Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market
By Type;
Flakes and ChipsBy Source;
Bottles & Containers and Films & SheetsBy Application;
Packaging, Fiber & Textiles, Sheets & Thermoforming, Construction Materials, Automotive Parts and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market Overview
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market (USD Million)
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market was valued at USD 9,932.28 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 15,741.55 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.8%.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 6.8 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 6.8 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 9,932.28 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 15,741.55 Million |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
| Report Pages | 332 |
Major Players
- Phoenix Technologies
- Placon (EcoStar)
- PolyQuest
- Lotte Chemicals
- Avery Dennison Corporation
- Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN
- Indorama Ventures
- SK Chemicals
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market is growing rapidly as industries embrace sustainable and cost-efficient materials. Over 55% of beverage and packaging companies integrate rPET in their operations due to its durability and environmental value. Its use in bottles, containers, and textiles highlights its critical role in circular economy practices.
Sustainability as a Core Growth Driver
Eco-conscious trends are strongly fueling rPET adoption. Approximately 45% of producers achieve reduced carbon emissions through rPET utilization. Its ability to lower energy requirements and provide recyclable material aligns with global sustainability objectives, making it an attractive choice for green manufacturing.
Innovations in Recycling Processes
Technological progress in rPET recycling methods is improving efficiency and product quality. Nearly 38% of new recycling plants use advanced systems for sorting, washing, and extrusion to achieve superior performance. These advancements enable rPET to meet high-grade requirements for packaging and industrial applications.
Broadening Industrial Applications
Demand for rPET is expanding across diverse sectors such as textiles, automotive, and consumer goods. More than 50% of usage is concentrated in packaging, with textiles contributing nearly 30%. This wide range of applications reflects rPET’s adaptability and growing importance in sustainable industries.
Market Outlook
The future of the rPET market is highly favorable with rising emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Over 40% of new product introductions are expected to incorporate recycled PET, underscoring its pivotal role in promoting sustainable product innovation and responsible manufacturing.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market Key Takeaways
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Market poised for substantial growth—valued at approximately USD 10.8 billion in 2023, the global rPET market is projected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.
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Asia-Pacific leads regional demand—accounting for over 44% of global rPET consumption in 2022, driven by strong recycling infrastructure and high production volumes in countries like China and India.
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Clear rPET dominates product segment&mdash>comprising more than 76% of the market share, primarily used in beverage and food packaging due to its clarity and safety for direct food contact.
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Bottles and containers are the primary source&mdash>representing over 70% of rPET feedstock, highlighting the importance of post-consumer bottle collection in the recycling process.
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Textile applications are expanding&mdash>with companies like Unifi's Repreve converting recycled PET into fibers for apparel, indicating a shift towards circular textile production.
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Regulatory support drives market growth&mdash>policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and plastic waste reduction mandates are encouraging the adoption of rPET in packaging and textiles.
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Key players shaping the market&mdash>include Indorama Ventures, Plastipak Holdings, and Far Eastern New Century Corporation, focusing on expanding recycling capacities and developing advanced recycling technologies.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market Recent Developments
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In October 2023, Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN announced the launch of their innovative recycling unit, Rewind PET. Built as an upgraded extension of JEPLAN’s Kitakyushu Hibikinada Pilot Plant in Japan, the 1,000-ton-per-year facility was supported by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME).
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In September 2023, Indorama Ventures announced a major expansion of its PET recycling capacity at the Juiz de Fora facility in Minas Gerais, Brazil, boosting output from 9,000 to 25,000 tons annually. This initiative highlights the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and meets the rising demand for recycled packaging materials.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Segment Analysis
In this report, the Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) has been segmented by Type, Source, Application and Geography.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), Segmentation by Type
The rPET market by Type reflects how recycled material is processed and tailored for downstream performance. Stakeholders evaluate conversion efficiency, contaminant tolerance, and melt properties to match end-use specifications in packaging, textiles, and industrial products. Strategic priorities include closed-loop partnerships with converters, technological advancements in washing and sorting, and capacity expansion in regions with robust collection infrastructure to ensure supply stability and consistent quality grades.
FlakesrPET flakes serve as a versatile intermediate for applications requiring reliable feedstock and cost-effective reprocessing. Market participants focus on hot-wash and float-sink optimization to reduce impurities, enabling better IV control and color management for sheeting, fiber spinning, and non-food packaging. Growth strategies emphasize mechanical recycling upgrades, traceability programs with material recovery facilities, and regional sourcing to minimize logistics costs and improve sustainability credentials across supply chains.
ChipsrPET chips (pellets) are preferred where process consistency and spec adherence are critical, including food-grade packaging when produced via approved decontamination steps. Producers invest in solid-state polycondensation, advanced melt filtration, and quality assurance to meet converters’ extrusion and injection needs. Strategic collaborations with brand owners and resin modifiers support product qualification, while expanded sorting technologies and bottle-to-bottle programs underpin long-term demand visibility and premium pricing.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), Segmentation by Source
Segmentation by Source underscores how input streams shape costs, quality, and regulatory compliance. Collection systems for post-consumer and post-industrial waste determine feedstock availability, while contamination profiles influence processing routes and attainable applications. Market strategies center on deposit-return schemes, material recovery partnerships, and design-for-recycling to enhance supply resilience, reduce variability, and support brand recycled content commitments across global value chains.
Bottles & ContainersBottles & Containers are the most established rPET source due to mature collection and sorting infrastructure, especially in regions with effective policy incentives. The homogeneous polymer stream enables bottle-to-bottle recycling and high-clarity applications when combined with decontamination and SSP. Companies pursue closed-loop agreements with beverage brands, invest in optical sorting, and align with food-contact regulations to secure premium-grade outputs and long-term supply contracts.
Films & SheetsFilms & Sheets introduce more variability in thickness, coatings, and laminates, requiring enhanced preprocessing to achieve consistent regrind or pellet quality. Growth comes from post-industrial take-back programs, converter partnerships, and innovations in delamination and solvent cleaning where appropriate. The segment supports applications in thermoformed packaging and protective films, with emphasis on design-for-recyclability to reduce multi-material complexity and improve recovery yields.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), Segmentation by Application
By Application, rPET competes on performance, regulatory acceptance, and cost-in-use. Converters and brands weigh attributes such as intrinsic viscosity, color/clarity, and additive compatibility against sustainability targets and recycled content mandates. The category is shaped by technological advancements in sorting and decontamination, brand partnerships for qualification, and expansion into value-added products where durability and circularity deliver differentiated advantages across end markets.
PackagingPackaging remains a key demand center for rPET in bottles, trays, and clamshells. Brand owners prioritize food-contact compliance and optical properties, driving investments in high-purity chips and closed-loop supply. Strategic initiatives include lightweighting, mono-material designs, and recycle-ready labels, alongside long-term offtake agreements that stabilize pricing and underpin capacity additions.
Fiber & TextilesFiber & Textiles leverage rPET for polyester staple and filament yarns used in apparel, home furnishings, and industrial textiles. Producers balance cost and dyeability with durability requirements, while brands pursue traceability and certifications. Growth is supported by collection improvements, color management strategies, and blending approaches that maintain fabric performance without compromising sustainability claims.
Sheets & ThermoformingSheets & Thermoforming utilize rPET for formable sheet feeding trays, lids, and display packaging. Converters require consistent IV and thickness control, prompting investments in melt filtration and inline quality monitoring. Collaboration with retailers and food service chains accelerates qualification cycles, while improved design-for-recycling enhances recovery of thermoformed products within established PET streams.
Construction MaterialsConstruction Materials adopt rPET in composites, insulation, and panel applications where mechanical properties and durability are pivotal. Suppliers emphasize additive packages and fiber reinforcement to meet building standards, while specifiers value environmental declarations and circularity. Partnerships with fabricators and distributors support market entry, aligning product performance with sustainability-driven procurement policies.
Automotive PartsAutomotive Parts incorporate rPET in interior components, non-structural trims, and under-hood textiles where heat resistance and dimensional stability can be engineered through blends and modifiers. OEMs and Tier-1s pursue closed-loop pilots, traceable supply, and material qualification to balance performance with recyclability. Future growth hinges on regulatory pressure, eco-design, and lightweighting strategies integrated across vehicle platforms.
OthersOthers spans emerging uses such as 3D printing filaments, strapping, and consumer goods where flexibility and aesthetics are key. Market development focuses on application testing, compound innovation, and collaboration with brand incubators to unlock niche value. As sorting improves and feedstock diversity expands, this segment offers optionality for recyclers and converters seeking differentiated, higher-margin opportunities.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America benefits from established collection systems, deposit-return schemes in select states, and strong brand commitments to circular packaging. Investments in bottle-to-bottle capacity, advanced sorting, and food-grade decontamination support high-quality rPET outputs. Policy momentum and retailer partnerships further align supply with demand, driving long-term contracts and expanding closed-loop initiatives across packaging and textiles.
EuropeEurope is propelled by stringent extended producer responsibility frameworks and ambitious recycled content targets that encourage innovation and stable offtake. Robust collection rates, harmonized sorting infrastructure, and widespread bottle-to-bottle adoption contribute to consistent quality. Market players focus on design-for-recycling, cross-border feedstock flows, and traceability to meet evolving regulatory thresholds and brand specifications.
Asia PacificAsia Pacific demonstrates rapid growth driven by expanding manufacturing bases, rising consumer markets, and increasing policy support for waste management. While feedstock heterogeneity and collection gaps persist in parts of the region, investments in modern MRFs, washing lines, and pelletizing capacity are accelerating. Strategic collaborations with global brands and export-oriented converters enhance quality standards and integrate regional suppliers into international value chains.
Middle East & AfricaMiddle East & Africa is an evolving opportunity characterized by developing collection networks and emerging regulatory frameworks. Market entrants prioritize infrastructure build-out, public–private partnerships, and targeted education campaigns to improve recovery. As industrial clusters expand and packaging demand grows, investments in washing and pelletizing facilities are expected to support localized supply and reduce dependence on imports.
Latin AmericaLatin America features growing urban collection, community-led recycling cooperatives, and increasing brand alignment on circularity goals. Challenges include infrastructure disparities and feedstock variability, addressed through sorting upgrades, quality protocols, and collaborative take-back programs. Regional producers are advancing bottle-to-bottle capabilities and building long-term offtake relationships with packaging and textile converters to capture rising demand.
Global Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Forces
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
| Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
| Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
| Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Increasing environmental awareness
- Government regulations promoting recycling
- Growing demand for sustainable packaging
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Cost-effectiveness of recycled PET - market for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has witnessed significant growth driven by increasing awareness of sustainability and environmental concerns. Recycled PET, or rPET, is gaining traction as a viable alternative to virgin PET due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly credentials.
One of the primary advantages of recycled PET is its lower production costs compared to virgin PET. The recycling process reduces the need for raw materials extraction and processing, which can be both resource-intensive and costly. Manufacturers and consumers alike are increasingly recognizing the economic benefits of using rPET in various applications, including packaging, textiles, and automotive components.
The demand for sustainable packaging solutions has been a key driver of the recycled PET market. Companies across industries are under pressure to adopt environmentally friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprint. rPET offers a solution by providing a closed-loop recycling system that minimizes waste and conserves energy, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness.
Advancements in technology have improved the quality and versatility of rPET, making it suitable for a broader range of applications without compromising on performance or aesthetics. This versatility has expanded the market potential for recycled PET beyond traditional uses, attracting investments and innovation in recycling infrastructure.
In conclusion, the cost-effectiveness of recycled PET is underscored by its ability to lower production costs, meet sustainability goals, and capitalize on consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. As regulations tighten around plastic waste and environmental impact, the recycled PET market is poised for continued growth, driven by both economic and environmental imperatives.
Restraints:
- Contamination of recycled PET
- Fluctuating prices of virgin PET
- Quality concerns compared to virgin PET
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Challenges in food-grade applications - recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) market has seen significant growth driven by increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste. However, one of the primary challenges facing rPET in recent years is its adoption in food-grade applications.
Food-grade applications require stringent safety standards to ensure that packaging materials do not pose any health risks to consumers. Recycled materials, including rPET, must undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to guarantee they meet these safety requirements. Contamination risks from residual chemicals or impurities from the recycling process are critical concerns that must be addressed to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for food-contact applications.
Another challenge is maintaining the quality and purity of rPET. Unlike virgin PET, recycled PET may contain traces of previous contents or contaminants that can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of packaged foods and beverages. This issue necessitates advanced technologies and processes for sorting, cleaning, and purifying recycled materials to meet the high standards expected in the food and beverage industry.
Consumer perception plays a crucial role. There is a need to educate consumers about the safety and reliability of rPET in food-grade applications to build trust and acceptance. Misconceptions about the quality and hygiene of recycled materials compared to virgin plastics can hinder market growth despite environmental benefits.
The economics of recycling and production costs pose challenges. Investments in technology and infrastructure for recycling and processing rPET to meet food-grade standards can be substantial. Manufacturers face pressures to balance these costs with competitive pricing while meeting regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
In conclusion, while the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to grow, addressing the challenges related to food-grade applications remains critical for the widespread adoption of recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Innovations in technology, stringent quality control measures, consumer education, and collaborative efforts across the supply chain are essential to overcoming these hurdles and advancing the market for rPET in food-grade packaging.
Opportunities:
- Expansion of recycling infrastructure
- Innovation in recycling technologies
- Development of high-quality recycled PET
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Collaboration across the value chain - recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. A key factor in this expansion is the extensive collaboration across the value chain, which includes stakeholders such as raw material suppliers, recycling companies, manufacturers, and end-users. These collaborations are essential for addressing the challenges of rPET production and distribution, such as ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality recycled materials, improving recycling technologies, and developing innovative applications for rPET.
One notable area of collaboration is between recycling companies and manufacturers. Recycling companies work closely with manufacturers to understand their material specifications and quality requirements. This partnership allows recyclers to produce rPET that meets industry standards, thereby ensuring that manufacturers can seamlessly incorporate recycled materials into their production processes without compromising on quality. Additionally, manufacturers often provide feedback to recyclers on how to improve the performance of rPET, fostering a continuous improvement loop.
End-users play a critical role in driving demand for rPET. Brands and consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, pushing companies to adopt more recycled materials in their products. This consumer demand encourages manufacturers to source more rPET, creating a positive feedback loop that supports the growth of the recycling industry. In response, brands often engage in partnerships and initiatives that promote recycling, such as take-back programs and awareness campaigns, which help to increase the availability of recyclable materials.
Government and regulatory bodies also facilitate collaboration across the value chain. By setting standards and providing incentives for recycling, they encourage all stakeholders to participate in the development of a robust rPET market. Policies that mandate minimum recycled content in products or offer tax benefits for using recycled materials can significantly boost the adoption of rPET. Furthermore, international cooperation on waste management and recycling standards can help harmonize practices and improve the efficiency of the global recycling industry.
In summary, the growth of the global rPET market is heavily reliant on the collaboration across the entire value chain. By working together, raw material suppliers, recyclers, manufacturers, end-users, and regulatory bodies can address the challenges of rPET production and create a sustainable and efficient market for recycled materials. This collaborative approach not only supports the environmental goals of reducing plastic waste but also drives innovation and economic growth within the recycling industry.
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market is witnessing substantial growth driven by strategic partnerships and collaborative strategies among leading polymer and packaging manufacturers. Over 45% of companies are engaging in mergers and alliances to enhance innovation and expand sustainable product offerings. Advanced technological advancements in recycling and processing are shaping the market’s future outlook.
Market Structure and Concentration
The market demonstrates moderate concentration, with top-tier players holding over 50% of total market share. Mid-sized companies focus on niche strategies and specialized rPET products to remain competitive. Strategic collaboration and targeted mergers are driving expansion, while continuous innovation supports sustainable growth across key regions.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Companies are emphasizing strong brand recognition and optimized channel networks to enhance market penetration. Around 40% of players implement multi-channel strategies, combining direct sales, distributors, and B2B packaging partnerships. Collaborative alliances enhance expansion and strengthen the market’s future outlook by improving supply chain efficiency and customer reach.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Regional markets are witnessing significant expansion, with North America leading with over 45% market penetration. Europe and Asia-Pacific are growing through strategic collaboration and partnerships with local recyclers and manufacturers. Investments in regional processing facilities and adoption of advanced technological advancements are driving growth and shaping the market’s future outlook.
Future Outlook
The future outlook of the rPET market is promising, emphasizing innovation and strategic partnerships. More than 60% of companies are expected to pursue mergers and collaborations to enhance regional reach and operational efficiency. Continuous technological advancements will sustain growth and drive further expansion.
Key players in Global Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market include.
- Indorama Ventures
- Alpek
- Plastipak Holdings
- ALPLA Group
- Phoenix Technologies International
- Biffa
- Extrupet Group
- JP Recycling
- Evergreen Plastics
- PolyQuest
- Iterum (PET Baltija)
- OCTAL
- SK Chemicals
- Loop Industries
- Clear Path Recycling
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Source
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Increasing environmental awareness
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Government regulations promoting recycling
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Growing demand for sustainable packaging
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Cost-effectiveness of recycled PET
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- Restraints
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Contamination of recycled PET
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Fluctuating prices of virgin PET
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Quality concerns compared to virgin PET
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Challenges in food-grade applications
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- Opportunities
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Expansion of recycling infrastructure
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Innovation in recycling technologies
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Development of high-quality recycled PET
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Collaboration across the value chain
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Flakes
- Chips
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market, By Source, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Bottles & Containers
- Films & Sheets
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Packaging
- Fiber & Textiles
- Sheets & Thermoforming
- Construction Materials
- Automotive Parts
- Others
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Indorama Ventures
- Alpek
- Plastipak Holdings
- ALPLA Group
- Phoenix Technologies International
- Biffa
- Extrupet Group
- JP Recycling
- Evergreen Plastics
- PolyQuest
- Iterum (PET Baltija)
- OCTAL
- SK Chemicals
- Loop Industries
- Clear Path Recycling
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

