Reclaimed rubber market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the reclaimed rubber market in Germany grew steadily, with volume rising from 15 770 t to 19 253 t. This expansion was driven by EU waste management directives that promoted the use of recycled materials in industry and by an extensive network of recycling facilities that secured supply. In 2019, additional momentum came from increasing demand for material recycling in end-consumer sectors.

The market surged by 44% in 2021, reaching 27 734 t, fueled by cost-reducing innovations in rubber and plastic processing and by rising turnover in the sector. Growth then eased, and the market stabilized around 27 300 t in 2022, supported by major companies investing in recycling technologies like devulcanization and by a shift in consumer preferences toward environmentally friendly products.

In 2023, market volume contracted to 24 307 t, reflecting a decline in production. However, underlying demand remained resilient due to ongoing investments in advanced recycling technologies, such as those by Hexpol Compounding, and increased adoption of recycled rubber by Germany's automotive industry for tires and components.

Production reclaimed rubber in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's reclaimed rubber production experienced a two-year period of growth before declining. In 2019, output reached its peak at 16 557 K $ US. However, in 2020, production fell to 15 590 K $ US, marking a decrease of 5.8% compared to the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's reclaimed rubber production volume grew for two years before declining. In 2019, production peaked at 27 569 t, with the largest increase of 5.7% recorded that year. However, in 2020, output dropped to 24 791 t, representing a substantial decline of 10.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports reclaimed rubber from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of reclaimed rubber in kind declined in 2020. The country exported 11 125 t, showing a drop of 23.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 35.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of reclaimed rubber in kind were distributed across a fragmented set of partners. Switzerland accounted for 21.4% of exports, the United Kingdom for 14.5%, and the Netherlands for 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 45.4% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Germany's reclaimed rubber exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their maximum at 12 786 K $ US, with the largest increase of 8.7% recorded that year. By 2020, exports had fallen to 8 775 K $ US, corresponding to a steep reduction of 27.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 25.4%, with a CAGR of -9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's reclaimed rubber exports in value terms were supplied to a broad range of markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 18.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 11.4%, and Poland for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 40.0% of total exports, while many smaller destinations made up the remaining 60.0%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports reclaimed rubber to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of reclaimed rubber in kind increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 4 134 t, with the largest decline of 19.2% recorded that year. By 2020, imports had risen to approximately 5 587 t, up by 28.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.2%, with a CAGR of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany's imports of reclaimed rubber in kind were dominated by a key group of partners. India accounted for 52.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 18.7%, and China for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 83.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Germany's imports of reclaimed rubber in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their minimum at 3 829 K $ US, with the largest decline of 16.6% recorded that year. By 2020, imports had risen to 5 587 K $ US, up by 29.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 9.1%, with a CAGR of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany's imports of reclaimed rubber in value terms were concentrated among a few key partners. India accounted for 50.9% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.4%, and Poland for 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 84.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020