The United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market reached a volume of 2.34 Million Tons in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.30% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching 2.66 Million Tons by 2034.
Base Year
Historical Year
Forecast Year
The growth of the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market is driven by the material’s ability to get recycled easily. It aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable plastic solutions across several industries such as packaging, construction, and automobile manufacturing. Moreover, the recyclability of HDPE helps reduce the reliance on fossil fuels used as feedstock in its production, contributing to the conservation of natural resources.
To highlight the benefits of the same, major brands are marketing HDPE products as recyclable plastic to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, boosting the overall United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market value. For instance, in February 2022, Colgate launched its HDPE tube with the slogan “Recycle Me!”, to alert retailers and consumers that the tubes were recyclable and must be collected accordingly.
Further, the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market is also witnessing an expansion of HDPE production facilities by industry leaders to meet its growing demand across industries. Contributing to the trend, Biffa, a resource management firm, doubled its HDPE plastic capacity in March 2021, with the establishment of a new facility in Sunderland, United Kingdom. This facility, built with a EUR 13 million investment, increased the firm’s recycling capacity by 14,000 tonnes.
Value in Million Tons
2025-2034
United Kingdom High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Outlook
*this image is indicative*
Increasing adoption of recycled HDPE, wide applications in drainage systems, and advancements in production technologies are increasing the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market value.
Growing environmental concerns among both plastic manufacturers and consumers have propelled the recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) demand growth in the country. These recycled polymers help reduce plastic waste and lower the consumption of fossil fuels, especially natural gas, petroleum, and naphtha, primarily used in their production processes. Realising their significant benefits, several partnerships have been formed to promote recycled HDPE in the country. For instance, UK-based firm INEOS partnered with LACTEL in May 2021 to produce the first set of UHT milk bottles from post-consumer recycled HDPE material.
HDPE is widely used to manufacture drainage pipes, both in residential and commercial infrastructure projects, raising the overall market revenue. It is primarily preferred due to its exceptional resistance to chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Contributing to the trend, Wavin, which holds a sizeable market share in the country, expanded its HDPE product range in 2021, to provide a complete solution for the removal of wastewater and rainwater. The expanded range comprised HDPE pipes and fittings with dimensions between 40mm and 315mm and resistance against impact as well as chemical corrosion.
Advancements in HDPE production technologies are playing a crucial role in the market growth, by improving the quality and productivity of the HDPE produced. Moreover, the integration of processing techniques such as AI and 3D printing has extended the scope of use of the material in major industries including automotive, packaging, and healthcare. For instance, TrueCircle, a UK-based computer vision tech company, launched its latest innovation, TrueCircle AI for Plastic Recyclers in June 2022 to help HDPE reprocessors and recyclers improve their productivity and profitability through AI-powered, real-time and highly accurate composition analysis.
Design innovations in HDPE products are enhancing their overall appeal among consumers, creating new opportunities for market growth and expansion. Customers are encouraged to customise their shapes, sizes, and designs of HDPE products manufactured by a few market players, to suit their needs and utilisation purposes. Berry Global began distributing customisable, rectangular HDPE bottles to its residential and professional customers in June 2024, enabling easy stacking of the bottles for optimised space and storage use. Besides, the bottles were made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic material that positively impacted the brand and product value.
Strict government regulations on plastic use are increasing the demand of HDPE
Strict government regulations on plastic use is significantly impacting the industry revenue, as the material’s recyclability aligns with governmental goals of sustainability and reducing plastic waste. A key example is the adoption of the new Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 which had set the target to limit residual municipal plastic waste to 42 kg per capita annually, by 31st January 2028. Additionally, the plan also imposed a nationwide plastic packaging tax with effect from 1st April 2022 to encourage plastic recycling by stakeholders. Such efforts are expected to create new United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market opportunities in the years ahead.
The EMR’s report titled “United Kingdom High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Application
Market Breakup by Feedstock
Market Breakup by End Use
Market Breakup by Region
Films and sheets represent the largest high density polyethylene market share in United Kingdom
According to the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market analysis, the market is led by films and sheets due to increasing demand from the food and beverage industry. HDPE is highly preferred for packaging processed food and beverage items, owing to their exceptional flexibility, durability, and ability to extend the shelf life of products. To meet their growing demand, stakeholders are emerging with several innovative ideas, such as manufacturing recycled HDPE from marine plastic wastes. In December 2023, UK-based packaging manufacturer Duo and Danish plastics recycler Plastix partnered to launch the new shrink film made from discarded items such as fishing gear and ropes for the outer packaging of food and beverage products. The move contributed significantly to increasing the production of HDPE in the United Kingdom.
Besides, the traditional use of HDPE for manufacturing pipes and tubes has been recorded at an all-time high in the region, increasing the overall United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market revenue. Major brands are participating in the production of HDPE drainage solutions by introducing a new and more efficient range of products under the guidance of industry leaders. For instance, Aliaxis UK, a pioneer in fluid management solutions, announced the launch of a new CPD, ‘The Benefits of HDPE Drainage Systems’ in December 2021 to provide best practice advice on specifying and installing Marley HDPE soil and waste systems. This CPD is helping professionals in the construction and plumbing sectors to enhance their understanding and implement best practices for installing HDPE drainage systems.
High natural gas production has increased the HDPE supply in the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market
According to the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market report, natural gas is the most widely used feedstock for producing HDPE, owing to its low cost, easy availability, and favourable chemical properties. Hence, its increasing production is having a positive impact on the overall supply of HDPE in the market. In 2023, natural gas accounted for 33 per cent of total energy production in the United Kingdom. This is expected to grow further in the coming years, due to high demand from several industrial sectors, thus creating new opportunities for the HDPE manufacturing industry in the region.
Automobile and packaging sectors are increasing the high density polyethylene (HDPE) demand in the United Kingdom
The automobile sector is increasing the demand for HDPE plastics in the country due to its wide applications in manufacturing automobile spare parts and components. They are not only preferred for their recyclability but also for their flexibility, lightweight and durable nature. It is primarily used to produce fuel tanks, bumpers, interior trims, and underbody shields offering extreme resistance against impact, chemical corrosion, and harsh weather. In September 2024, UK-based plastics fabrication company, Formation Plastics launched its first high-density polyethylene (HDPE) canal boat on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal highlighting its resistance to corrosion, rust, and high impact.
Moreover, the food packaging industry has also witnessed a demand growth for HDPE plastics owing to their lightweight and sustainability. Contributing to the trend, Nestle, a major market player in the food retail market, announced plans to introduce its new ISCC PLUS certified packaging for one of its leading brands, Nesquik, made with 50% recycled HDPE plastic for the UK market in the coming years.
Food industries in England and Wales lead the high density polyethylene demand growth
England and Wales are leading the demand growth for HDPE in the United Kingdom, primarily due to the continuous expansion of their food manufacturing industry. According to government estimates, manufactured food products accounted for 20.8%, the largest share in the sale of manufactured products in the country in 2023. This was followed by the Welsh food industry which not only employed more than 17% of the total workforce but also targeted to expand the value of the food chain to at least EUR 8.5 billion by 2025.
Additionally, England's rising automobile sales are contributing to the growth of the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market. HDPE is used in manufacturing various automobile components such as fuel tanks, bumper covers, interior trim parts, wheel arch liners and more. England’s automobile sales showed the largest value increase, up by 22% or EUR 9.6 billion in 2023, indicating a major demand growth for the material in the automobile manufacturing sector.
United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market key players are increasingly choosing HDPE primarily to meet their sustainability and plastic recycling goals, creating an environmentally friendly market for consumers in the long term. To support this, they are promoting their HDPE products as recyclable plastics, raising consumer awareness and creating new opportunities in the HDPE market.
Founded in 1897, Dow Inc., a US-headquartered company, operated across multiple segments such as consumer goods and appliances, food and beverages, packaging, paper, and textiles. Its products are made from a range of plastics and polymers with unique properties, including plastic additives, polyethylene, polyurethanes, speciality polymer compounds and more.
Headquartered in London, England, INEOS AG was established as a pioneer in the production of oil, ga...
Exxon Mobil Corporation was founded in 1972 and headquartered in the United States, has a significan...
Headquartered in Texas, United States, LyondellBasell Industries was founded in 1972 as a global pio...
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players considered in the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market report are TotalEnergies SE, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Lotte Chemical Corp., LG Corp., and Borealis AG, among others.
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2024, the United Kingdom high density polyethylene (HDPE) market reached an approximate volume of 2.34 Million Tons.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.30% between 2025 and 2034.
The market is estimated to witness healthy growth in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach around 2.66 Million Tons by 2034.
The major drivers are the expanding food and beverages industry, growing automobile sales, and the preference for HDPE due to its recyclability.
The key trends of the market include the adoption of recycled HDPE, design innovations in HDPE products, and strict government regulations on the reduction of plastic waste.
The major regions in the market are England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
The various applications in the market report are film and sheet, injection moulding, blow moulding, wire and cables, pipes and tubes, and others.
The segments based on end-use in the market report are packaging, transportation, electrical and electronics, building and construction, and industry and machinery among others.
The major feedstocks of HDPE market include naphtha and natural gas among others.
The major players in the market are Dow Inc., INEOS AG, Exxon Mobil Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., TotalEnergies SE, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Lotte Chemical Corp., LG Corp., and Borealis AG, among others.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2018-2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2034 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Application |
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| Breakup by Feedstock |
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| Breakup by End Use |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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United States (Head Office)
30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
+1-415-325-5166
Australia
63 Fiona Drive, Tamworth, NSW
+61-448-061-727
India
C130 Sector 2 Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
+91-858-608-1494
Philippines
40th Floor, PBCom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor V.A Rufino St. Makati City, 1226.
+63-287-899-028, +63-967-048-3306
United Kingdom
6 Gardner Place, Becketts Close, Feltham TW14 0BX, Greater London
+44-753-713-2163
Vietnam
193/26/4 St.no.6, Ward Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
+84-865-399-124
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