The global recycled glass market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2020-2026). The key factors that drive the growth of the market include the rising concerns for proper waste management across the globe. Increased concerns generate the need for decomposing and reusing the material which encourages the recycling of materials across the globe. 

Glass is fully decomposable and can be recycled multiple times without losing any quality or purity. Recycled glass typically is recovered from municipal solid waste at recycling facilities. The recycled glass is used as a replacement for 95% of raw materials in the manufacturing processes of glass. Owing to such benefits offered by the glass, glass products are widely used across various industries. Other factors that influence the growth of the recycled glass market is the environmental reimbursements associated with glass recycling along with the improvements in the recycled glass market. Recycled glass is preferred across various applications such as for the making of abrasives, bottle & container, fiber glass, highway bead, and others. Among these applications, glass bottles & containers hold a considerable share in the market.

Segmental Outlook

The global recycled glass market is segmented on the basis of type and application. Based on the type, the market is segmented into glass cullet and glass fines & powder. Based on the applications, the market is segmented into abrasives, bottle & container, fiber glass, highway bead, and others. 

Glass Cullet Segment to Significantly Grow Over the Forecast Period

Amongst the type segment of the market, the glass cullet segment is likely to hold a considerable share in the market. The segmental growth of the market is attributed to various applications of glass cullet across various industries. Cullet is parted depending on the color of the products and then further processed for the removal of the impurities present in the recycling process. The glass cullet is sometimes also called crushed glass. Glass cullet also aids in enhancing the overall performance of the glass production processes and reduces the associated costs and energy requirements. The glass cullet also acts as a replacement for raw materials. It is widely used across the building and construction industry, aggregate replacement in concrete, highway beads, drainage medium among many others.

Regional Outlook

The global recycled glass market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The European region is projected to hold a significant market share. The UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe are primarily driving the growth of the recycled glass market in the region. The regional growth of the market is attributed to the increased recycling of glass across the economies such as Germany, UK, the Netherlands, and others. 

As per the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) 2019, more than 12 million tons of glass bottles and jars were collected and recycled in Europe. The average recycling rate in Europe for glass packaging is 73%. Moreover, in Europe, various directives and targets have been set associated with the recycling of products including glass and proper waste management. For instance, The Waste Framework Directive (WFD) in Europe keeps eye on the recycling companies, and manages & bans the disposal of glass products in landfills, and regulates and provides other necessary guidance. 

Global Recycled Glass Market by Region, 2019 (%)

Market Players Outlook

Some of the prominent players operating in the global recycled glass market include Strategic Materials Inc., ACE Glass Recycling, Balcones Resources Inc., Gallo Glass Co., Dlubak Glass Co., Harsco Corp., Trivitro Corp., and Verallia. These are the key companies providing various models and products of recycled glass for various applications. These key manufacturers are adopting various strategies to thrive in a competitive environment. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global recycled glass market. Based on the availability of data, information related to products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.