United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Size

The United States high density polyethylene (HDPE) market reached approximately 13.89 million tons in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.50% between 2024 and 2032. It is estimated to reach a volume of around 15.88 million tons by 2032.

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Outlook

• As per United States high density polyethylene (HDPE) industry analysis, the first practical experiment proving HDPE can be recycled at least ten times and processed further under controlled conditions was conducted by ESE World B.V.

• In October 2023, Austrian polyolefin maker, Borealis and French petrochemical group TotalEnergies (have announced the commissioning of a new large-scale US HDPE plant in Pasadena, Texas as part of their joint venture Baystar. 

• From 2020 to 2021, the amount of plastic recycled in the United States grew by 280.3 million pounds. Over five billion pounds of post-consumer plastic were obtained by recyclers for recycling purposes.

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Growth

The key market drivers include the country's focus on sustainability, shift towards bio-based HDPE products, and increasing demand from various end-use industries, such as the packaging and construction sectors. Several HDPE manufacturers are switching to bio-based raw material sources like sugarcane, corn, and biomass as environmental concerns and laws strengthen. HDPE made of bio-based materials emits fewer greenhouse gases. The United States high density polyethylene (HDPE) market revenue is anticipated to grow as a result of the transition to bio-based HDPE production.

The construction industry is another key driver of the HDPE market since it already holds a prominent place in the USA’s economy and is still on the rise. In 2023, total construction spending reached USD 1.98 trillion, which was a 7.4% increase from the previous year. This increased the demand for HDPE due to its durable and anti-corrosive properties that make it stronger than wood, other plastics, and some metals as well. Plastic pipes in the construction sector are gradually replacing traditional pipes composed of materials like steel and concrete, among others, because they are easier to install, less expensive, and offer greater performance. This is anticipated to greatly contribute to the growth of the United States high density polyethylene (HDPE) industry.

E-commerce platforms are constantly growing and require better packaging for the storage and delivery of the products. This positively influences the market because HDPE is commonly used in manufacturing packaging bottles due to its moisture-resistant nature, flexibility, and durability. Plastic also doesn’t react with chemicals, making it ideal for this growing industry.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Increased consumer spending on packaged food, growth of the construction sector, and high preference in recycling have accelerated the high density polyethylene demand growth.

June 2024

Winsupply Inc., one of the largest suppliers of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical equipment in the United States acquired US-based Forge PolyFab known for developing high quality HDPE fabricated products using feedstock. The acquisition aims to produce high-quality, sustainable fabricated PE fittings to meet the growing demand for HDPE infrastructure in the country.

April 2024

Leading plastic pipes manufacturer AmeriTex Pipe and Products announced the setting up of new high-density polyethylene corrugated pipe manufacturing facility in Texas, United States. The new plant is expected to serve the growing need for precast and high-performing HDPE pipes among the state’s customers.

March 2024

California-based Stina Inc. announced the introduction of its new website PlasticTubeRecycling.org to check the recyclability of HDPE and other plastic squeeze tubes in the US market. The website is a part of its flagship Tube Recycling Project which aims to highlight the design barriers in recycling HDPE and other plastic tubes containing several products such as shampoos, conditioners, and toothpastes.

June 2022

Atkore Inc., a US-based manufacturer of electrical conduits, fittings, and cables acquired United Poly Systems, a manufacturer of HDPE pressure pipes to expand its footprint in the United States HDPE market. The company aims to strengthen its portfolio and manufacturing capacity with this acquisition to meet the growing demand of HDPE products in the country.

Increased Consumer Spending on Packaged Food Items Drives Market Growth

According to the latest data by United States Department of Agriculture, food expenditures accounted for 12.8% of the overall household expenditure in 2022, a 0.4% year on year rise. A major share of the expenditure was held by the packaged food industry, which has high demand for HDPE plastics in packaging due to its durability, high impact resistance, and melting point. Further increase in expenditure is expect to propel growth of the United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) market.

Growth in the Construction Sector Creates High Demand for HDPE Plastics

The US construction sector, is witnessing high applicability of HDPE plastic materials such as drainage pipes, and conduits, and registered a year-on-year expenditure growth of 1.6% between June 2023 and June 2024. The expenditure is expected to grow further during the forecast period driving the market growth. HDPE plastics are preferred in the construction sector due to its high tensile strength and ability to get recycled easily.

Increased Use of HDPE Plastics Due to Its Recyclable Nature

Recycling plastics is a major trend in the US plastics industry, especially to meet the country’s carbon emission reduction targets. According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers, around 5 billion pounds of plastics was recycled in North America in 2021. Since HDPE plastics are the easiest to recycle when compared to other types of plastic materials, a growth in the US plastic recycling industry will positively impact its demand growth.

Government Norms to Replace Lead Pipes Creates New Demand for HDPE Plastics as an Alternative

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a proposal to completely remove and eliminate the use of lead pipes from drinking water applications. This move by the government is expected to increase the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics demand as it is an ideal alternative to lead pipes due to sustainability factors.

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Industry Segmentation

“United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Application

• Film and Sheet

• Injection Moulding

• Blow Moulding

• Wire and Cables

• Pipes and Tubes

• Others

Market Breakup by Feedstock

• Naphtha

• Natural Gas

• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Packaging

• Transportation

• Electrical and Electronics

• Building and Construction

• Industry and Machinery

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• New England

• Mideast

• Great Lakes

• Plains

• Southeast

• Southwest

• Rocky Mountain

• Far West

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Share

HDPE is being used more frequently in the packaging industry because of its low weight and durability to abrasion and chemicals. The most popular application for HDPE is the production of strong, lightweight bottles and containers for the storage of domestic goods, personal hygiene products, and food and beverage products. Liquid pouches and cell liners can also be made with HDPE. Since it is highly recyclable in comparison to other plastics, this feature is driving market expansion and supporting environmentally friendly packaging options.

Leading Companies United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market

The market players are actively increasing their range of products and their number of applications to stay relevant in the market.

• 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.

• Borealis AG 

• Braskem S.A.

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Report Snapshots

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Size

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Growth

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Share

United States High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Companies