Cairo / Global - January 12, 2026 - Coherent Market Insights (CMI) participated as a Knowledge Partner at PLASTEX 2026, Egypt Strategic Conference, held from January 9-12, 2026, contributing market intelligence and thought leadership on sustainable plastics, circular economy pathways, and responsible material innovation across the MENA region.
On January 10, Mr. Raj Shah, CEO & Founder, Coherent Market Insights, moderated a Day 2 panel discussion titled “Accelerating Demand and Adoption of Recycled Plastics.” The motto of the session was to transition sustainability initiatives form intent to implementation. Industry leaders came together to examine market readiness, adoption challenges, and scalable pathways for recycled plastics to achieve this feat.
Market Outlook and Regional Insights
According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, the MENA Sustainable Plastics Market was valued at US$ 3,897.9 Mn in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 6,692.3 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.0%. The key factors driving market growth include increasing recycling capacity, rising availability of plastic waste, and growing adoption of sustainable materials in packaging and industrial applications.
Within the region, Egypt is emerging as a key growth market, leading MENA with an estimated ~10.2% CAGR during 2025–2032. Egypt generates approximately 3.6–5.4 Mt of plastic waste annually, while recycled plastic production is estimated at around 1.5 Mt (2022–23), with the informal sector playing a dominant role in waste collection.
The research put forth by CMI highlights a key structural challenge across global and regional markets. The penetration of mechanical recycling remains low globally (below ~10%), and MENA continues to face limited availability of high-purity feedstock suitable for food-grade recyclates, thus resulting in a persistent supply-demand gap for recycled materials.
Policy-led circular economy initiatives are increasingly shaping the regional outlook. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is targeting 100% landfill diversion by 2035, with approximately 81% of municipal waste recycled and 19% converted to energy. Strategic partnerships, including SIRC’s collaboration with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, reinforce a 94% landfill diversion goal by 2035, signaling long-term regulatory and infrastructure support for plastics collection and recycling across the region.
Furthermore, rising export-related risks for MENA-based manufacturers was a key feature highlighted in the analysis provided by CMI. In light of tightening packaging, recycling, and carbon regulations in the EU and other markets worldwide, exporters relying heavily on cheap virgin resins and low recycling face higher trade barriers, increased carbon costs, and growing reputational pressure.
Key Themes from the PLASTEX 2026 Discussion
The panel discussion centered around ways to accelerate the adoption of recycled plastics. Emphasis was given to the need for scalable recycling infrastructure, stronger value-chain collaboration, and market-aligned policy frameworks. Participants highlighted that in order to ensure long-term growth, aligning regulatory ambition with commercially viable recycling models and consistent feedstock availability is the need of the hour.
By moderating the session, Mr. Raj Shah, through his thought-provoking market-driven insights, reinforced Coherent Market Insights’ role as a Knowledge Partner, supporting informed dialogue around sustainable plastics, circular economy transitions, and next-generation material strategies in MENA.
About PLASTEX 2026
One of the leading international exhibitions for the plastics industry in MENA, PLASTEX caters to the full plastics value chain. PLASTEX serves as a platform for buyers, sellers, manufacturers, and solution providers across the plastics ecosystem. The event is host to 500+ exhibiting companies from over 50 countries, wherein it offers companies the opportunity to network, explore technologies, and support market entry across the MENA region.
About Coherent Market Insights
Coherent Market Insights (CMI) is a global market intelligence and consulting firm that delivers data-driven insights across diverse industry verticals. With headquarters in India, CMI operates globally with a presence in the U.S. and strategic client partnerships across the U.K. and Japan. Supported by over 300 full-time consultants and a global network of domain experts across 24 countries, CMI serves clients in more than 32 countries worldwide, enabling informed decision-making in dynamic market environments.
For more information, visit www.coherentmarketinsights.com.
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