Recycled Elastomers Market Share By Material Type, By Synthetic Type, By Thermoset, By Thermoplastic, By Application, By Geographic. This Report Provides Insights from 2021 to 2030 And Covers the Impact of U.S. Tariffs

Global Recycled Elastomers Market Research Report 2025-2030

RECYCLED ELASTOMERS MARKET SIZE

The global recycled elastomers market size was valued at USD 10.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 19.24 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.19% during the forecast period. The market is witnessing significant growth and transformation because of advanced technology and the increasing demand for sustainable materials across end-user industries. Moreover, several automaking companies are exploring alternative materials to reduce carbon footprints and create a greener future in response to escalating concerns about climate change. For instance, the BMW Group is expected to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2030 by doing R&D of innovative materials and particularly focusing on renewable raw materials and recycled materials. Thus, such factors are likely to have a positive impact on the recycled elastomers market during the forecast period.

The development of healthcare sectors across countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia is driving the demand for the recycled elastomers market. In 2024, the healthcare application segment across the APAC region is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 11% during the forecast period. Furthermore, the significant adoption of recycled and sustainable materials in the construction industry is gradually supporting the circular economy. For instance, in 2023, the LUMA Arles cultural center in Arles, France, inaugurated a new workspace for its research and design laboratory, which is made from algae, salt, and bioplastics. Hence, such opportunities are likely to support the recycled elastomers market because of the growing need for durable, flexible, and sustainable materials in various applications.

With the rising adoption of elastomers across applications like industrial, consumer goods, and packaging, among others, several market players are significantly transforming their product offerings by investing in R&D. For instance, in 2023, Avient Corporation launched its two new reSound REC recycled content thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). These latest grades are designed for car interior applications and include post-consumer recycled materials, which provide sustainable alternatives to conventional TPEs while maintaining similar performance characteristics.

IMPACT OF U.S. & CHINA TRADE WAR

1. The ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China are a trade war that is likely to disrupt the global recycled elastomers market.
2. On February 2025, the U.S. president imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. Later, on 2 April 2025, the U.S. again added a 34% reciprocal tariff on top of existing tariffs, which resulted in around 54% on all Chinese imports.
3. China has retaliated and announced a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods, which was effective from April 10, 2025. In response to this, on 7 April 2025 US threatened an additional 50%, which is a 104% tariff on Chinese goods if it does not withdraw its retaliatory tariffs.
4. Furthermore, on 9 April 2025, China imposed an additional 50% tariff which caused a total tariff of 84%. In reaction, the US increases tariffs to 125%.
5. On 10 April 2025, China announced to increase in tariffs on all American imports to 125%, which is effective from April 12. Further, on 11 April 2025, the U.S. stated that the tariff rate had risen to 145%.
6. Tariffs, export controls, and restricted access to raw materials are likely to raise the elastomer's production costs and cause delays which lead to higher prices and limited availability in global markets.
7. Furthermore, several key companies like Dow Inc, Avient Corporation, and BASF among others are expected to face significant challenges because of the rising tariff rates as the U.S. has imposed over 104% tariff on Chinese chemical imports which is likely to raise production costs, strain supply chains and initiate inflation across sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Thus, the market conditions reflect growing concerns about competitive pressures in the chemical industry, specifically from Chinese companies developing more cost-effective solutions.

RECYCLED ELASTOMERS MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

The tire market is experiencing significant expansion with the technological advances in manufacturing premium-quality tires. Elastomers are largely used in entire manufacturing processes, mainly thermoset rubber widely used in automotive tire production. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 300 million tires are disposed of annually in the U.S. alone, which significantly contributes to the potential growth of the recycled elastomers market.

Increasing environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives are significantly influencing the global recycled elastomers market as consumers are prioritizing the adoption of sustainable materials. In Europe, the EU REACH regulations are also protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals, promoting the usage of safer chemical options This shift encourages manufacturers to adopt greener alternatives, thus expanding market opportunities for the recyclable elastomers market. Moreover, many end-user industries prefer to recycle their elastomers to circumvent the production process, saving both money and time. For instance, a prominent shoe manufacturer like Nike collaborated with programmers, engineers, and designers to develop the technology behind its Flyknit running shoes. The manufacturing of Flyknit reduces material waste in the shoe production cut and sew process by 60%. Therefore, the rising awareness of recycling products for sustainability presents a significant growth opportunity for recycled elastomers vendors.

Numerous waste management strategies focused on sustainability aimed at reducing, recycling, and reusing materials. For instance, the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued its EPR under The Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Hazardous and Other Wastes Amendment Rules 2022 provides a basis for safe handling, treatment, processing, recycling, recovery, reuse, and final disposal in an environmentally sound manner. Hence, such factors are increasing waste generation, strict government regulations, and the issue of dumping worldwide, thereby supporting the recycled elastomers market growth. Moreover, According to the European packing supplier Raja Group, 29 countries contribute to waste reduction through recycling, collection, and incineration. Around 70% of global waste is anticipated to be increased by 2050. hence, such factors are increasing waste generation, strict government regulations, and the issue of dumping, which are driving efforts for waste management worldwide thereby supporting the demand for recyclable elastomers.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

The disruption in the supply chain led to increased costs for raw materials, logistics, and transportation which have raised operational costs and are often passed on to end consumers which leads to higher elastomer prices. Moreover, recyclable elastomers require the incorporation of advanced chemical formulations, reactive processing agents, or dynamical cross-linking systems which allow the material to be reprocessed without compromising its mechanical integrity. Thus, advanced materials and processes make it more expensive compared to traditional alternatives.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY MATERIAL TYPE

In 2024, the synthetic segment dominated the global recycled elastomers market and is expected to grow at a high CAGR rate of over 10% during the forecast period because of its widespread use of styrene acrylic in building and construction activities where it enhances roofing and concrete applications by imparting salt stability, flexibility, heat saleability, and water resistance. Furthermore, the natural segment has a significant impact contributing to the growth of the global market because of its characteristic properties, such as adhesion to metals and resistance to abrasion which make it suitable for manufacturing seals, tires, and others, the segment is expected to add revenue of around USD 5.1 billion by the end of 2030. The growth of the automobile market across countries is anticipated to increase the demand for natural elastomer production.

INSIGHTS BY SYNTHETIC TYPE

In 2024, the thermoset segment dominated the global recycled elastomers market and is expected to grow at a high CAGR of 10.07% during the forecast period. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics often rely on these materials because of their ability to withstand high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical emphasis. Furthermore, the thermoplastic segment has a significant impact on the market and is growing at a high CAGR owing to its combination of the flexibility and resilience of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics. Growing environmental concerns make them the most reliable compared to thermoset elastomers. It has properties of both plastic and rubber, finding applications across numerous industries. These applications range from thermal insulation sheets, CV joint boots, automotive components, and electrical equipment to coatings, adhesives, shoe soles, tires, and medical devices such as syringes and catheters.

INSIGHTS BY THERMOSET

In 2024, the recyclable rubber segment dominated the thermoset market. The growth is ascribed to the increasing environmental regulations, growing awareness about circular economy practices, and rising demand from industries such as automotive, construction, and footwear. Furthermore, the recyclable polyurethane is growing at a high CAGR rate of 10.50% during the forecast period. The rising demand for lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly materials across the automotive, construction, and furniture industries is surging its market demand. Advances in methods like chemical depolymerization and the creation of dynamic bonds have significantly improved the ability to recycle polyurethanes. Companies such as DSM have initiated the production of recyclable polyurethane elastomers which are efficient like non-recyclable products.

INSIGHTS BY THERMOPLASTIC

In 2024, the styrenic block copolymers (SBC) segment is dominating the thermoplastic market. The growth is ascribed to rising adoption across various industries because of their excellent balance of properties such as flexibility, durability, and ease of processing. Furthermore, the TPU and TPV markets are growing at a CAGR rate of 11.65% and 11.38% respectively during the forecast period. Their recyclability and the ability to be reprocessed further boost their adoption in regions like Europe and North America. The demand for TPU is steadily rising, driven by its exceptional versatility and the specific attributes it offers. Moreover, the resistance to oils, UV radiation, and harsh environmental conditions makes TPV an ideal choice for industrial seals, gaskets, and protective components.

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION

The automotive application segment is holding the largest market share and is growing at a high CAGR rate of 10.53% during the forecast period. As global awareness of climate change and environmental impact intensifies, automakers increasingly utilizing recycled elastomers as a strategic choice for various automotive applications. According to Express Mobility, around 40% of thermoplastic elastomers are used in the vehicle industry worldwide for applications such as tires, sealing, coating to bumper, airbags, door panels, brakes, and suspensions, among others.

Furthermore, the industrial segment is the second largest market owing to the rising adoption of sustainable and recycled materials to meet the circular economy. Also, the healthcare industry is growing at a high CAGR rate of 10.77% during the forecast period as recyclable elastomers are largely used in medical tubing and medical hoses because their flexibility and biocompatibility make them suitable for medical fluid handling.

RECYCLED ELASTOMERS MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

In 2024 the APAC region dominated the global recycled elastomers market. The region is witnessing significant industrial growth in developing countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and others. Thus, with the rising manufacturing industries the need for efficient and sustainable latex, lubricant, and additives is expected to grow, thereby driving the demand for recycled elastomers. Moreover, countries like China and India emerging as key players in automotive manufacturing which significantly surges the demand for recyclable elastomers. These materials are used in various automotive parts such as tires, seals, gaskets, and interior trims because of their cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmental benefits.

The North American recycled elastomers market is highly competitive as it consists of several major vendors such as Dow Inc., and Karton Corporation among others which cater to customers worldwide. The automotive industry is among the largest consumers of elastomers in the region which is actively shifting toward greener production practices. Major automakers are implementing the use of recycled materials in-vehicle components to meet sustainability targets and evolving consumer expectations for environmental products. Moreover, the robust automotive industry across the United States further supports the market growth.

The European recycled elastomers market is growing at the growth rate of 9.62% during the forecast period owing to the presence large number of industries including healthcare, electronics, and automotive. In Europe, the demand for recyclable elastomers is strongly affected by the European Union’s (EU) circular economy policies and sustainability initiatives such as the European Green Deal and REACH are encouraging industries to adopt recyclable and non-toxic materials which is likely to expand the growth of recyclable elastomer.

Latin America accounted for a share of over 12% of the global recycled elastomers market in 2024 and is expected to experience lucrative growth during the forecast period. Brazil and Mexico lead the regional market with substantial investments in the construction industry is further accelerating the market growth. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are now implementing carbon-neutral policies aimed at reducing landfill waste and encouraging recycling practices, particularly in urban and industrial areas. Thus, such factors are raising the demand for recyclable elastomers with growing awareness of environmental sustainability and waste management.

The increasing adoption of sustainable materials and the rapid infrastructure transformation initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are expected to boost the recycled elastomers market in the Middle East & Africa. The demand for recyclable elastomers is gradually rising with the increasing investment in green construction projects. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are utilizing sustainable materials in large-scale urban development where recyclable elastomers are used in insulation, waterproofing, and flexible piping systems.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The global recycled elastomers market is fragmented and characterized by numerous manufacturers which hold modest market share. Key players, including BASF, Genan Holding Ltd., GRP LTD, Green Rubber Global, Karton Corporation, and Eastman Chemicals have established dominance in the global recycled elastomers market by continuously innovating and expanding their product offerings. Moreover, major vendors have strategically implemented innovative technologies to maintain their market positions. For instance, in 2023, Avient Corporation introduced its two new reSound REC Recycled Content Thermoplastic Elastomers.

The companies are also focusing on several strategic partnerships with foundries and technology providers to ensure continuous supply chains and manufacturing capabilities. For instance, in 2024, BASF expanded its partnership with Li-Ning which is a Chinese sportswear brand to make 100% recyclable model shoes fabricated completely from Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane.

The elastomers market leaders are making significant R&D investments to enhance their products specifically in areas like the recyclability process and usage of sustainable components among others. In 2024 BASF introduced its wide range of PU solutions which includes recycled substance solutions for the footwear, automotive, and synthetic leather industries. Also, companies in the recycled elastomers market have increasingly expanded their product range and strengthened their market positions through acquisitions and partnerships. For instance, in 2024, Dow Inc., acquired a polyethylene recycling company Circulus to develop its technical recycling resources and accelerate its advancement towards Dow's 2030 Transform the Waste goal.

Recent Developments in the Global Recycled Elastomers Market

1. In 2023, KRAIBURG TPE launched its environmentally friendly THERMOLAST R TPE series. This series contains up to 35% post-consumer recycled material with the proportion varying based on hardness.
2. In 2023, Avient Corporation launched its two new reSound REC recycled content TPEs designed for car interior applications and incorporating post-consumer recycled materials.
3. In 2024, Michelin invested 200 million euros in a new recycling plant in France. This plant can recycle 100,000 tons of tires per year which produces recycled elastomers for use in new tire production.