Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market Size, Trends and Segments (2026–2035)

The global advanced recycled materials (ARM) in packaging market, valued at USD 4.62 billion in 2025, is anticipated to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% over the next decade. In 2025, Europe led the global market, with recycled paper & cardboard, corrugated packaging.

Last Updated: 09 January 2026 Category: Advanced Packaging Insight Code: 5947 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The advanced recycled materials (ARM) in packaging market is forecasted to expand from USD 4.86 billion in 2026 to USD 7.6 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2026 to 2035. The rapid extension of high-quality and recycled plastics which are indistinguishable from original resources has influenced the extension of the market. Increasing awareness towards ecological issues among consumers has enhanced the demand for this market.

Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market Size 2025 - 2035

Major Key Insights of the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market

  • In terms of revenue, the market is valued at USD 4.62 billion in 2025.
  • The market is projected to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2035.
  • Rapid growth at a CAGR of 5.1% will be observed in the period between 2026 and 2035.
  • By region, Europe dominated the global market by holding highest market share in 2025.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR from 2026 to 2035.
  • By material/ ARM type, the recycled paper & cardboard segment contributed the biggest market share in 2025.
  • By material/ ARM type, the recycled plastics (PCR plastics such as rPET, rHDPE, rLDPE) segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2026 and 2035.
  • By packaging type, the corrugated & paperboard packaging segment contributed the biggest market share in 2025.
  • By packaging type, the flexible packaging (Films, Pouches, Wraps) segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2026 and 2035.
  • By end-use industry, the food & beverages segment contributed the biggest market share in 2025.
  • By end-use industry, the e-commerce & retail segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2026 and 2035.

What are Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging?

Advanced recycled materials (ARM) in packaging is a molecular or chemical recycling, includes a wide range of advanced technologies that break the used plastics to the basic chemical building blocks. This procedure is different from earlier mechanical recycling in which plastics were physically progressions without changing their molecular structure and sometimes led to "downcycled" resource with limited usages.

  • Market Growth Overview: The market are experiencing strict government guidelines, increasing consumer preferences, rising focus towards brands commitment, and rapid advancement in packaging technology.
  • Major Market Players: The market comprises Amcor Plc, Sealed Air Corporation, DS Smith Plc, Berry Global Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group and many other.
  • Startup Ecosystem: The startup industries are focusing on development of advanced chemical recycling process, AI and Robotics for sorting, Bio-material and waste-based substitute, and various other.

Major Transformation in Technology of the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market

Technological transformation in the market plays a significant role in its extension. Incorporation of AI and Robotics sorting process enhance the quality and purity of the recycled packaging. Advanced mechanical recycling process comprises deodorization and decontamination technologies which is extensively utilized for enhancement of recycled materials. Advanced nano technology is used to develop enhanced barrier properties of the packaging materials.

Trade Analysis of Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market: Import & Export Statistics

  • United States is the top-exporter of the recycled materials with 87,606 shipments worldwide.
  • Pakistan is considered as second leading exporter of the recycled materials with 10,436 shipments.
  • China stands in the third position as an exporter of the recycled materials with 6,240 shipments.

Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market - Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material Sourcing

The major raw materials utilized in this market are feedstock, waste collection and sorting. Mechanical processes utilize improved sorting, washing, as well as grinding to generate superior-quality recycled materials from mixed waste.

  • Key Players: Mura Technology, Greenback Recycling Technology

Component Manufacturing

The component manufacturing in this market comprises virgin-quality resources, and processing difficult plastics. These packaging patterns are difficult to discrete and recycle mechanically.

  • Key Players: AMP Robotics, Agilyx

Logistics and Distribution

This segment ensures safety of the sensitive products while delivering. This widens the distribution chain which influence the demand of the packaging industry.

  • Key Players: Tetra Pak, AmPrima® Solutions

Segmental Insights

Material / ARM Type Insights

Why Recycled Paper & Cardboard Segment Dominated the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market In 2025?

The recycled paper & cardboard segment dominated the market with highest share in 2025. These are highly recyclable which enhance the adoption for such packaging materials. The huge trend for online shopping has influenced the demand for this segment. These are biodegradable packaging material and prepared from renewable resources which enhance its demand. This material is highly used with increasing ecological concern as it reduces landfill wastes.

The recycled plastics (PCR plastics such as rPET, rHDPE, rLDPE) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is growing due to strong regulatory mandates. These are the reliable and strong packages which enhance the demand for this segment. Increasing ecological concern among consumers has raised the demand for recycled plastics (PCR plastics such as rPET, rHDPE, rLDPE).

Packaging Type Insights

Why Corrugated & Paperboard Packaging Segment Dominated the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market In 2025?

The corrugated & paperboard packaging segment dominated the market with highest share in 2025 due to strict sustainability demand and guidelines in the packaging industry. Paper-based packaging solutions are highly preferred over traditional plastics due to presence of strict government guidelines. These are cost-effective options available in the packaging industry. This segment is widely recognized for its high printability, cushioning effect, and rigidity.

The flexible packaging (films, pouches, wraps) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is growing due to its inherent lightweight nature and functional benefits. These types of packaging consume less material which enhance its demand in several industries. High customization option has raised its adoption in multiple sectors. Its high barrier potential enhanced the shelf life of the products and encourage its adoption.

End-Use Industry Type Insights

Why Food & Beverage Segment Dominated the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market In 2025?

The food & beverage segment dominated the market with highest share in 2025 due to increasing demand for eco-friendly as well as convenient packaging options. These is a huge demand for packages in this industry that can enhance the shelf life of the products. These recycled materials offer enhanced protection against moisture and contamination which raise its demand highly.  Advanced recycling technology has encouraged food industry to adopt such packaging materials. Increasing demand for enhanced barrier properties, space-saving, and light-weight packaging has evolved the demand for this packaging market in food & beverages sector.

The e-commerce & retail segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is growing due to brand differentiation and unique unboxing experience. Rising usage of smartphones has enhanced online shopping trends that led to increase in production process of these packaging materials. Strict guidelines for reduction of plastic packaging have influenced the growth of this market. Huge versatility of these materials and cost-efficiency has improved the adoption of such packaging.

Regional Insights

How Europe is Dominating in the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market?

Europe held the largest share in the market share in 2025, due to presence of advanced recycling infrastructures. Advanced recycling and sorting services that fuel the efficacy and quality of reprocessed resources. Strict guidelines towards usage of eco-friendly packaging have influenced the demand for this market. Introduction of innovative packaging designs has pushed this market to grow significantly. The increasing corporate goal to reduce the plastic waste generation has promoted this market to grow effectively.

Why Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market is Dominating in Germany?

Strong collaboration among major market players has raised the demand for market in Germany. Major companies have profoundly invested for R&D of this packaging sector resulted in high adoption. These are widely utilized by automative and construction industries. The integration of advanced sorting technology in this sector has fuelled the development of the market. These have high barrier potential from moisture and contamination which has promoted the expansion of this packaging.

Why Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market is Growing Rapidly in Asia Pacific?

Strict regulatory push has influenced the demand for the market. There are several factors influencing the demand of this market in this region such as expansion of e-commerce sector, advancement in recycling technology, rising ecological concern, and various other. Rapid advancement in the recycling technology has raised the quality of recycled materials which increase the demand for such packaging. Huge investment in this industry by various sectors has raised the packaging quality.

How Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market is Expanding in China?

Booming e-commerce sector and huge production capacity have driven the demand of the market in China. Massive demand for strong and aesthetic packaging of the products has fuelled the demand for this packaging industry. Increasing consumer awareness towards rising ecological issues die to huge plastic waste generation has shifted towards this packaging industry. Major brands are adopting this packaging type to enhance their image in the over-crowded market.

Which Factor is Responsible for Notable Growth of Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market in North America?

The primary factors influencing the growth of market are increasing corporate sustainability initiatives, strict government guidelines, and technological advancement. Consumers are ready to pay extra charges for eco-friendly packaging which boosts brands to adopt such recycled packaging. It enhances the image of the brand and attract huge consumers towards it due to their social responsibility. Rapid technological advancement has supported industries to generate high-quality packaging.

Why the U.S. is Utilizing Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market Significantly?

Capacity to recycle huge quantity of packages has fuelled the development of the market. These packaging are widely utilized in pharmaceutical, food, and medical sector. With the expansion of these sectors has enhanced the production of these packaging. Huge corporate demand has fuelled the recycled materials in the packaging industry. Requirement for safe materials for various applications has raised the demand for such packaging.

Why Adoption of Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market is Growing in Middle East & Africa?

Increasing demand for cost-effective packaging materials have enhanced the adoption of market in Middle East & Africa. Enhanced investment for advancement of recycling infrastructures has boosted the production of improved quality packaging. It is extensively utilized for large-scale packaging of the products. Its enhanced barrier potential has raised its utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. Advancement in waste management infrastructure also raise the adoption of these packaging in various industries.

Why Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market is Growing Rapidly in Saudi Arabia?

Increasing concern towards ecological benefits is the major reason behind the growth of market in Saudi Arabia. Chemical recycling is extensively accepted for manufacturing of enhanced quality recycled packing resources. Acceptance of smart packaging facility has boosted the manufacturing of these packaging. The growing demand for the food and beverages packaging which drives the acceptance of these packaging resources.

What Enhance the Adoption of Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market in South America?

Strict regulatory framework has influenced the growth of the market in South America. These strict guidelines enhance innovation in the packaging sector and promote adoption of eco-friendly materials. AI influenced packaging designs meet the expectations of the consumers which fuel the expansion of the market. Increasing trend for usage of mono-materials has made recycling process easy and efficient. Reduction of materials utilization and enhancement in packaging transparency has boosted the adoption of such packages.

Why Colombia is Highly Promoting Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market?

Increasing circular economy goals has enhanced the demand for market in Colombia. The upsurge in recycling process of plastic waste has boosted the recycled materials industry. Ban of utilization of single-use plastic packaging has pushed this market to produce advanced packages. Collaboration among market players for establishment of recycling infrastructure with advanced technology has fuelled the growth of this market.

Recent Developments

  • In January 2025, Mondelēz International has introduced 80% certified recycled plastic packages for Cadbury packaging. The company collaborated with major market players such as Amcor and Jindal.
  • In December 2025, Borealis and Borouge announced the launch of Recleo, a brand designed for simplifying the access to the mechanically recycled polyolefins (PO) for a wider range of applications. These are cost-effective and versatile resources utilized in building and construction, consumer products, and many other sectors.

Top Companies in the Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market

  • Amcor plc: It is a leader in flexible and rigid plastic packaging, committing to designing all products to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
  • Mondi Group: It is a global leader in paper and packaging, known for its focus on fiber and paper-based solutions and a uniquely broad range of materials.
  • Smurfit Kappa Group: It is one of the largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging, with a business model firmly rooted in the circular economy.
  • DS Smith plc: It is a leading provider of sustainable corrugated and paper packaging, recognized for its circular business model and plastic replacement goals.
  • International Paper Company: It is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp, and other fiber-based products.
  • Other: Tetra Pak International SA, Sealed Air Corporation, Berry Global Inc., WestRock Company, Kruger Inc., Packaging Corporation of America, Ranpak Holdings Corp and many other.

Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market Segments Covered

By Material / ARM Type

  • Recycled Paper & Cardboard
  • Recycled Plastics (PCR plastics such as rPET, rHDPE, rLDPE)
  • Recycled Metals (Aluminum, Steel)
  • Advanced Biopolymers & Bio-based Recycled Materials
  • Specialty Recycled Composites

By Packaging Type

  • Corrugated & Paperboard Packaging
  • Flexible Packaging (Films, Pouches, Wraps)
  • Rigid Packaging (Bottles, Trays, Containers)
  • Protective Packaging
  • Other Packaging Formats

By End-Use Industry

  • Food & Beverage
  • E-commerce & Retail
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics
  • Homecare & Cleaning Products
  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
  • Electronics & Electricals
  • Industrial Goods

By Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Rest of North America
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of South America
  • Europe
    • Western Europe
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • France
    • Netherlands
    • Spain
    • Portugal
    • Belgium
    • Ireland
    • UK
    • Iceland
    • Switzerland
    • Poland
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Austria
    • Russia & Belarus
    • Türkiye
    • Albania
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Taiwan
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia and New Zealand
    • ASEAN Countries (Singapore, Malaysia)
    • South Korea
    • Rest of APAC
  • MEA
    • GCC Countries
      • Saudi Arabia
      • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
      • Qatar
      • Kuwait
      • Oman
      • Bahrain
    • South Africa
    • Egypt
    • Rest of MEA

Tags

FAQ's

Answer : ARM refers to materials produced using advanced mechanical and chemical recycling technologies that restore waste materials to near-virgin quality, enabling high-performance and food-grade packaging applications.

Answer : Key growth drivers include strict sustainability regulations, rising consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging, corporate ESG commitments, and advancements in chemical recycling technologies.

Answer : The market is expected to grow from USD 4.86 billion in 2026 to USD 7.6 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 5.1%, indicating steady and regulation-backed long-term expansion.

Answer : Europe benefits from advanced recycling infrastructure, stringent circular economy regulations, and strong collaboration between governments and packaging manufacturers.

Answer : Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR due to rapid e-commerce expansion, improving recycling technologies, and increasing environmental awareness across emerging economies.

Answer : Recycled paper & cardboard dominate due to high recyclability, cost efficiency, biodegradability, and strong demand from e-commerce and retail packaging.

Answer : PCR plastics such as rPET and rHDPE are growing fast due to regulatory mandates, durability, food-grade advancements, and their ability to replace virgin plastics without compromising performance.
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Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar is a Senior Research Analyst at Towards Packaging, bringing over 4 years of dedicated expertise in market intelligence and strategic analysis across the dynamic world of packaging technologies and solutions.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

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Advanced Recycled Materials (ARM) in Packaging Market
Updated Date : 09 January 2026   |   Report Code : 5947