AMI forecast sees doubling of plastic recycling volume by 2030

Bristol, United Kingdom-based Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI) is predicting global mechanical recycling activity will yield 77 million metric tons of recyclable plastic by 2030. AMI’s research shows that figure being more than double the 35.7 million metric tons of plastic scrap that were converted into new products in 2019.

AMI says the boost in plastic recycling will occur despite the COVID-19-related slowdown that could affect volumes from 2020 to 2022. The forecast is part of AMI’s newly available report titled “The Global Mechanical Plastics Recycling Industry 2020 – Capacities, Capabilities and Future Trends.”

“Sustainability is ever more relevant across all societies and geographies,” says AMI. The research firm says as a result, how to recycle discarded plastic “is on the policy agenda of national governments around the globe, with new policies and legislation bringing new targets for the recycling of plastics.”

The AMI report refers to the impact of China’s government policies erecting a barrier to a destination that former imported up to 7 million metric tons of plastic scrap annually. While importers in Southeast Asia filled part of that void, “It is clear that the reliance of countries on being able to export their [scrap] cannot be guaranteed,” writes AMI.

Stepping into the breach, predicts the market research firm, will be a boost in mechanical recycling and recycling infrastructure in developed nations as “the only truly sustainable solution.”

More information on how to access “The Global Mechanical Plastics Recycling Industry 2020 – Capacities, Capabilities and Future Trends” report is available on this web page.