Plastic waste regulation is tightening globally at an accelerating pace. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is setting mandatory recycled content targets and recyclability requirements. The Single-Use Plastics Directive is driving reformulation across consumer goods value chains. The OECD projects that effective global policy changes will decrease plastic leakage by 96% by 2040 — but warns that without comprehensive regulation, mismanaged waste could escalate despite a 70% increase in plastic production. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes — already in place for electronics, batteries, and packaging — are expanding and increasingly incorporating carbon footprint declaration requirements. The American Chemistry Council and its members have committed to 100% recycling, recovery, or reuse of U.S. plastic packaging by 2040.
Topics Covered
• Global Plastic Waste Regulation Overview — EU, U.S., Asia-Pacific, and International Frameworks
• EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation — Key Requirements, Timelines, and Industry Implications
• Single-Use Plastics Directive — Current Status, Enforcement, and Industry Response
• Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes — Design, Fees, and Chemical Producer Obligations
• Recycled Content Mandates — Requirements by Region, Product Type, and Timeline
• UN Global Plastics Treaty — Negotiation Status and Potential Industry Impact
• Industry Response Strategies — Reformulation, Recycled Content, and Alternative Material Development
• Chemical Company EPR Investments and Partnership Programs
• Competitive Implications — Regulatory Divergence Between Regions
• Strategic Recommendations — Compliance, Advocacy, and Business Model Adaptation
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Overview
3. Global Plastic Waste Regulation Overview
4. EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
5. Single-Use Plastics Directive
6. Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes
7. Recycled Content Mandates
8. UN Global Plastics Treaty
9. Industry Response Strategies
10. Chemical Company EPR Investments and Partnership Programs
11. Competitive Implications
12. Competitive Landscape
13. Regional Market Analysis
14. Strategic Conclusions and Recommendations
15. Appendix
List of Tables
Table 1. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 2. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Market Size by Segment 2025
Table 3. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Market Size by Region 2025-2030
Table 4. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Key Demand Drivers and Impact Assessment 2025-2030
Table 5. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Technology and Product Segment Growth Comparison 2025-2030
Table 6. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Competitive Landscape — Market Share by Leading Supplier 2025
Table 7. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Recent M&A and Partnership Activity 2023-2025
Table 8. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — North America Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 9. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Europe Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 10. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Asia-Pacific Market Size and Forecast 2025-2030
Table 11. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Investment Opportunity Assessment by Segment
Table 12. Plastic Waste Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility — Key Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Companies Profiled
BASF
Covestro
Dow
Evonik Industries
Ineos
LG Chem
LyondellBasell
Mitsubishi Chemical
SABIC
Sinopec
