Global Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market to Reach US$777.0 Million by 2030

The global market for Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling estimated at US$514.4 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$777.0 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 6.4% CAGR and reach US$540.2 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic segment is estimated at 8.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$70.6 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.3% CAGR

The Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling market in the U.S. is estimated at US$70.6 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$83.5 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% and 6.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 6.6% CAGR.

Global Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is the Urgency to Recycle FRP Materials Gaining Industry-Wide Attention?

The global spotlight on sustainability, waste reduction, and circular economy practices has placed fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) recycling under increasing scrutiny. FRPs—composites made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers such as glass or carbon—are used extensively across industries like automotive, construction, aerospace, wind energy, and marine for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance. However, their thermoset nature makes recycling extremely challenging, as traditional thermal and mechanical recycling methods often compromise structural integrity or generate environmental hazards. The rapid growth in demand for lightweight and high-performance materials has created a parallel challenge: managing end-of-life FRP waste responsibly. Wind turbine blades, decommissioned aircraft parts, and scrapped automotive components have all contributed to mounting composite waste. As landfilling becomes increasingly unsustainable and legislation around composite disposal tightens in regions such as the EU and North America, the industry is under pressure to develop scalable and eco-friendly recycling solutions. Consequently, interest in FRP recycling is no longer a niche concern—it is evolving into a strategic imperative for manufacturers, waste management companies, and regulators alike.

Is Innovation Unlocking New Pathways in Composite Recycling?

Breakthroughs in recycling technologies are unlocking new potential in the recovery and reuse of fiber-reinforced plastics. Mechanical grinding, pyrolysis, solvolysis, and fluidized bed techniques are being refined to improve fiber yield, energy efficiency, and resin separation. Among these, chemical recycling methods such as solvolysis and supercritical fluid processing are gaining traction for their ability to preserve fiber quality, particularly when dealing with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Research initiatives and pilot programs across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. are driving material recovery from aerospace-grade composites and wind turbine blades, with recovered fibers being reused in automotive, construction, or consumer goods. Additionally, innovative hybrid approaches that combine thermal and chemical processes are being developed to tackle the diversity of composite materials in the waste stream. Several companies are also investing in closed-loop systems where recycled FRP waste is reintroduced into manufacturing as filler material or reinforcement for new composite parts. As material science advances and industrial partnerships strengthen, these technologies are beginning to offer viable alternatives to landfilling and incineration—previously the dominant end-of-life options for FRP.

How Are Policy Changes and Market Pressures Fueling the Shift to Recycling?

Growing regulatory pressure and environmental accountability are compelling industries that rely heavily on FRP materials to rethink their end-of-life strategies. The European Union’s Green Deal and circular economy action plans, along with national bans on landfill disposal of composite materials, are accelerating the adoption of recycling practices. In parallel, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks are being expanded to include composite waste, holding manufacturers accountable for sustainable disposal. OEMs in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors are increasingly factoring recyclability into their design and procurement decisions, favoring suppliers that offer take-back schemes or use recycled composites. Sustainability certifications, ESG reporting, and investor scrutiny are also influencing corporate behavior, with recycling commitments becoming central to CSR and environmental policies. The demand from consumers and governments for greener, lower-carbon solutions is creating reputational and economic incentives for industries to close the loop on FRP use. In response, consortiums and cross-industry collaborations are forming to create standardized recycling infrastructures and promote shared best practices. These evolving market dynamics are transforming recycling from an operational burden into a competitive differentiator and long-term cost management strategy.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the FRP Recycling Market Globally?

The growth in the fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) recycling market is driven by several factors across technology, regulation, industry behavior, and environmental priorities. First, the increase in global FRP production—especially in wind energy, automotive lightweighting, and infrastructure—has created a proportional surge in composite waste volumes. This waste accumulation is intensifying the need for sustainable disposal methods. Second, stricter regulatory frameworks and landfill restrictions are pushing industries to seek compliant, eco-efficient recycling alternatives. Third, the emergence of commercially viable recycling technologies, particularly for high-value CFRPs, is making the economics of recycling more attractive than ever before. Additionally, there is rising industrial interest in integrating recycled content into new manufacturing streams to reduce environmental impact and meet circular economy goals. The shift toward sustainability-driven procurement and product lifecycle design is encouraging original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to adopt recyclable and recycled materials proactively. Lastly, supportive public policies, funding for R&D, and the rise of sustainability-conscious consumers are collectively reinforcing the demand for responsible waste management practices in composites. As these forces converge, the FRP recycling market is set for strong and sustained growth, underpinned by the twin imperatives of environmental responsibility and material recovery efficiency.