Global Plastic Recycling and Additive Technology Growth Opportunities

Additives form an integral part of the polymer recycling industry. They are extensively used to modify the properties of plastic products during the compounding and processing stages. This study includes discussion about the challenges associated with recycling and the demand for recycled polymers. Four additives—stabilizers, compatibilizers, impact modifiers, and clarifying agents—are examined, along with the respective end-use applications of each of the additive types. The study also identifies growth opportunities in the plastic recycling market along with additives for plastic recycling for key stakeholders in the value chain.

The use of additive technology can be seen in 2 phases:
1) During the processing of virgin plastic: to improve product attributes by using additives, such as plasticizers, stabilizers, impact modifiers,
processing aids, and flame retardants
2) During plastic recycling: to improve the attributes and grades of recyclates using additives, such as stabilizers, compatibilizers, impact
modifiers,and clarifying agents

Asia-Pacific is the largest consumer of plastic in the world. It accounts for about 46% of global plastic consumption. Owing to weak legislation and a lack of infrastructure in many countries, plastic waste is heavily mismanaged, with poor collection and recycling rates. With stringent measures and policies regarding plastic recycling, Europe has the highest recycling rates. Europe has set an ambitious target of recycling about 70% of packaging materials by 2030 and plans to achieve the zero landfill goal by 2025.

Plastic additive manufacturers have identified problems associated with recycling and started developing new additives to aid plastic recycling.
The shift to circular economic business models will continue to grow and provide opportunities to stakeholders across the value chain.