The new BKV study provides a comprehensive analysis of chemical recycling in Germany.

The study „Chemisches Recycling in Deutschland – Ist-Situation 2024 und Ausblick bis 2030/2035“ was conducted by Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH on behalf of BKV GmbH with the support of the plastics manufacturers' association Plastics Europe Deutschland, the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (German Association for Plastic Packaging). It examines the current situation and future developments. It offers a detailed analysis of current technologies, capacities and future developments, identifying pyrolysis as a key technology. Chemical recycling in Germany is still in its infancy, but according to the study, it has great growth potential. It involves converting plastic waste into monomers or new materials by changing the chemical structure. The main technologies are pyrolysis/oilification, solvolysis and gasification.
 
According to the study, chemical recycling has not yet have reached a large-scale industrial level in Germany in 2024. The input capacity is said to be 30.2 kilotonnes per annum, while mechanical recycling reaches 2,440 kilotonnes per annum. According to the study, the most advanced technology is pyrolysis with an input capacity of 29.7 kilotonnes per annum, followed by solvolysis (0.5 kilotonnes per annum) and gasification (<0.1 kilotonnes per annum). The main input material is used tyres, accounting for 66 per cent, followed by packaging from LVP collection with 32 per cent. The input materials are converted into pyrolysis oil, monomers/oligomers, synthesis gas, rCB (recovered carbon black) and steel.
 
Three scenarios were developed in the study to forecast input and output capacities up to 2030 and 2035: One scenario with a conservative estimate of capacity development, which only takes into account plants under construction, then a realistic scenario, which probably includes completed plants, and finally a progressive scenario, which assumes the realisation of all announced pyrolysis plants and the construction of further solvolysis and gasification plants. Depending on the scenario, input capacity could rise to between 0.1 and 0.8 megatonnes per annum, with pyrolysis, which is expected to remain the leading technology, accounting for the largest share, while solvolysis and gasification will see only minor increases. However, according to the study, large-scale projects such as a plant planned by BP, which is expected to convert up to 360 kilotonnes of waste per year, could significantly increase capacity. According to the study, residues from mechanical recycling also offer a potential of around 0.46 megatonnes per year for chemical recycling. The study identifies challenges for chemical recycling in fluctuating input qualities, high energy intensity and regulatory uncertainties.
 
A free summary of the study (in German) can be downloaded from the BKV website. The full study (in German) can also be ordered from the BKV website.
 
Sources:

• BKV (11.12.2025)
• Image: © Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH