Frost & Sullivan’s Benchmarking System Highlights Leading Companies Poised for Growth and Advancing Material Recovery Facilities
LONDON, 20th March 2025 – The global Material Recovery Facility (MRF) market is undergoing significant expansion, driven by the rising demand for efficient waste management solutions, regulatory pressure, and advancements in recycling technologies. As key intermediaries in the circular economy, MRFs play a critical role in optimising resource recovery, minimising waste disposal, and reducing reliance on raw materials.
With sustainability mandates tightening worldwide, the market is witnessing increased investments in facility upgrades, automation, and advanced sorting technologies to enhance processing efficiency and maximise recovery rates.
The global MRF market has seen rapid growth, with Europe and North America leading the expansion. Frost & Sullivan projects the European MRF market, valued at $30.24 billion in 2023, to reach $39.82 billion by 2030, growing at a 4.0% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This growth reflects ongoing efforts to improve recycling rates and processing capabilities.
Similarly, in North America, the market is expected to expand from $11.90 billion in 2023 to $18.92 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.8%. Growth in this region is being driven by investments in modernising existing facilities, the establishment of new material recovery plants, and the integration of AI-powered automation and energy-efficient solutions.
Emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa present substantial growth opportunities as governments and industries ramp up investments in material recovery infrastructure and waste collection efficiency.
Competitive Landscape and Key Market Players
The MRF market is characterised by a diverse competitive landscape, with key players implementing innovative approaches to strengthen their market positions. Frost & Sullivan has identified the top 15 companies shaping the future of resource recovery through technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.
North America’s market is relatively consolidated, with leading firms investing heavily in AI and automation to improve transparency and efficiency. In contrast, Europe’s fragmented market is seeing a surge in mergers and acquisitions, largely influenced by stringent regulatory frameworks such as the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
“As demand for circular economy solutions grows, MRFs are increasingly critical in supporting global sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise decarbonisation, technological innovation, and regulatory compliance are emerging as market leaders,” says Fredrick Royan, Growth Expert at Frost & Sullivan. “Investments in automation, AI-driven sorting, and strategic partnerships will define the industry’s evolution in the coming years.”
The Frost Radar™ highlights the following growth & innovation leaders, setting the benchmark for excellence in material recovery facilities, including TOMRA Recycling, Bollegraaf, Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), Greyparrot AI, Machinex, PICVISA, Recology, Republic Services, Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH, Vecoplan, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions, Veolia, Waste Management (WM), Waste Robotics, and WEIMA Maschinenbau GmbH.
For more insights into the MRF sector and the Frost Radar™ analysis, click here.
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Editor’s Note
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Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com
