US Recycled Materials for Mobility Applications Market (2025–2035) Comprehensive Analysis
The US recycled materials for mobility applications market encompasses the use and distribution of recycled metals, plastics, glass, rubber, composites, and other materials within automobiles, public transport, aviation, railways, marine, and associated sectors. Driven by sustainability mandates and advancements in recycling technologies, the market is witnessing robust growth. Key players invest in innovative mechanical and chemical recycling technologies, addressing both regulatory requirements and consumer demands for eco-friendly transportation solutions. The industry is poised for expansion owing to rising OEM partnerships and government incentives, despite facing challenges related to material quality and infrastructure limitations.
Understanding the Impact of Tariffs on "US Recycled Materials for Mobility Applications Market".
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
- Regulatory mandates promoting sustainability and circular economy practices in the mobility sector are accelerating demand for recycled materials. For instance, Waste Management Inc. continues expanding recycling infrastructure to comply with the latest US environmental policies in 2025.
- Automotive OEMs are increasingly collaborating with recycled materials suppliers to decrease supply chain emissions. In 2025, General Motors deepened its partnership with Sims Limited to incorporate higher content of recycled plastics and metals in electric vehicles.
Key Trends
- Adoption of advanced sorting and chemical recycling technologies, as seen with Loop Industries' expansion of PET chemical recycling capacity in Texas in 2025.
- Integration of recycled composites in electric and hybrid vehicles to achieve lightweighting, with Plastic Omnium launching new composite materials targeting the next-gen mobility platforms in 2025.
Key Opportunities
- Expansion in e-mobility and EV production stimulates higher demand for recycled metals and plastics, giving suppliers like KW Plastics significant growth prospects in battery casings and interiors throughout 2025.
- Increasing public sector investment in sustainable transport infrastructure creates new opportunities for recycled material vendors. Suez North America secured major contracts in 2025 for supplying recycled rubber to US public transit upgrades.
Key Challenges
- Quality and consistency concerns of recycled inputs limit their application in safety-critical mobility components. Clean Tech Incorporated is investing in material science R&D to overcome these barriers by 2025.
- Recycling infrastructure gaps, particularly in collection and advanced sorting, are hindering the supply chain. Republic Services has increased capital expenditure in 2025 to address shortages in high-quality feedstock.
Key Restraints
- High capital costs and energy consumption of advanced recycling methods remain a restraint. Loop Industries reported rising operational expenses related to PET upcycling in 2025.
- Market fragmentation and lack of standards create supply chain inefficiencies; smaller players like Emterra Group face challenges scaling up to meet OEM demand in 2025.
US Recycled Materials Market Share by Type, 2025
Metals are projected to lead the recycled materials sector in mobility applications, accounting for the highest market share due to their widespread usage in automobiles and extensive recycling infrastructure. Plastics follow, benefiting from rising integration within automotive interiors and lightweighting initiatives. The adoption of recycled glass, rubber, and composites, while steadily growing, accounts for smaller proportions. Market leaders such as Sims Limited and KW Plastics are accelerating industry expansion through partnerships and technology investments. In summary, metals and plastics dominate this segment, reflecting established collection systems and advanced processing capabilities.
US Recycled Materials Market Share by Application, 2025
Automobile applications represent the largest consumer of recycled materials in 2025, accounting for a significant portion due to high vehicle production volumes and increasing adoption of lightweight recycled components. Public transport follows, driven by federal and state-level investments in sustainable bus and rail systems. Aviation, railways, marine, and other sectors collectively make up the remainder of the market, steadily integrating recycled materials to meet stricter emission standards. The continuing commitment from OEMs and public entities is crucial to maintain growth across all mobility sectors.
US Recycled Materials for Mobility Applications Revenue (2020–2035)
The US recycled materials market for mobility applications is showing marked revenue growth, rising from USD 2,000 Million in 2020 to an estimated USD 4,750 Million by 2035. This trajectory reflects consistent year-over-year (YOY) expansion, underpinned by regulatory incentives and OEM partnerships. While metals and plastics form the largest share of revenues, the emergence of advanced sorting and chemical recycling technologies is expected to diversify revenue streams. The market's upward slope underscores its vital role in supporting the automotive, public transit, and broader mobility ecosystem's shift towards sustainability.
US Recycled Materials Market YOY (%) Growth (2020–2035)
Year-over-year (YOY) growth within the US recycled materials market for mobility applications has averaged between 6% and 9% from 2020 to 2025. The growth rate is forecast to stabilize around 8% by 2035 as market maturity increases. Notably, strategic investments and tech deployment are expected to maintain upward momentum. This positive trend reflects the sector's increasing criticality within mobility supply chains and the growing pressure on manufacturers to source sustainably.
US Recycled Materials Market Share by Region, 2025
The Midwest leads the US in recycled materials usage for mobility applications, attributed to its dense automotive manufacturing base and robust recycling infrastructure. The West Coast, driven by strong environmental policies and sustainability adoption, follows closely. The Northeast and other US regions collectively hold the remaining share, with emerging initiatives to enhance recycling rates in transportation. This regional segmentation emphasizes the importance of localized strategies for recycled materials supply chain optimization and policy implementation.
US Recycled Materials Market Share by Key Players, 2025
Key market participants dominate the recycled materials sector through investments in innovation and long-term OEM partnerships. Sims Limited, KW Plastics, and Waste Management Inc. collectively command over 55% share, leveraging their broad processing networks and supply contracts. Smaller companies, including Emterra Group and TerraCycle, continue to grow through niche specialization and regional projects. Ongoing strategic collaborations and acquisitions are instrumental in shaping future market dynamics, with an increasing focus on material traceability and circular supply ecosystems.
US Recycled Materials Market Share by Buyers, 2025
Automotive OEMs are the principal buyers in the US recycled materials market, accounting for the largest share in 2025. Public transit authorities, including government agencies and private operators, represent a substantial portion. Remaining buyers span aviation, rail, and marine industries embracing sustainable procurement. The concentration of demand among a few large-scale automotive and transport organizations underscores the need for dedicated supplier partnerships and compliance with stringent material standards for recycled content.
Study Coverage
| Metrics | Details |
|---|
| Years | 2020-2035 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Market Size | Revenue (USD Million) |
| Regions | US Regions (Midwest, West Coast, Northeast, Others) |
| Segments | By Type (Metals, Plastics, Glass, Rubber, Composites, Others), By Application (Automobiles, Public Transport, Aviation, Railways, Marine, Others) |
| Players | Sims Limited, Plastic Omnium, KW Plastics, Clean Tech Incorporated, Suez North America, Schnitzer Steel Industries, CalRecycle, Republic Services, Waste Management Inc., Advanced Drainage Systems, TerraCycle, Loop Industries, Emterra Group, GFL Environmental, Casella Waste Systems |
Key Recent Developments
- June 2024: Loop Industries announced operational launch of a new PET chemical recycling plant in Texas.
- July 2024: Sims Limited signed a multiyear supply agreement with a leading US automotive OEM for recycled aluminum and plastic components.
- August 2024: KW Plastics expanded its HDPE recycling facility in Alabama, aiming to raise capacity for automotive-grade materials.
- September 2024: Republic Services launched a new advanced sorting center in California to improve quality and throughput of recycled mobility materials.
- October 2024: Plastic Omnium introduced a lightweight recycled composite for battery enclosure applications in electric vehicles.
