Multi-layer Film Recycling Market To Reach $82.95 Million By 2033

Multi-layer Film Recycling Market Growth & Trends

The global multi-layer film recycling market size is anticipated to reach USD 82.95 million by 2033 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is emerging as a critical segment within the global packaging and waste management industry, driven by the urgent need to address the environmental impact of complex plastic materials.

Moreover, multi-layer films, commonly used in food packaging, medical supplies, and industrial applications, combine different polymers such as PET, PE, and aluminium to deliver barrier protection and durability. However, their layered composition makes them difficult to recycle using conventional methods. As sustainability becomes a central priority for governments and corporations alike, the market is witnessing a surge in demand for innovative recycling solutions that can recover these materials without compromising performance or safety standards.

One of the key drivers of this market is the global shift toward circular packaging systems and extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations. Countries across Europe, North America, and Asia are implementing stricter mandates on plastic waste recovery, prompting manufacturers and recyclers to invest in advanced technologies such as solvent-based separation, chemical recycling, and compatibilizer-enhanced mechanical processes.

Multi-layer film recycling offers significant benefits, including reduced landfill dependency, lower carbon emissions, and the ability to reclaim high-quality polymers for reuse in packaging, construction, and textiles. Its cost-effectiveness and scalability are making it increasingly attractive for brand owners seeking to meet recycled content targets and reduce virgin plastic usage.

Technological advancements are rapidly expanding the scope of multi-layer film recycling. New processing techniques now enable the separation of tightly bonded polymer layers, improving the mechanical strength, clarity, and food-grade compliance of recycled outputs. This has unlocked new applications in flexible food packaging, agricultural films, and industrial laminates, where both performance and sustainability are non-negotiable. As infrastructure and sorting systems evolve, multi-layer film recycling is poised to become a mainstream solution in both developed and emerging economies, supported by collaborative efforts across the value chain.

Market participants are actively pursuing strategic initiatives to accelerate innovation and scale. For instance, in May 2025, the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) partnered with ECOCE, a Mexican environmental organization, to enhance the global recyclability of plastic packaging, including multilayer formats.

Similarly, companies such as BASF, Krones, SÜDPACK, and TOMRA have demonstrated successful industrial trials that separate PET/PE multilayer films using debonding adhesives and hot washing techniques. These collaborations reflect a growing trend of cross-sector partnerships aimed at overcoming technical barriers and building commercially viable recycling ecosystems.

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 Multi-layer Film Recycling Market Report Highlights

• Based on laminate type, PE/PA films accounted for the largest share of 33.16% market size in 2024.PE/PA films, widely used for vacuum packaging of perishable foods and medical products due to their high puncture resistance and oxygen barrier, represent one of the more challenging streams for recycling.

• Based on end use, food & beverage flexible packaging accounted for the largest share of 55.90% market size in 2024. With applications in snack pouches, frozen food bags, and beverage sachets, these laminates often combine PE, PET, PA, or foil to ensure barrier properties.

• Europe held the largest share of 38.31% in terms of revenue of the multi-layer film recycling market in 2024. The industry is backed by robust regulatory frameworks such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The region is transitioning toward mono-material films and investing heavily in mechanical and chemical recycling infrastructure.

• Germany was the leading the market in the European region and captured around 33% of the revenue market share in 2024 in this region. Germany stands out as a frontrunner in multilayer film recycling, owing to its advanced waste management systems and strong policy enforcement. Research institutions such as Fraunhofer IVV are developing solvent-based recycling processes that retain polymer integrity, enabling high-quality reuse.

Multi-layer Film Recycling Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global multi-layer film recycling market based on laminate type, end use, and region:

Multi-layer Film Recycling Laminate Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons, 2021 - 2033)

• PE/PA Films

• PE/PET Films

• PE/PP Films

• Foil-based Laminates

• Barrier-coated Films

Multi-layer Film Recycling End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons, 2021 - 2033)

• Food & Beverage Flexible Packaging

• Personal & Home Care

• Pet Food & Specialty

• Industrial & Agriculture Films

• Other End Uses

Multi-layer Film Recycling Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons, 2021 - 2033)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • Germany

  • UK

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • India

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • Australia

• Latin America

  • Brazil

  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa

  • Saudi Arabia

  • South Africa

  • UAE

List of Key Players in the Multi-layer Film Recycling Market

• BASF SE

• Coperion GmbH

• Pluss Advanced Technologies

• Ingenia Polymers

• APK AG

• SUEZ Recycling & Recovery

• Waste Management Inc.

• KW Plastics

• Plastipak Packaging

• Enval Ltd.