South Korea Recycled Plastics Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By plastic Type (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Others), By Application (Plastic Bottles, Plastic Films, Rigid Plastic and Foam, Fibres, and Others), and South Korea Recycled Plastics Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

South Korea Recycled Plastics Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Recycled Plastics Market Size was Estimated at USD 1.79 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 6.56% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Recycled Plastics Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 3.60 Billion by 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The South Korea Recycled Plastics Market Size is anticipated to reach USD 3.60 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.56% from 2025 to 2035. The market for recycled plastic in South Korea is expanding considerably due to a number of factors, most notably the nation's dedication to sustainability and circular economy principles. Innovation in the recycling industry has been sparked by the stringent laws and policies the South Korean government has been enforcing to reduce plastic waste. In order to encourage industries to use recycled materials in their production lines, initiatives like the "Resource Circulation Policy" aim to improve recycling procedures and increase the rate of recycled plastic usage.

Market Overview

The industry engaged in the collection, processing, and application of post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste to create recycled plastic materials is known as the South Korean recycled plastics market. Following that, these materials are used again in a variety of products, such as consumer goods, construction materials, automotive parts, and packaging. Moreover, to efficiently manage waste production and convert plastic waste into new materials, the South Korean government is setting up plastic recycling facilities. Aside from this, technological advancements are favorably impacting the nation's market expansion. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to sort plastic waste and improve the quality of recycled plastic products. Additionally, by expanding their services and increasing their capabilities, local businesses can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the development of new, cutting-edge recycling technologies. Additionally, as customers move toward more environmentally friendly products, South Korean companies are increasingly using recycled plastics in their goods, a trend that reflects the growing social responsibility that businesses are expected to fulfill. A change toward cooperation in addressing the issue of plastic waste is also evident in the growing cooperation between public and private organizations. 

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea recycled plastics market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea recycled plastics market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea recycled plastics market.

Driving Factors

The market for recycled plastics in South Korea is mostly being driven by the country's fast industrialization and growing emphasis on sustainability. The nation's market is expanding as such of decreased labor costs and growing public awareness of the negative impacts of plastic waste. In addition, the growing need for recycled plastic in the automotive, electronics, food and beverage (F&B), and packaging sectors is driving market expansion.

Restraining Factors

Waste made of plastic frequently contains impurities that make recycling more difficult. Industries may be discouraged from implementing recycled plastics due to their inconsistent performance caused by feedstock quality variations.

Market Segmentation 

The South Korea Recycled Plastics Market share is classified into plastic type and application.

• The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea recycled plastics market is segmented by plastic type into polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and others. Among these, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is driven by its strong demand in consumer goods, textiles, and packaging. Due to its extensive use in fibers, bottles, and containers, PET is a material that dominates the recycling sector.

• The non-food contact packaging segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea recycled plastics market is segmented by application into non-food contact packaging, food contact packaging, construction, automotive, and others. Among these, the non-food contact packaging segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This is driven by its strong demand in e-commerce, industrial packaging, and consumer goods. Government rules encouraging recycled content and corporate sustainability initiatives benefit this market.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea recycled plastics market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• NEST-FILLER PKG
• LD Carbon (LDC)
• PACKTORY
• PLASTIP Corp.
• Ecube Labs
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In April 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) announced the draft Notice on the Obligation to Use Recycled Plastic Raw Materials (MOE Public Notice No. 2025-258) and invited public comments until April 30, 2025. The draft revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources was announced on February 21, 2025.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea Recycled Plastics Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

South Korea Recycled Plastics Market, By Type

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Others

South Korea Recycled Plastics Market, By Application

• Non-Food Contact Packaging
• Food Contact Packaging
• Construction
• Automotive
• Others