South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market (2025-2031) | Size, Industry, Share, Outlook, Forecast, Value, Companies, Trends, Growth, Analysis & Revenue

South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Highlights

Topics Covered in the South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Report

The South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market report thoroughly covers the market by source, by material, by product type, and by treatment method. The South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.

South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Synopsis

The South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market has experienced significant success and is expected to continue growing in the future. The market focuses on efficiently collecting, sorting, recycling, and disposing of plastic waste to mitigate environmental impact. Key strategies include enhancing recycling infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly packaging, and implementing strict regulations to reduce plastic consumption and encourage sustainable practices. Government initiatives and public awareness campaigns drive the adoption of innovative recycling technologies and circular economy principles, ensuring minimal plastic pollution and fostering a greener future. The market growth is propelled by increasing environmental consciousness and efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals.

According to 6Wresearch, South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during 202-2031. A major driver in the South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market is the growing awareness and concern regarding environmental sustainability. As global awareness of plastic pollution's detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health increases, governments, industries, and consumers alike are pushing for more effective waste management solutions. South Korea, in particular, has implemented strict regulations and ambitious targets to reduce plastic waste, promoting initiatives such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) and mandatory recycling programs. Additionally, technological advancements in recycling technologies and innovations in material sciences are transforming the market. Processes like chemical recycling and biodegradable plastics are gaining traction, offering promising alternatives to traditional plastic waste disposal methods. These innovations not only help in reducing plastic waste but also create opportunities for new business models and investments in sustainable technologies. Moreover, collaborations between public and private sectors, along with increased public awareness campaigns, are driving behavioral changes towards responsible plastic use and disposal practices, further accelerating market growth.

Apart from this, major challenges in the South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market include overcoming infrastructural limitations in recycling facilities and collection systems. Insufficient capacity and outdated technologies hinder efficient plastic waste processing and recycling efforts. Economic viability of recycling operations, especially for low-value plastics, poses another challenge. Additionally, addressing consumer behavior and promoting widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices remains a hurdle. Lastly, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks and maintaining public support along with evolving environmental policies are critical challenges facing the market.

South Korea Plastic Waste Management Industry: Leading Players

The South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market’s leading players include companies like Lotte Chemical Corporation, SK Chemicals Co., Ltd., and LG Chem Ltd. These companies are prominent in developing and implementing innovative recycling technologies, promoting sustainable packaging solutions, and investing in infrastructure for efficient waste collection and processing. They play a crucial role in advancing the circular economy model by partnering with government initiatives and collaborating with other stakeholders to enhance plastic waste management practices. Their efforts contribute significantly to reducing environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable approach to plastic use and disposal in South Korea.

Plastic Waste Management Market in South Korea: Government Regulations

Government regulations in the South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market are stringent and aimed at reducing environmental impact. Key regulations include extended producer responsibility (EPR), which mandates producers to manage the end-of-life disposal of their products responsibly. The Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles regulates the recycling of specific types of waste, including plastic components. South Korea also imposes strict waste separation requirements on households and businesses to facilitate effective recycling. Additionally, the government promotes eco-friendly packaging through incentives and subsidies for businesses adopting sustainable practices. Regulations also focus on reducing single-use plastics, encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives, and promoting public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on responsible plastic consumption and disposal. Government agencies such as the Ministry of Environment and local authorities enforce these regulations through inspections and penalties for non-compliance, ensuring adherence to environmental standards and fostering a greener, more sustainable plastic waste management ecosystem in South Korea.

Future Insights of the Market

Leading ahead, the South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market looks promising with a shift towards more advanced recycling technologies and sustainable practices. Innovations in chemical recycling, biodegradable plastics, and circular economy models are expected to drive market growth. Government support through regulatory frameworks and financial incentives will likely encourage investments in recycling infrastructure and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Consumer awareness and demand for environmentally friendly products are also anticipated to increase, pushing industries towards adopting more sustainable practices. Collaboration between public and private sectors will play a crucial role in overcoming infrastructure challenges and expanding recycling capacities. Overall, the market is poised for expansion as stakeholders work towards achieving national recycling targets and reducing plastic pollution. Continuous advancements in technology and growing public consciousness are set to shape a greener and more sustainable future for plastic waste management in South Korea.

Market Segmentation by Source

According to Ravi Bhandari, Head of Research, 6Wresearch, Industrial Waste segment is expected to dominate the industry due to higher volumes of plastic waste generated by industries, including manufacturing and processing sectors. Industrial waste often comprises a significant portion of plastic materials that require specialized recycling processes and strict regulatory compliance. Conversely, Municipal Waste is currently a smaller segment, municipal waste is poised for growth driven by increasing urbanization, population growth, and rising consumer awareness. Government initiatives promoting recycling in households and public spaces are expected to boost the collection and recycling rates of plastic waste from municipal sources.

Market Segmentation by Material

On the basis of material, Polyethylene, known for its widespread use in packaging and consumer goods, is expected to dominate the industry due to its high volume of consumption and consequent waste generation. In contrast, segments like polypropylene and PET are projected to grow significantly. Polypropylene is used in various applications, including packaging and automotive components, driving its growth in recycling efforts. PET, commonly found in beverage bottles and textiles, is also poised for growth due to increasing consumption and recycling initiatives focused on improving sustainability.

Market Segmentation by Product Type

On the basis product type, Packaging currently dominates the industry due to the widespread use of plastic packaging across various sectors. It constitutes a significant portion of plastic waste generated and managed in South Korea. On the other hand, Construction is expected to grow in the industry, driven by increasing construction activities and the use of plastic materials in building and infrastructure projects. Furthermore, Automotive and electrical & electronics sectors also contribute significantly to plastic waste, but their growth in plastic waste management is influenced by technological advancements and regulatory shifts towards sustainable practices.

Market Segmentation by Treatment Method

On the basis treatment method, the recycling segment is poised to dominate the industry. This is driven by increasing government initiatives and consumer awareness promoting recycling as a sustainable solution to reduce plastic waste. Advanced recycling technologies such as chemical recycling and mechanical recycling are gaining traction, offering efficient methods to process different types of plastic waste into new products or raw materials. Looking forward, the recycling segment is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Innovations in recycling technologies, coupled with regulatory pressures and societal shifts towards environmental responsibility, will further propel this segment. Collection methods, although essential for gathering plastic waste, are likely to see advancements in infrastructure and efficiency to support increased recycling efforts. Disposal, while necessary for non-recyclable plastics, will likely face stricter regulations and decreased reliance as recycling capabilities expand. Thus, recycling stands out as both the dominant and growing segment within the South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market.

Key Attractiveness of the Report

• 10 Years Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Data until 2031.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Outlook
• Market Size of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market, 2024
• Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market, 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Revenues & Volume for the Period 2021 - 2031
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Trend Evolution
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Drivers and Challenges
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Price Trends
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Porter's Five Forces
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Industry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Source for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Industrial Waste for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Municipal Waste for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Material for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Polyethylene for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Polypropylene for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Polyethylene Terephthalate for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Polystyrene for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Product Type for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Construction for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Electrical & Electronics for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Treatment Method for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Collection for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Recycling for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of South Korea Plastic Waste Management Market Revenues & Volume By Disposal for the Period 2021 - 2031
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Import Export Trade Statistics
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Source
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Material
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Product Type
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Treatment Method
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Top Companies Market Share
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Company Profiles
• South Korea Plastic Waste Management Key Strategic Recommendations

Markets Covered

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:

By Source

• Industrial Waste
• Municipal Waste

By Material

• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene Terephthalate
• Polystyrene
• Others

By Product Type

• Packaging
• Construction
• Automotive
• Electrical & Electronics
• Others

By Treatment Method

• Collection
• Recycling
• Disposal