How ASEAN nations are shaping the future of the global plastics industry
Publish date: 2025-06-13

Southeast Asia is emerging as a key player in the global plastics value chain. From booming EV and medical tech markets to breakthroughs in bioplastics and recycling, ASEAN countries are positioning themselves as innovation hubs for sustainable and resilient supply chains.
Southeast Asian countries, collectively known as the ASEAN, have shown the ability to adapt prosper amid economic uncertainty. The region’s plastics manufacturing sector, in particular, has leveraged its strategic position within global supply chains and its diversified industrial base — including automotive, bio-plastics, medical devices, packaging and chemicals.
Preliminary growth reports suggest that Southeast Asia’s plastics sector will register a turnover of 32 million tonnes this year and grow by 4 percent to almost 39 million tonnes by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Southeast Asian countries, collectively known as the ASEAN, have shown the ability to adapt prosper amid economic uncertainty. The region’s plastics manufacturing sector, in particular, has leveraged its strategic position within global supply chains and its diversified industrial base — including automotive, bio-plastics, medical devices, packaging and chemicals.
Preliminary growth reports suggest that Southeast Asia’s plastics sector will register a turnover of 32 million tonnes this year and grow by 4 percent to almost 39 million tonnes by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Source: ETMM