Market Report

The Recycling of Agricultural
Films in Europe

The long-established “take make waste” linear economic model, in which natural resources are used as raw materials to make products which are being discarded as waste after use, has reached its limits. Today, there is a widespread consensus that in order for us to thrive within the limits of our planet, a circular economic model that keeps products and materials in use is required.

Plastics in particular continue to attract negative headlines - for the use of fossil fuels in their production, and the increasing problem of plastic waste pollution in the environment. Consensus has emerged that all parts of the plastics value chain must work together in order to achieve a more sustainable industry model that is based on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle as per the EU’s waste hierarchy.

Recycling is a key component of Europe’s roadmap towards a more circular economy. Change within the industry is driven by ambitious targets for the recyclability and recycling of plastic.

The agricultural films segment offers potential for improved collection and recycling of post-use films and can play a role in increasing available recycling feedstock volumes at a time when demand is developing faster than supply against a backdrop of growing demand for recycled polymers.

We have prepared an authoritative report providing an independent quantitative and qualitative analysis of the current status of the European agricultural films recycling industry together with forecasts of where the industry will go in the future.
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  Personal DetailsFirst nameLast nameJob titleEmailCompany namePhone numberCountry
  Interests
  Compounds, additives & masterbatch
  CompoundingConductive plasticsFlame / fire retardantsFoam and foaming agentsFootwearMasterbatch / concentratesMedical tubingPigments / colours / colourantsPolyolefin additivesPVC and PVC compoundsReinforcements / minerals / fillersTechnical compounds
  Energy & infrastructure
  Artificial grass / yarnCablesCarbon captureCompositesElectrical and electronicEnergy storageFlooringGeothermal energyHydrogen energyNuclear energyOil and gasPipe extrusionPipeline coatingPolymer engineering for energyProfile extrusionRoto-mouldingSolar power / photovoltaicsWaste to energyWaterproof membranesWind turbines
  Extrusion
  CablesFilm extrusionMedical tubingPipe extrusionProfile extrusionSheet extrusion
  Flexible films
  Agricultural filmsBiax films / bioriented filmsBreathable filmsFilm extrusionFlexible packagingPE / polyethylenePlastic pouchesSheet extrusionStretch and shrink films
  Moulding
  Automation / process optimisationBlow mouldingDesign and simulation softwareInjection mouldingMould making / tool buildingRotational moulding
  Raw materials & distribution
  BioplasticsEngineering polymers (PA, ABS, PBT, PC, POM, PMMA)Materials testingPA / polyamidePE / polyethylenePETPolymer sourcing and distributionPP / polypropylenePS / polystyreneResin pricingRubberThermosetsTPEs
  Recycling & sustainability
  Chemical recyclingGreen chemistryMechanical recyclingNatural fibresOcean plasticsRecycling engineering plasticsRecycling flexible packagingStrategies for plastics sustainabilityWaste management and feedstock for recycling
  Rigid packaging
  Blow mouldingCaps and closuresFood and drinksMedical devices and rigid disposablesMoulded fibre packagingRigid packagingSingle-serve capsulesSmart packagingThermoformingThin wall packaging
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Report scope

Recyclate sources

Waste sources for recyclate covered include: Agricultural

Flexible polyolefin film categories
- Agricultural films (non-packaging films)
- Silage films
- Mulch films
- Greenhouse films
Data points

The study provides market data for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 and forecasts for 2025 and 2030. It was published in March 2022. Updated data is available, please enquire for more information.
End use applications for recyclate
- Agricultural film
- Building & construction film
- Refuse sacks
- Stretch film
- Non-film applications
Polymers

Polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE)