Turning Plastic Waste into Value: The Growing Global Trade of PET Bottles and LDPE Plastics

In today’s circular economy, plastic is no longer just a waste, it’s a valuable resource. The global trade in post-consumer plastics, particularly Polyethylene Terephthalate [PET] bottles and Low-Density Polyethylene [LDPE] films, has become a critical component in the effort to reduce landfill dependency, lower carbon emissions and meet the surging demand for recycled materials.

One particularly noteworthy company we are currently engaging with is a Greece-based company distinguished by its expansive global network, spanning operations in ten countries. This organisation has positioned itself as a leader in the transformation of plastic waste into high-value commodities, leveraging advanced recycling and international trading practises. Its dedicated “Plastic” division focuses on both post-consumer and industrial plastics, handling materials such as LDPE film, HDPE bottles, PET bottles and various PP products. What sets the company apart is its firm commitment to sustainability by delivering environmentally responsible raw materials while actively contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles across the supply chain.

At Credebt®, we specialise in supporting businesses operating in dynamic and potentially high-growth industries such as plastic recycling and international plastic trade. Our trade finance model is tailored to reduce friction in cross-border transactions, improve liquidity for suppliers and offer reliability for global buyers. We are supporting our client in facilitating a trade of 80 metric tonnes of LDPE plastics from Greece to customers in Bulgaria, demonstrating our commitment to enabling growth in dynamic, high-potential industries. Through our trade finance solution, we facilitate the direct purchase of LDPE plastic materials and manage the sale to end buyers, ensuring smooth, secure and efficient international transactions, while contributing to the advancement of sustainable plastic supply chains.

PET bottles and LDPE plastics are central to today’s global recycling and packaging industries. PET is widely used in beverage and food containers due to its clarity and strength, while LDPE is essential in applications like plastic bags, film wrap and flexible packaging. Their recyclability and versatility make them highly valuable materials, especially as industries shift toward more sustainable and circular practises. Materials like PET and LDPE often begin their journey at collection centres before being sorted, bundled and shipped to recycling facilities around the world. Countries such as the United States, Germany and the Netherlands are among the top exporters of these plastics, while nations like India, Vietnam, Malaysia and Turkey lead as importers and recyclers. These flows reflect a well-established global network where post-consumer waste is converted into new, usable materials.

The demand for recycled plastics is expected to rise as manufacturers commit to lowering their carbon footprints and governments introduce stricter environmental regulations. Technological advancements in sorting and recycling processes are also improving the quality and cost-efficiency of recycled PET and LDPE, enabling their wider use across various industries. This evolving landscape positions recycled plastics as a strategic resource for the future.

Access to reliable financing is increasingly vital for businesses operating in this space. From securing raw material supply to managing large-scale international shipments, structured trade finance helps mitigate risks, enhance liquidity and maintain consistency in transactions. Credebt® understands that the recycling industry can play a transformative role in helping suppliers and buyers scale sustainably.

Recycling and trading PET bottles and LDPE plastics is more than just a waste management solution, it’s a key driver of environmental impact and industrial innovation. With global demand growing and sustainability becoming a business imperative, this sector holds strong potential for long-term growth and meaningful contribution to the circular economy.