The circular economy and chemical recycling segment is being driven by EU regulatory pressure, downstream customer sustainability commitments, and the economic opportunity of converting plastic waste into high-value chemical feedstocks. LyondellBasell delivered 65% year-over-year volume growth in its Circular and Low Carbon Solutions business in 2024. Dow and Freepoint Eco-Systems are building an advanced recycling facility in Arizona converting plastic waste into petrochemical feedstocks. BASF signed a long-term supply agreement with Encina for chemically recycled benzene. Sumitomo Metal Mining commenced construction of lithium-ion battery recycling plants targeting June 2026 completion. Chemical recycling — which converts plastic waste back into chemical feedstocks through pyrolysis, solvolysis, and gasification — is scaling rapidly as the technology matures and regulatory mandates tighten. The organizations that build circular polymer infrastructure earliest will establish supply security, regulatory compliance advantages, and premium customer relationships.
This report provides significant competitor information, analysis, and insight critical to the development and implementation of effective marketing and R&D programs.
Topics Covered
• Circular Economy and Chemical Recycling Market Size, Growth and Forecast 2025-2030 by Technology and Region
• Mechanical Recycling — Limitations, Complementarity with Chemical Recycling, and Market Share
• Pyrolysis — Technology Maturity, Feedstock Requirements, and Commercial Scale Deployments
• Solvolysis and Depolymerization — PET, Nylon, and Polycarbonate Recycling Applications
• Gasification — Syngas Production and Downstream Chemical Applications
• Biodegradable and Bio-Based Polymers — Market Size and Regulatory Drivers
• Circular Value Chain Partnerships — Chemical Companies, Waste Collectors, and Brand Owners
• EU Regulatory Framework — Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, SUP Directive, and REACH Updates
• Competitive Landscape — Leading Chemical Companies and Specialist Recycling Technology Providers
• Regional Analysis — EU, North America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East
• Investment and Partnership Opportunities — Technology Licensing, M&A, and JVs
• Market Challenges and Risks — Feedstock Quality, Economics, and Regulatory Timing
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Overview
3. Circular Economy and Chemical Recycling Market Size, Growth and Forecast 2025-2030 by Technology and Region
4. Mechanical Recycling
5. Pyrolysis
6. Solvolysis and Depolymerization
7. Gasification
8. Biodegradable and Bio-Based Polymers
9. Circular Value Chain Partnerships
10. EU Regulatory Framework
11. Regional Analysis
12. Market Challenges and Risks
13. Competitive Landscape
14. Regional Market Analysis
15. Strategic Conclusions and Recommendations
16. Appendix
List of Tables
Table 1. Circular Economy and Chemical Recycling Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 2. Chemical Recycling Market Size by Technology 2025-2030
Table 3. Chemical Recycling Market Size by Region 2025-2030
Table 4. Pyrolysis — Commercial Scale Deployments and Capacity 2025
Table 5. Solvolysis and Depolymerization — Commercial Scale Deployments 2025
Table 6. Biodegradable and Bio-Based Polymers Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 7. Circular Value Chain Partnerships — Selected Agreements 2023-2025
Table 8. EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation — Key Requirements and Timeline
Table 9. Chemical Company Circular Economy Investment Summary 2023-2025
Table 10. Recycled Content Targets by Region and Segment 2025-2030
Table 11. Economics of Chemical Recycling vs. Mechanical Recycling by Technology
Table 12. North America Circular Economy Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 13. Europe Circular Economy Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 14. Asia-Pacific Circular Economy Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 15. Chemical Recycling Technology Providers — Competitive Assessment
Companies Profiled
Arkema
Covestro
Dow
ExxonMobil
Ineos
LyondellBasell
SABIC
Shell
