Historical baseline
Plastic waste and the recovery gap
The OECD historical estimate puts the global plastic-waste recycling rate at 9% in 2019. It is a dated baseline, not a measurement of today’s recycling performance.
Read primary source →Research & intelligence
Evidence first.
Context always.
A curated reading room with source dates, coverage notes and a clear distinction between historical data and current product information.
2024 production / 2025 report
Read production figures with their scope
Plastics Europe reports preliminary 2024 production estimates. Its series has different coverage and methods from OECD. Avoid treating the two as directly comparable year-to-year data.
Read primary source →Technology / July 2026
No single recovery route fits every material
BASF’s technology overview highlights the importance of waste composition and complementary methods for engineering-plastic recovery.
Read primary source →Material pathways
Follow the evidence behind the content claim
LYB’s Circulen information provides examples of different recycled and bio-circular pathways. Verify the grade and certification details before applying any product claim.
Read primary source →Source library
Reviewed 13 November 2026. Company publications describe their own offerings and are not independent product certification. Undated sources show the review date. SABIC entries were available through official indexed content; direct retrieval encountered redirect loops.
OECD
22 February 2022; data year 2019
22 February 2022; data year 2019
Global Plastics Outlook: lifecycle baseline
OECD estimates 353 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019, with 9% ultimately recycled. Historical global baseline; not a current recycling rate.
Original source →Plastics Europe
2025; preliminary 2024 data
2025; preliminary 2024 data
Plastics the Fast Facts 2025
Industry-association production series. The companion report estimates 430.9 million tonnes in 2024. Definitions differ from OECD; do not combine as a continuous series.
Original source →LyondellBasell
Undated; reviewed 13 November 2026
Undated; reviewed 13 November 2026
Circulen circular and low carbon solutions
Portfolio spans mechanical and chemical recycling and bio-circular feedstock. Grade-specific suitability and mass-balance attribution matter.
Original source →SABIC
Integrated Annual Report 2024
Integrated Annual Report 2024
TRUCIRCLE initiatives
Describes circular, mechanically recycled and bio-renewable materials, with chain-of-custody certification. Historical examples require current product and regional confirmation.
Original source →BASF
30 July 2026
30 July 2026
Mix of technologies required to recycle engineering plastics
Explains why sorting, waste composition and complementary recycling routes determine engineering-plastic recovery options.
Original source →BASF
Undated; reviewed 13 November 2026
Undated; reviewed 13 November 2026
Plastics Hub
Existing customer-facing hub uses a make, use, recycle lifecycle structure and covers performance materials, additives and other plastics businesses. Important alternative to acquiring another destination.
Original source →BASF
13 January 2026
13 January 2026
PlastIndia 2026 materials and applications
Demonstrates application-led materials communication across mobility, packaging, electronics, medical and industrial markets.
Original source →This reading room contains selected sources, not a live market feed. No paid supplier listing, company affiliation or commissioned endorsement is implied.