Latin America Recycled Plastics Market Opportunity and Size 2022 - 2026
Latin America is grappling with significant challenges related to plastic waste management. With over 300 million tons of plastic consumed worldwide each year, the region faces a pressing need to tackle the environmental impacts of single-use plastics (SUPs). Inefficient waste management practices have led to plastic pollution in landfills, incinerators, and oceans, with an estimated 10-12 million tons of plastic entering the oceans annually. The resultant harm to marine life and ecosystems underscores the urgent need to prioritize investments in the global recycled plastics market.
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The recycled plastics market in Latin America
has witnessed substantial growth in recent times, driven by increasing demand
from various end-users. The cost-competitiveness of recycled plastics compared
to virgin counterparts has unlocked significant market potential. This
commoditization of plastic waste streams offers an effective solution to
address plastic waste pollution and contribute to the creation of a circular
economy for plastics. Plastic recycling enables the recovery and reprocessing
of scrap or waste plastic into functional and useful products.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and
High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) Lead the Recycled Plastics Market
The global recycled plastics market was valued
at US$19.5 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach US$30.2 billion by 2026,
exhibiting a robust growth rate of 8.1% between 2022 and 2026. Rising consumer
awareness and the drive for sustainable packaging have compelled brand
companies and governments to restrict the use of single-use plastics in
packaging applications. This has led consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to
incorporate a high level of recycled PET content in their packaging. Recycled
PET, sourced primarily from post-consumer waste such as bottles and trays, is
expected to witness a demand growth rate of 7.4% between 2022 and 2026 due to
the increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials. PET and HDPE
accounted for over three-fourths of the total recycled plastics market in 2019.
Leading consumer brands such as Coca-Cola,
PepsiCo, Unilever, and Nestlé have pledged to integrate recycled plastics into
their product packaging to achieve sustainable packaging goals. The strong
demand from the packaging industry, driven by environmental sustainability
commitments and long-term cost savings, is expected to fuel the market for
recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene (PP). PP and PE
waste for the recycled plastics market primarily comes from post-industrial
waste streams, with a certain percentage originating from post-consumer waste.
The production of engineered plastics recyclate such as ABS, nylon, and
polystyrene is expected to grow with the advancement of collection and sorting
systems, as well as recycling technologies.
Non-food Packaging and Food Packaging as Key
Consumer Segments in the Recycled Plastics Market
The packaging industry generates an estimated
170 million tons of plastic waste annually, making it a significant contributor
to plastic waste generation. Non-food packaging accounted for more than 39% of
the total recycled plastics market in 2019. Applications such as containers for
pharmaceuticals, cleaning chemicals, automotive fluids, and personal care
products are expected to drive the demand for recycled plastics in non-food
packaging over the coming years. Additionally, the food packaging segment is
projected to be the fastest-growing application segment in the recycled
plastics market. Many companies in this segment are actively reducing their
usage of virgin plastics in packaging and investing in creating circular
economies for plastics, which promotes the use of food-grade recycled plastics.
In terms of value, the recycled plastics market in food packaging is expected
to grow by 8.9% between 2022 and 2026.
The construction sector in Latin America is also
recognizing the potential of recycled plastics and adopting more sustainable
practices. Recycled plastics can be incorporated into construction materials
such as polymeric timbers, flooring tiles, indoor insulation, carpeting,
roofing tiles, fences, and bricks. These materials offer advantages such as
durability, lighter weight, and high strength, making them suitable for both
residential and commercial construction projects. The increasing adoption of
recycled plastics in the construction sector will contribute to the growth of
the recycled plastics market in Latin America.
Supportive Government Policies and the Pursuit
of Resource Sustainability Drive the Recycled Plastics Market in Latin America
Governments in Latin American countries are
implementing supportive policies to promote the consumption of recycled plastics
and improve recycling rates. These policies aim to boost the domestic recycled
plastics market and enhance collection systems through economic incentives.
Additionally, regional initiatives and agreements are being developed to
encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among Latin American countries to
address plastic waste challenges effectively.
Key Companies in the Recycled Plastics Market
Focus on Expansion
The recycled plastics market in Latin America is
characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with small and medium
enterprises dominating the regional and domestic landscape. While the COVID-19
pandemic impacted the profit margins of companies in the recycled plastics
market, leading packaging companies resorted to using virgin plastics due to
the low prices of crude oil in the latter half of 2020. However, many companies
remain committed to their sustainability targets and are establishing new
production capacities to support a circular economy. Major players in the
global recycled plastics market, including Indorama Ventures Public Company
Limited, Borealis AG, ALPLA Group, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., and KW
Plastics, are investing in vertically integrated systems to ensure a consistent
flow of feedstock. These efforts enable better control over feedstock supply
and contribute to the resilience of the recycled plastics market.
In conclusion, Latin America
is recognizing the significance of the recycled plastics market in addressing
plastic waste issues and advancing toward a circular economy for plastics. With
supportive government policies and the increasing emphasis on resource
sustainability, the region is poised for significant growth in the recycled
plastics market. By promoting the adoption of recycled plastics in various industries
and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Latin America can contribute to
a more sustainable future.

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