Chemical recycling market seen growing to $12.7B by 2033

By AI, Created 11:36 AM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – The global chemical recycling market is projected to rise from $1.5 billion in 2026 to $12.7 billion by 2033, according to Persistence Market Research. The forecast points to accelerating demand for plastic waste solutions, recycled-content targets and new industrial capacity across packaging, automotive and electronics.

Why it matters: - Chemical recycling is emerging as a route for turning difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into feedstocks for new plastics and chemicals. - The forecast reflects pressure from plastic waste reduction goals, recycled-content mandates and broader circular economy policies. - The market’s growth could help reduce landfill dependence and lessen reliance on virgin fossil-based materials.

What happened: - Persistence Market Research projects the global chemical recycling market will reach US$ 1.5 billion in 2026. - The same study expects the market to climb to US$ 12.7 billion by 2033. - The forecast implies a 35.7% compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2033. - The report was issued June 2, 2026.

The details: - Chemical recycling breaks plastics down into molecular components instead of processing them only through mechanical recycling. - The technology can handle mixed and contaminated plastic waste that traditional recycling often cannot process. - The report highlights pyrolysis, gasification, depolymerization, solvolysis and dissolution as key technologies. - The study lists polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixed plastics as major feedstock categories. - The output pool includes monomers, hydrocarbons, syngas, oils and waxes, and specialty chemicals. - Packaging, automotive, construction, electronics and textiles are named as major end-use segments. - The regional scope covers North America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Oceania, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. - The report cites BASF SE, Agilyx Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, SABIC, Dow Inc., ExxonMobil Corporation, Shell plc, INEOS Group, LyondellBasell Industries and Mura Technology as key companies in the market. - The source includes a free sample report, a customized market view, and a competitive analysis purchase page.

Between the lines: - Packaging demand is a major driver because consumer brands are setting higher recycled-content targets and seeking food-grade recycled materials. - Automotive and electronics manufacturers are also increasing use of recycled polymers to meet sustainability goals and performance standards. - The market outlook suggests chemical recycling is moving from a waste-management concept toward industrial-scale supply for materials markets.

What’s next: - More investment is likely in research, commercial-scale plants and partnerships among chemical producers, waste managers and technology developers. - Regulatory support and funding initiatives in North America, Europe and Asia are likely to keep pushing capacity buildout. - Advances in feedstock recovery and sorting systems are expected to improve economics and expand the range of usable plastic waste.

The bottom line: - Chemical recycling is moving into a rapid growth phase as industry and governments look for scalable ways to reuse plastic waste and meet sustainability targets.