The growing demand for higher standards in recovered plastics

2025 really is the year where regulations on recovered materials are tightening up. 

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So let’s take a look at the growing expectations for these valuable resources and how this affects our industry. 

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The recovered materials market is shifting quickly in 2025, shaped by regulatory pressure, rising quality expectations, and growing demand for verified recycled content. Here’s a focused look at what’s happening with three of the most critical materials: OCC, HDPE, and PET.

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Higher standards for OCC 

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Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) continue to be in steady demand, thanks to sustained e-commerce activity and consistent mill consumption across Europe and North America. However, mills and exporters are now setting a higher bar for bale quality. Contamination is a dealbreaker. Buyers want clean, sorted material that won’t cause downtime or extra processing costs.

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Export markets in Asia remain active but are enforcing tighter specs, making poor-quality OCC harder to move. Clean bales backed by documentation and good sortation are maintaining healthy prices.

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A growing demand for recovered HDPE

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High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), particularly natural grades like milk jugs, is seeing record demand in 2025. With the EU enforcing minimum PCR content in packaging, often 30% or more, brands are under pressure to secure clean, traceable recycled resources.

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As a result, buyers are looking for suppliers who can offer certified, consistent, and well-documented HDPE. Certifications like ISCC+ and RecyClass are increasingly seen as standard requirements.

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A limiting supply of PET 

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PET is another material receiving pressure from regulation. EU directives are requiring beverage producers to use higher levels of food-grade rPET in bottles though supply remains limited. Mechanical rPET is still the standard, though chemical recycling is drawing more interest as a long-term complement.

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The challenge is that food-grade rPET must meet strict approval processes from regulators like EFSA, creating delays and limiting volume. Those with approved, food-grade capacity are in high demand. Brands are actively looking for reliable rPET partners, making 2025 a major opportunity for suppliers who can meet the criteria.

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Adapting to the change

The trend is consistent across OCC, HDPE, and PET: buyers want better materials, and they want proof. Clean inputs, third-party certification, and traceability through the supply chain are becoming essential.

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For recyclers and processors, this shift opens the door to stronger partnerships, better pricing, and a more competitive position, if you can meet the growing demand for transparency and quality.

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Stay compliant and in control of your secondary raw materials, contact one of our experts today! 

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