Plastics Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

The Plastics Market size is estimated to reach $738 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Growing demand for lightweight and durable plastics in various end-use industries and increasing construction and infrastructure activities are further driving the plastics market growth. As per the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry report, over 40% of India's packaging requirements are met by plastic which is further expecting to consume more in various applications.

Additionally, Advancements in plastic processing techniques such as injection molding, blow molding and thermoforming have made it possible to manufacture complex shapes and designs. This leads to increase in the demand for plastic products across various end-use industries. These factors positively influence the Plastics industry outlook during the forecast period. Plastics are no longer just passive materials. Developments in nanotechnology and other fields are leading to the creation of smart plastics with unique properties. This includes using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption in production, and designing products for easy recycling or reuse.

The “Plastics Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Plastics Market.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in global supply chains leading to shortages in raw materials and delayed shipments of finished products. This has resulted in increased costs and reduced availability of plastics, affecting industries such as packaging, automotive and construction. On the other hand, there has been a surge in demand for single-use plastics such as gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment owing to the fear of contamination and transmission of the virus. This has led to an increase in production and consumption of plastic products, especially in the healthcare sector.

• The Ukraine and Russia conflict, Ukraine is a major supplier of raw materials such as polyethylene, PVC and polystyrene to European plastic manufacturers. The crisis has led to disruptions in the supply chain causing shortages in raw materials and increased costs for manufacturers. On another side, there are opportunities for investment in the Ukrainian plastics industry. The country has a skilled workforce and a growing domestic market and there is potential for the industry to expand into neighbouring markets such as Eastern Europe.

Geographically, the Asia-pacific region held the major share of 43% in 2023 owing to its rapidly growing economy, population and urbanization which leads to significant investments in the plastic industry. Additionally, the low-cost labor, favorable government policies and access to raw materials have made an attractive location for investment and production of plastic products in this region. In 2021, as per the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 80 million tonnes of plastics were produced in China which propels the plastics market growth in this region.

According to the Plastics market forecast, the Polyethylene segment held the major revenue of $156 billion in 2023 owing to the lightweight, durable and flexible plastic that is widely used in various end-use industries such as packaging, agriculture, consumer goods and construction. High-Density polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) are making them attractive materials for a wide range of applications owing to low-cost, easy to produce and versatile. 

Based on End-user, the Electrical and Electronics segment in the Plastics Market analysis is estimated to grow with the fastest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030 owing to the increasing demand for consumer electronics and the need for lighter, more durable and heat-resistant materials in the production of these products. Plastic products such as polycarbonates, polyphenylene oxide and polyamides are widely used in the electrical and electronics industry owing to their high electrical insulation, flame resistance and high-temperature resistance. As per Plastic Europe, the circularity picture in Europe is even more positive. Fossil-based plastics production is decreasing, while circular plastics production has increased by 29.2% since 2018, reaching a 19.7% share of overall European plastics production in 2022.

The demand for plastic packaging has increased owing to its benefits such as convenience, low cost, durability and ease of transport. In addition, the growth of e-commerce and the rise of online retail have also contributed to the growth in demand for plastic packaging materials. As per United Nations Environment Programme report, about 36% of produced plastics are used in packaging materials such as single-use plastic products for food and beverages packaging.

The recycling of plastic has become a crucial part of the plastic industry and is being embraced by governments, companies and individuals alike. Recycling plastics can help to conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the ocean. Additionally, recycled plastic can be used to create new products which can create new jobs and help to boost the economy. To meet the increasing demand for recycled plastic, companies are investing in new technology and processes to make recycling more efficient and cost-effective. The development of innovative products made from recycled plastic is also driving demand for recycled plastic and is helping to create a more sustainable plastic industry. The EU and its Member States have sponsored a resolution by the UN Environment Assembly to establish an intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024, including in the marine environment, to prevent plastic pollution throughout the entire plastics lifecycle.

Environment concerns are the primary factor hampering the plastics industry. Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern with millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans and landfills every year. Plastic waste has become a global epidemic. Billions of tons of plastic waste accumulate each year, overwhelming landfills and polluting natural habitats. Traditional plastics have notoriously long lifespans, taking centuries to decompose naturally, exacerbating the problem. This has led to reduced use of plastics and increased recycling and reuse of plastic products as well as promoting more sustainable alternatives.

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Plastics Market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:

1. Dow Inc. (AFFINITY HT1285G, AFFINITY GA 1950) 

2. LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (Alathon H4250, Clyrell EC340R)

3. BASF SE (Tinuvin®, Irgafos®)

4. ExxonMobil Corporation (Oppera™, Achieve™)

5. SABIC (CYCOLAC™, VALOX™)

6. INEOS Group Limited (CAP311US, H02C-00)

7. ENI (EUROPRENE® (78) · CLEARFLEX® (49))

8. LG Chem, Ltd (ABS HF380, Injection H1500)

9. Chevron Phillips Chemical (Marlex® 9503H, Marlex® 9018)

10. Lanxess (Durethan®, Adiprene®)