The global plastic market size is expected to reach USD 645.1 billion by 2030, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc., with an anticipated growth rate of 4.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. One of the key drivers for this growth is the increasing production of automobiles, which leads to a rise in plastics consumption in automotive component manufacturing. This is largely due to regulatory policies that focus on reducing vehicle weight and enhancing fuel efficiency. Plastics play a crucial role in automotive applications because they contribute to fuel savings by reducing vehicle weight and density when compared to traditional materials like metals and rubber. Over the past decade, plastics have seen substantial demand as a replacement for metals and ferrous alloys in industries like consumer goods, automotive, and industrial machinery, owing to their lightweight and versatile nature.

The expansion of the market is influenced by several factors, including the growing demand from end-users for products that offer specific attributes and increased versatility, which is changing consumption dynamics. Other factors that significantly impact industry trends include socio-political events, production processes, and the availability of feedstocks. In particular, the rapidly developing construction and automotive sectors in the Asia Pacific region are expected to increase demand for plastics in applications such as automotive interiors, exteriors, and under-the-hood components. Plastics are also widely used in construction for building interiors and exteriors, as well as in electronics and durable goods. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand for plastics in the medical industry, where they are used in various medical devices and equipment.

To meet the growing demand, companies are focusing on expanding their production capabilities and resources. For instance, in April 2023, Plastics Unlimited Inc. completed a 30,000 sq. ft. expansion of its manufacturing facility in Iowa, U.S., which provides services such as plastic urethane molding, thermoforming, part trimming, design, and tooling. The extrusion application segment is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. Extrusion is a commonly used process for producing products such as straws, hoses, pipes, and window frames. The rising demand for these products, particularly in the packaging and construction industries, is expected to create profitable opportunities for the extrusion segment during the forecast period.

Get a preview of the latest developments in the Plastic Market? Download your FREE sample PDF copy and explore key data and trends. 

Plastic Market Report Highlights:

• The global market was valued at USD 624.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030.

• The increasing demand for plastics in medical applications, such as housing, valves, switches, guide components, sleeves, adapters, reducers, cylinders, and ventilators, is expected to have a positive impact on segment growth during the forecast period.

• In recent years, key companies have implemented various strategic initiatives to strengthen their positions in the market.

• For example, in April 2023, Charter Next Generation announced an investment of USD 270 million in expanding its plastic film manufacturing facility located in Milton, Wisconsin, U.S.

Browse through Grand View Research's Plastics, Polymers & Resins Industry Research Reports.

• Monomaterial Packaging Market: The global monomaterial packaging market size was valued at USD 4.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.01% from 2025 to 2030.

• Plastics In Personalized Drug Delivery Systems Market: The global plastics in personalized drug delivery systems market size was estimated at USD 1.99 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.79% from 2025 to 2030.  

Plastic Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global plastic market report based on product, application, end-use, global product by end-use and region:

Plastic Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Polypropylene (PP)

• Polyurethane (PU)

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Polystyrene (PS)

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

• Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)

• Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)

• Epoxy Polymers

• Liquid Crystal Polymers

• Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)

• Polycarbonate (PC)

• Polyamide (PA)

• Polysulfone (PSU)

• Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)

• Others

Plastic Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Injection Molding

• Blow Molding

• Roto Molding

• Compression Molding

• Casting

• Thermoforming

• Extrusion

• Calendering

• Others

Plastic End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Packaging

• Building & construction

• Electrical & electronics

• Automotive

• Medical devices

• Agriculture

• Furniture & Bedding

• Consumer Goods

• Utility

• Housewares

• Toys & child care

• Masterbatch & additives

• Others

Plastic Product by End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Polypropylene (PP)

• Polyurethane (PU)

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Polystyrene (PS)

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

• Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)

• Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)

• Epoxy Polymers

• Liquid Crystal Polymers

• Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)

• Polycarbonate (PC)

• Polyamide (PA)

• Polysulfone (PSU)

• Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)

Plastic Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o Germany

o France

o UK

o Italy

o Poland

o Spain

o Portugal

• East Asia

o China

• Asia Pacific (excluding China)

o India

o Japan

o Southeast Asia

• Carribean

o Dominican Republic

• Central & South America

o Brazil

o Argentina

o Colombia

o Bolivia

o Chile

o Colombia

o Ecuador

o Paraguay

o Peru

o Uruguay

o Cost Rica

o Guatemala

o Panama

• Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o United Arab Emirates (UAE)

o Oman

o Kenya

o South Africa

o Angola

List of Key Players in the Plastic Market

• BASF SE

• SABIC

• Dow Inc

• DuPont de Nemours, Inc

• Evonik Industries

• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

• Arkema

• Celanese Corporation

• Eastman Chemical Company

• Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., LLC

• Lotte Chemical Corporation

• Exxon Mobil Corporation

• Formosa Plastics Corporation

• Covestro AG

• Toray Industries, Inc.

• Mitsui & Co. Plastics Ltd.

Order a free sample PDF of the Plastic Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.