Market Trends of PCR Packaging Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the PCR Packaging Market according to our research experts:
Beverage Industry Driving the Growth
- PCR mandates are being implemented mandating certain percentage of PCR to be used in plastic packaging. For instance, to achieve the mandate of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) in California by 2030, the beverage companies are complying with the law by averaging high RPET content in their bottles sold in California, which includes BlueTriton Brands at 30%, CG Roxane (owner of Crystal Geyser brand water) at 50%, The Coca-Cola Company with 20%, and Pepsi Cola Bottling Group with 23% PCR.
- Prices of recycled plastic have doubled in the year 2021 owing to the increasing demand for soft drinks, and the focus of beverage manufacturers on achieving targets that resulted in an increase in the price of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in Europe.
- Moreover, to achieve the post-consumer recycled (PCR) target, the companies are focusing on recycling capacity expansion with investment. For instance, in September 2022, PepsiCo North America announced the investment of USD 35 million in the Closed Loop Local Recycling Fund launched by New York-based investment firm Closed Loop Partners in local recycling facilities to boost recycled PET (rPET) supply.
- The food industry accounted for significant PCR consumption in 2021 and is expected to create additional demand for PCR in packaging during the forecast period. Multiple FMCG brands have showcased 100% recycled PET beverage bottles as a visible commitment to cutting their environmental impact. For instance, in 2021, Coca-Cola North America rolled out 100% recycled PET plastic bottles for Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, and Coca-Cola Flavors.
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Europe Holds Significant Market Share
- The European Commission is considering an extension of mandatory recycled content targets to the sectors such as construction, automotive, and packaging, thereby increasing demand and stimulating the recycled plastics market. These measures would be in addition to the Commission's current requirements that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles contain at least 25% recycled PET (rPET) by 2025 and that all beverage bottles contain at least 30% recycled content by 2030.
- As a result, plastics producers and upstream recyclers are ramping up the production of PCR materials in response to strong market demand and legislative targets, while innovative brands are actively leveraging these materials in downstream products.
- According to PlasticsEurope, as the mandatory target of recycled content in packaging is 30% by 2030, its member has planned investments in chemical recycling technology and infrastructure, predicting Euro 2.6 billion by 2025 to Euro 7.2 billion by 2030 in Europe.
- In response to increasing demand for post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging solutions the key players of packaging industry in the region are launching products according to EU and FDA compliance. For instance, in May 2022, flexible packaging manufacturer ProAmpac launched PCR retort pouch for pet and human food packaging. This pouch offers 30% or more PCR content by weight, reducing the use of virgin resins in the packaging. In addition, these pouches comply with the United Kingdom Plastics Packaging Tax.
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