chains.

Statistic 14

Global investment in plastic recycling tech reached $2.5B in 2023.

Statistic 15

Mechanical recycling limited to 10 cycles for PET due to degradation.

Statistic 16

EU's Digital Product Passport for plastics launches 2024.

Statistic 17

45% MRF sort residue is plastic contamination.

Statistic 18

Global chemical recycling pilots 200,000 tons capacity.

Statistic 19

U.S. Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act 2022.

Statistic 20

Sorting robots recover 95% plastics accuracy.

Statistic 21

DRS systems recycle 90% containers Europe.

Statistic 22

Gasification recycling efficiency 70% syngas yield.

Statistic 23

Extended Producer Responsibility in 34 countries.

Statistic 24

Food-grade rPET requires 99.9% purity challenge.

Statistic 25

Carbios enzyme recycles 90% PET monomers.

Statistic 26

NY Plastic Bag Ban increases recycling 15%.

Statistic 27

Digital twins optimize recycling plants 20% efficiency.

Statistic 28

Investments $15B in advanced recycling 2020-30.

Statistic 29

Downcycling affects 50% mechanical recycled plastics.

Statistic 30

Recycling PET saves 70-90% energy compared to virgin production.

Statistic 31

Producing recycled plastic reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5-2 tons per ton recycled.

Statistic 32

The plastic recycling industry in the U.S. supports 59,000 jobs as of 2022.

Statistic 33

Recycled plastics market generated $78 billion in economic value globally in 2022.

Statistic 34

Landfill diversion through plastic recycling saved 1.8 billion gallons of gasoline in U.S. 2022.

Statistic 35

EU plastic recycling reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 36

Cost of virgin PET is $1,000/ton vs. $900/ton for recycled PET in 2023.

Statistic 37

Recycling 1 ton of plastic saves 5,774 kWh of energy.

Statistic 38

Global plastic recycling avoids 700 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually.

Statistic 39

U.S. plastic recycling industry contributes $11 billion to GDP yearly.

Statistic 40

Water savings from recycling 1 ton of plastic: 7,200 gallons.

Statistic 41

Recycled plastic reduces oil consumption by 1-3 barrels per ton.

Statistic 42

Economic multiplier effect of plastic recycling jobs is 4.2x in EU.

Statistic 43

Plastic recycling cuts microplastic pollution by 50% in waste streams.

Statistic 44

Virgin plastic production emits 3.4 tons CO2/ton vs. 0.6 for recycled.

Statistic 45

Recycling PET reduces energy by 84% vs virgin.

Statistic 46

1 ton recycled plastic saves 80% water vs virgin.

Statistic 47

U.S. recycling jobs 100,000+ in plastics sector.

Statistic 48

Recycled plastics $50B market value 2023.

Statistic 49

Avoided 100M tons GHG from EU recycling 2020-22.

Statistic 50

rPET cheaper by $200/ton than virgin in 2023.

Statistic 51

Recycling 10% more plastic cuts 50M tons CO2/year.

Statistic 52

U.S. plastics recycling $40B economic impact.

Statistic 53

1 ton recycling saves 10 trees equivalent.

Statistic 54

Oil savings 2 tons per ton recycled plastic.

Statistic 55

EPR schemes boost recycling 20% economically.

Statistic 56

Microplastics reduced 30% via better sorting.

Statistic 57

Virgin resin $1,200/ton, recycled $950 avg.

Statistic 58

Ocean plastic prevented 1M tons by recycling.

Statistic 59

The global plastic recycling market size was valued at USD 45.55 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 60

In Europe, the plastic recycling market reached €13.4 billion in 2022, driven by stringent EU regulations.

Statistic 61

North America's plastic recycling industry generated $8.2 billion in revenue in 2021.

Statistic 62

Asia-Pacific dominates the plastic recycling market with a 42% share in 2023.

Statistic 63

The U.S. plastic recycling market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2027.

Statistic 64

China's plastic recycling capacity increased by 15% to 18 million tons annually in 2022.

Statistic 65

India's plastic recycling market grew at 7.2% CAGR to $1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 66

The recycled plastic market in the UK was worth £1.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 67

Global demand for recycled PET reached 8.5 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 68

The Brazilian plastic recycling sector expanded to 600,000 tons processed in 2023.

Statistic 69

Australia's plastic recycling industry output hit AUD 1.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 70

Japan's recycled plastics market valued at ¥500 billion in 2023.

Statistic 71

Middle East plastic recycling market projected to grow at 8% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 72

South Korea's plastic recycling revenue reached KRW 2.5 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 73

Germany's plastic recycling market share in Europe is 28% valued at €3.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 74

In 2022, global plastic recycling market size was valued at USD 45.55 billion.

Statistic 75

Europe plastic recycling turnover increased to 13.4 billion euros in 2022.

Statistic 76

U.S. plastic recycling market revenue was $7.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 77

Asia-Pacific plastic recycling market share was 38% in 2022.

Statistic 78

Projected global plastic recycling market to reach $88 billion by 2030.

Statistic 79

China's recycled plastic production capacity at 16 million tons in 2021.

Statistic 80

Indian plastic recycling industry processes 4 million tons annually.

Statistic 81

UK plastics reprocessing market valued at £800 million in 2021.

Statistic 82

Recycled PET market globally 19 million tons by 2025 forecast.

Statistic 83

Brazil's plastic recycling market grows at 9% CAGR to 2027.

Statistic 84

Australia recycled plastics market AUD 500 million in 2022.

Statistic 85

Japan plastic recycling market size ¥450 billion in 2022.

Statistic 86

Middle East recycled plastics market $1.2B in 2023.

Statistic 87

South Korea plastic recycling output 1.8 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 88

Germany leads EU with 3.2 million tons recycled plastics in 2022.

Statistic 89

In 2022, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled globally.

Statistic 90

The U.S. recycled 5.5 billion pounds of plastic in 2018, equating to a 8.7% recycling rate.

Statistic 91

Europe recycled 35.8 million tonnes of plastics packaging in 2022, a 7% increase from 2021.

Statistic 92

China's plastic recycling rate stands at 30% of its 60 million tons annual waste.

Statistic 93

India recycled approximately 60% of its 3.5 million tons of plastic waste in 2022.

Statistic 94

Globally, 353 million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2019, with 46 million tonnes recycled.

Statistic 95

The EU-27 recycled 42% of post-consumer plastic packaging in 2022.

Statistic 96

U.S. PET bottle recycling rate was 29.1% in 2022.

Statistic 97

Japan achieved a 84% collection rate for plastic bottles in 2022.

Statistic 98

Brazil recycled 145,000 tons of PET in 2022, 57% of sales volume.

Statistic 99

UK recycled 44% of plastic packaging waste in 2022.

Statistic 100

Australia’s national plastic recycling rate for kerbside collections is 18%.

Statistic 101

South Africa recycled 343,000 tons of plastics in 2022, 43% recovery rate.

Statistic 102

Global HDPE recycling volume reached 5.2 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 103

In 2023, 91% of recycled plastic bottles in the U.S. were PET.

Statistic 104

Global plastic waste generated 400 million tons in 2022, 20% recycled.

Statistic 105

U.S. recycled 3.1 billion pounds of rigid plastics in 2021.

Statistic 106

EU recycled 32% of all plastics in 2022.

Statistic 107

China's municipal plastic waste recycling rate 25% in 2022.

Statistic 108

India collected 92% of plastic waste for recycling in urban areas 2022.

Statistic 109

Worldwide, 267 million tons plastic waste generated yearly, 22M recycled.

Statistic 110

EU post-consumer plastics recycling rate 38.5% in 2021.

Statistic 111

U.S. HDPE recycling rate 34% for natural bottles in 2022.

Statistic 112

Japan recycled 9.2 million tons of plastic waste, 86% rate.

Statistic 113

Brazil PET recycling rate 51.5% in 2022.

Statistic 114

UK household plastic recycling rate 45% in 2022.

Statistic 115

Australia recycled 13.8% of plastics from kerbside in 2021-22.

Statistic 116

South Africa plastic recycling recovery 10% of consumption.

Statistic 117

Global LDPE recycling 1.1 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 118

Europe recycled 5.6 million tons PET in 2022.

Statistic 119

PET plastics account for 28% of global plastic production but 60% of recycled content.

Statistic 120

HDPE comprises 17% of plastic packaging and has a 30% recycling rate globally.

Statistic 121

PVC recycling represents only 1% of total PVC production worldwide.

Statistic 122

LDPE recycling rate is 5.4% in the U.S., lower due to film contamination.

Statistic 123

PP plastics recycling volume globally was 2.8 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 124

PS recycling is minimal at 0.6% globally due to low demand.

Statistic 125

In Europe, 61% of PET bottles are recycled mechanically.

Statistic 126

ABS plastics recycling market focuses on automotive scrap, 20% recovery.

Statistic 127

Polycarbonate (PC) has a recycling rate under 10% due to contamination issues.

Statistic 128

Global recycled PET flakes production hit 7.9 million tons in 2022.

Statistic 129

HDPE milk jugs in the U.S. have a 52% recycling rate.

Statistic 130

PVC pipes recycling reaches 70% in construction waste streams in EU.

Statistic 131

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling rate is 15% in packaging sector.

Statistic 132

Nylon (PA) recycling from textiles is 12% globally.

Statistic 133

Recycled PET fiber production was 5.5 million tons in Asia in 2022.

Statistic 134

LDPE film recycling in U.S. agriculture waste is 25%.

Statistic 135

Global recycled PP nonwovens volume grew to 1.2 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 136

70% of recycled plastics in bottles are PET and HDPE combined.

Statistic 137

PET accounts for 10% of plastic use but 50% of recycling.

Statistic 138

HDPE 30% of rigid packaging, recycled at 29% globally.

Statistic 139

PVC 12% global production, recycled volume 0.8M tons.

Statistic 140

LDPE 20% packaging market, 7% recycling rate.

Statistic 141

PP 15% of plastics, 12% recycled in EU.

Statistic 142

PS/EPS recycling <5%, mainly mechanical densification.

Statistic 143

75% of U.S. recycled bottles are PET.

Statistic 144

Recycled ABS from e-waste 300,000 tons globally.

Statistic 145

PC recycling from CDs 95% material recovery.

Statistic 146

4 million tons recycled PET pellets produced yearly.

Statistic 147

HDPE detergent bottles recycled at 45% in U.S.

Statistic 148

PVC flooring recycling 80% in closed loops EU.

Statistic 149

EPS recycling in construction 500,000 tons Europe.

Statistic 150

PA6/66 textile recycling 1% global.

Statistic 151

rPET yarn 2.5 million tons Asia production.

Statistic 152

Agricultural LDPE mulch film recycled 20% U.S.

Statistic 153

rPP for automotive 800,000 tons globally.

Statistic 154

Multi-material laminates recycling <1% challenge.

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While the world may have only recycled 9% of all plastic ever produced, the $45.55 billion global recycling industry is now racing to transform that staggering statistic into a powerful circular economy.

Key Takeaways

The global plastic recycling market size was valued at USD 45.55 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030.
In Europe, the plastic recycling market reached €13.4 billion in 2022, driven by stringent EU regulations.
North America's plastic recycling industry generated $8.2 billion in revenue in 2021.
In 2022, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled globally.
The U.S. recycled 5.5 billion pounds of plastic in 2018, equating to a 8.7% recycling rate.
Europe recycled 35.8 million tonnes of plastics packaging in 2022, a 7% increase from 2021.
PET plastics account for 28% of global plastic production but 60% of recycled content.
HDPE comprises 17% of plastic packaging and has a 30% recycling rate globally.
PVC recycling represents only 1% of total PVC production worldwide.
Recycling PET saves 70-90% energy compared to virgin production.
Producing recycled plastic reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5-2 tons per ton recycled.
The plastic recycling industry in the U.S. supports 59,000 jobs as of 2022.
In 2022, 62% of U.S. MRFs rejected plastics due to contamination.
EU Single-Use Plastics Directive bans 10 items since 2021, boosting recycling.
Chemical recycling capacity globally is 1 million tons/year, scaling to 5M by 2028.

The global plastic recycling industry is growing but still only recycles a small fraction of total waste.

Challenges, Policies, and Innovations

In 2022, 62% of U.S. MRFs rejected plastics due to contamination.
EU Single-Use Plastics Directive bans 10 items since 2021, boosting recycling.
Chemical recycling capacity globally is 1 million tons/year, scaling to 5M by 2028.
32% of recycled plastics suffer quality loss after one cycle.
U.S. Plastic Pollution Prevention and Recycling Act proposed in 2023.
AI sorting technology improves plastic recovery by 25% in MRFs.
Global deposit return systems cover 40% of beverage containers.
Pyrolysis for plastic-to-fuel yields 80% diesel from mixed waste.
India's Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 mandate 100% EPR by 2024.
Contamination reduces rPET value by 20-30%.
Enzymatic recycling breakthrough recycles PET in 10 hours at 50°C.
California's SB 54 requires 25% post-consumer recycled content by 2025.
Blockchain traceability pilots track 90% of recycled plastics in supply chains.
Global investment in plastic recycling tech reached $2.5B in 2023.
Mechanical recycling limited to 10 cycles for PET due to degradation.
EU's Digital Product Passport for plastics launches 2024.
45% MRF sort residue is plastic contamination.
Global chemical recycling pilots 200,000 tons capacity.
U.S. Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act 2022.
Sorting robots recover 95% plastics accuracy.
DRS systems recycle 90% containers Europe.
Gasification recycling efficiency 70% syngas yield.
Extended Producer Responsibility in 34 countries.
Food-grade rPET requires 99.9% purity challenge.
Carbios enzyme recycles 90% PET monomers.
NY Plastic Bag Ban increases recycling 15%.
Digital twins optimize recycling plants 20% efficiency.
Investments $15B in advanced recycling 2020-30.
Downcycling affects 50% mechanical recycled plastics.

Challenges, Policies, and Innovations Interpretation

Though the march of progress—from AI sorters to digital passports—is real and impressive, the industry remains hamstrung by a simple truth: our recycling systems are struggling to clean up a mess that is still being designed for the trash.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

Recycling PET saves 70-90% energy compared to virgin production.
Producing recycled plastic reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5-2 tons per ton recycled.
The plastic recycling industry in the U.S. supports 59,000 jobs as of 2022.
Recycled plastics market generated $78 billion in economic value globally in 2022.
Landfill diversion through plastic recycling saved 1.8 billion gallons of gasoline in U.S. 2022.
EU plastic recycling reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17 million tons in 2022.
Cost of virgin PET is $1,000/ton vs. $900/ton for recycled PET in 2023.
Recycling 1 ton of plastic saves 5,774 kWh of energy.
Global plastic recycling avoids 700 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually.
U.S. plastic recycling industry contributes $11 billion to GDP yearly.
Water savings from recycling 1 ton of plastic: 7,200 gallons.
Recycled plastic reduces oil consumption by 1-3 barrels per ton.
Economic multiplier effect of plastic recycling jobs is 4.2x in EU.
Plastic recycling cuts microplastic pollution by 50% in waste streams.
Virgin plastic production emits 3.4 tons CO2/ton vs. 0.6 for recycled.
Recycling PET reduces energy by 84% vs virgin.
1 ton recycled plastic saves 80% water vs virgin.
U.S. recycling jobs 100,000+ in plastics sector.
Recycled plastics $50B market value 2023.
Avoided 100M tons GHG from EU recycling 2020-22.
rPET cheaper by $200/ton than virgin in 2023.
Recycling 10% more plastic cuts 50M tons CO2/year.
U.S. plastics recycling $40B economic impact.
1 ton recycling saves 10 trees equivalent.
Oil savings 2 tons per ton recycled plastic.
EPR schemes boost recycling 20% economically.
Microplastics reduced 30% via better sorting.
Virgin resin $1,200/ton, recycled $950 avg.
Ocean plastic prevented 1M tons by recycling.

Environmental and Economic Impacts Interpretation

While the planet might not send a thank-you note, the math is clear: recycling plastic is a powerhouse that saves staggering amounts of energy and emissions, fuels a multi-billion dollar economy, creates thousands of jobs, and even spares our oceans and air, proving that what's good for the earth is also shrewd for the wallet.

Market Size and Growth

The global plastic recycling market size was valued at USD 45.55 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030.
In Europe, the plastic recycling market reached €13.4 billion in 2022, driven by stringent EU regulations.
North America's plastic recycling industry generated $8.2 billion in revenue in 2021.
Asia-Pacific dominates the plastic recycling market with a 42% share in 2023.
The U.S. plastic recycling market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2027.
China's plastic recycling capacity increased by 15% to 18 million tons annually in 2022.
India's plastic recycling market grew at 7.2% CAGR to $1.2 billion in 2023.
The recycled plastic market in the UK was worth £1.1 billion in 2022.
Global demand for recycled PET reached 8.5 million tons in 2022.
The Brazilian plastic recycling sector expanded to 600,000 tons processed in 2023.
Australia's plastic recycling industry output hit AUD 1.2 billion in 2022.
Japan's recycled plastics market valued at ¥500 billion in 2023.
Middle East plastic recycling market projected to grow at 8% CAGR to 2028.
South Korea's plastic recycling revenue reached KRW 2.5 trillion in 2022.
Germany's plastic recycling market share in Europe is 28% valued at €3.8 billion in 2022.
In 2022, global plastic recycling market size was valued at USD 45.55 billion.
Europe plastic recycling turnover increased to 13.4 billion euros in 2022.
U.S. plastic recycling market revenue was $7.4 billion in 2023.
Asia-Pacific plastic recycling market share was 38% in 2022.
Projected global plastic recycling market to reach $88 billion by 2030.
China's recycled plastic production capacity at 16 million tons in 2021.
Indian plastic recycling industry processes 4 million tons annually.
UK plastics reprocessing market valued at £800 million in 2021.
Recycled PET market globally 19 million tons by 2025 forecast.
Brazil's plastic recycling market grows at 9% CAGR to 2027.
Australia recycled plastics market AUD 500 million in 2022.
Japan plastic recycling market size ¥450 billion in 2022.
Middle East recycled plastics market $1.2B in 2023.
South Korea plastic recycling output 1.8 million tons in 2022.
Germany leads EU with 3.2 million tons recycled plastics in 2022.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

The global plastic recycling industry is racing to turn our ocean-bound mistakes into a nearly $90 billion goldmine, proving that while we may be terrible at managing our plastic waste, we are ironically becoming brilliant at profiting from the cleanup.

Recycling Rates and Volumes

In 2022, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled globally.
The U.S. recycled 5.5 billion pounds of plastic in 2018, equating to a 8.7% recycling rate.
Europe recycled 35.8 million tonnes of plastics packaging in 2022, a 7% increase from 2021.
China's plastic recycling rate stands at 30% of its 60 million tons annual waste.
India recycled approximately 60% of its 3.5 million tons of plastic waste in 2022.
Globally, 353 million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2019, with 46 million tonnes recycled.
The EU-27 recycled 42% of post-consumer plastic packaging in 2022.
U.S. PET bottle recycling rate was 29.1% in 2022.
Japan achieved a 84% collection rate for plastic bottles in 2022.
Brazil recycled 145,000 tons of PET in 2022, 57% of sales volume.
UK recycled 44% of plastic packaging waste in 2022.
Australia’s national plastic recycling rate for kerbside collections is 18%.
South Africa recycled 343,000 tons of plastics in 2022, 43% recovery rate.
Global HDPE recycling volume reached 5.2 million tons in 2022.
In 2023, 91% of recycled plastic bottles in the U.S. were PET.
Global plastic waste generated 400 million tons in 2022, 20% recycled.
U.S. recycled 3.1 billion pounds of rigid plastics in 2021.
EU recycled 32% of all plastics in 2022.
China's municipal plastic waste recycling rate 25% in 2022.
India collected 92% of plastic waste for recycling in urban areas 2022.
Worldwide, 267 million tons plastic waste generated yearly, 22M recycled.
EU post-consumer plastics recycling rate 38.5% in 2021.
U.S. HDPE recycling rate 34% for natural bottles in 2022.
Japan recycled 9.2 million tons of plastic waste, 86% rate.
Brazil PET recycling rate 51.5% in 2022.
UK household plastic recycling rate 45% in 2022.
Australia recycled 13.8% of plastics from kerbside in 2021-22.
South Africa plastic recycling recovery 10% of consumption.
Global LDPE recycling 1.1 million tons in 2022.
Europe recycled 5.6 million tons PET in 2022.

Recycling Rates and Volumes Interpretation

Despite a patchwork of incremental national successes, the sobering global truth is that for every ten plastic items we've ever made, nine still linger somewhere other than a recycling bin.

Types of Plastics

PET plastics account for 28% of global plastic production but 60% of recycled content.
HDPE comprises 17% of plastic packaging and has a 30% recycling rate globally.
PVC recycling represents only 1% of total PVC production worldwide.
LDPE recycling rate is 5.4% in the U.S., lower due to film contamination.
PP plastics recycling volume globally was 2.8 million tons in 2022.
PS recycling is minimal at 0.6% globally due to low demand.
In Europe, 61% of PET bottles are recycled mechanically.
ABS plastics recycling market focuses on automotive scrap, 20% recovery.
Polycarbonate (PC) has a recycling rate under 10% due to contamination issues.
Global recycled PET flakes production hit 7.9 million tons in 2022.
HDPE milk jugs in the U.S. have a 52% recycling rate.
PVC pipes recycling reaches 70% in construction waste streams in EU.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling rate is 15% in packaging sector.
Nylon (PA) recycling from textiles is 12% globally.
Recycled PET fiber production was 5.5 million tons in Asia in 2022.
LDPE film recycling in U.S. agriculture waste is 25%.
Global recycled PP nonwovens volume grew to 1.2 million tons in 2023.
70% of recycled plastics in bottles are PET and HDPE combined.
PET accounts for 10% of plastic use but 50% of recycling.
HDPE 30% of rigid packaging, recycled at 29% globally.
PVC 12% global production, recycled volume 0.8M tons.
LDPE 20% packaging market, 7% recycling rate.
PP 15% of plastics, 12% recycled in EU.
PS/EPS recycling <5%, mainly mechanical densification.
75% of U.S. recycled bottles are PET.
Recycled ABS from e-waste 300,000 tons globally.
PC recycling from CDs 95% material recovery.
4 million tons recycled PET pellets produced yearly.
HDPE detergent bottles recycled at 45% in U.S.
PVC flooring recycling 80% in closed loops EU.
EPS recycling in construction 500,000 tons Europe.
PA6/66 textile recycling 1% global.
rPET yarn 2.5 million tons Asia production.
Agricultural LDPE mulch film recycled 20% U.S.
rPP for automotive 800,000 tons globally.
Multi-material laminates recycling <1% challenge.

Types of Plastics Interpretation

PET stands proudly as the recycling valedictorian of the plastics family, but its overachieving only underscores the abysmal performance and technical melodrama plaguing nearly all of its polymer siblings.

Sources & References

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