The price of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has fluctuated significantly from 2017 to 2023, reaching a low of *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2020 and a high of ***** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2018. The price was shown to have increased slightly from this 2020 minimum to a value of *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. HDPE as a petrochemical derivative One of the main factors that influences the HDPE market is the price of the raw material ethylene. Ethylene is a petrochemical product that is significantly affected by global oil prices and supply and demand dynamics. In 2021 the global ethylene market size was valued at *** billion U.S. dollars and was forecast to increase to a value of *** billion U.S. dollars by 2030. The ethylene market is predominantly dominated by the Asia Pacific region, contributing **** percent of total revenue. China holds the position of the world's largest consumer of ethylene, accounting for ** percent of global demand, while the remaining Asian countries consumed ** percent. Environmental concerns and HDPE alternatives HDPE poses significant environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradability and challenges in recycling. Since 1950, the global production of plastic materials has exceeded **** billion metric tons, but only **** percent of them have been recycled. The remaining plastic waste has been either discarded in landfills or released into the environment. As one of the most widely manufactured plastics worldwide, HDPE waste can accumulate over time, leading to pollution and adverse health effects for both humans and animals. To address these issues, various alternatives to HDPE are being developed or utilized, such as bioplastics, synthetic paper, and bio-based HDPE. These alternatives aim to mitigate the environmental impacts of HDPE by utilizing renewable resources, biodegradable materials, or minimizing carbon emissions. However, these alternatives also have notable drawbacks, including higher costs, reduced performance, and the potential for competition with food crops.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

Why did the Recycled-High Density Polyethylene Price Change in July 2025? The Recycled-High Density Polyethylene (R-HDPE) Spot Price in the USA remained stable throughout Q2 2025, with the Price Index showing minimal movement.

Explore the factors influencing the price of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin, including market demand, geographical location, and crude oil prices. Understand its applications in industries like packaging and construction, and learn how global events impact its pricing. Stay informed with strategies to track HDPE resin trends and make informed purchasing decisions.

Polyethylene fell to 7,265 CNY/T on August 20, 2025, down 0.26% from the previous day. Over the past month, Polyethylene's price has fallen 0.15%, and is down 10.90% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Polyethylene.

Explore the factors affecting Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) prices, including crude oil fluctuations, global demand and supply, production capacities, and government policies. Learn about the role of geopolitical events, environmental regulations, and market trends in determining LDPE's market price.

Explore the factors influencing Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) prices per kilogram, including crude oil trends, global market dynamics, sustainability demands, and economic health of major consumer markets as of 2023. Understand how these elements affect LLDPE pricing, ranging from $1 to $3 USD per kg, and learn why staying informed is crucial for buyers.

Market Overview:

The global HDPE drums market is projected to grow from USD 2.02 Billion in 2017 to USD 3.06 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2017 to 2030. The growth of the HDPE drums market can be attributed to the increasing demand for HDPE drums from various end-use industries, such as chemicals, food ingredients, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.

Product Definition:

HDPE drums are high-density polyethene drums. They are often used for shipping and storing hazardous or corrosive materials. The plastic is resistant to chemicals and moisture, which makes it a safe option for these types of applications.

25L:

25L is a common size for HDPE drums. It has many uses in the food & beverage industry ranging from the packaging of liquid products to the transportation of semi-solid and solid products. 25L HDPE drum is commonly used for the transportation of fresh produce, dairy products, frozen foods, bakery items and other food & beverage items which have a selling price between USD 0.5 - 1 per kg on average across the globe.

50L:

50L HDPE drums are used in the manufacturing of rigid packaging containers for food and chemical products. They are also used to store petrochemical products such as solvents, adhesives, paints & coatings and emulsions among others. The 50 litres capacity drum is manufactured with a standard height of 60 cm and a diameter of approximately 38 cm which gives it an internal volume capacity of approximately 25 kg (weight) to 100 kg (weight).

100L:

100L of HDPE drums are typically used for shipping and storage. They are strong and durable, making them a good choice for items that need to be stored or transported frequently. Additionally, they are easy to stack and transport, which makes them a popular option among businesses.

150L:

150L of HDPE drums are made from high-density polyethene, which is a type of plastic that is strong and durable. They are also easy to recycle, making them an environmentally friendly option. In addition, 150L of HDPE drums are typically cheaper than other types of drums, making them a good option for businesses that need to save money.

200L:

200L of HDPE drums are made from high-density polyethene, which is a type of plastic that is strong and durable. They are also lightweight, making them easy to transport and store. In addition, HDPE drums are resistant to chemicals and heat, making them ideal for storing hazardous or toxic materials.

Application Insights:

The global demand for HDPE drums majorly consists of usage in the manufacturing of chemicals, food ingredients, solvents and pharmaceuticals. The chemical industry dominated the overall application segment with a share of over 40% in 2014. Chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are manufactured using various materials, however, high-density polyethene is one such material that is used extensively owing to its properties including lightweight & durability coupled with ease of processing & transportation. Food ingredients were estimated to be the second largest application segment accounting for a share of 29% in 2014.

Regional Analysis:

The Asia Pacific was the largest regional market in 2015 and accounted for over 40% of the global revenue share. The region is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period owing to high product demand from various end-use industries including chemicals, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals and others.

The increasing number of manufacturing facilities in emerging economies such as China and India coupled with rising foreign investments are some major factors that are anticipated to drive industry growth in this region. In addition, growing construction activities due to rapid urbanization are also projected to have a positive impact on industry growth over the next eight years.

The Europe market was valued at USD X million in 2015 and is expected to witness a moderate growth rate during the forecast period owing towards the development of end-user industries mainly chemicals & petrochemicals along with the solvent applications segment dominated by exports from developed regions such as Germany, and the U.K.

Growth Factors:

• Increasing demand from end-use industries.
• Growing popularity of HDPE drums for safe storage and transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids.

Snapshot img

Ethylene Market Size 2025-2029

The ethylene market size is forecast to increase by USD 63.3 billion at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing demand for polyethylene products across various industries, including packaging, construction, and automotive. This trend is expected to continue as ethylene-derived plastics offer advantages such as durability, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness. However, market dynamics are influenced by the emergence of bio-ethylene, a sustainable alternative to traditional ethylene derived from fossil fuels. This shift towards renewable sources presents both opportunities and challenges for market participants.
On the one hand, bio-ethylene offers a more sustainable production process and potential cost savings through government incentives and carbon credits. On the other hand, the production of bio-ethylene is currently more expensive than traditional ethylene, and scaling up production remains a significant challenge. Additionally, volatility in raw material prices, particularly for natural gas and crude oil, continues to impact the market's profitability and strategic planning. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively must stay informed of these trends and be agile in their business strategies.

What will be the Size of the Ethylene Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The market encompasses the production, trade, and application of ethylene, a colorless, flammable organic compound. Ethylene is a key petrochemical derivative and the primary building block for various ethylene-based derivatives, including polyethylene (PE), ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These materials are widely used in various industries, including construction, flexible packaging, and the production of bio-based products, lightweight plastics, and market derivatives. The market size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for ethylene-based derivatives in consumer goods, food, beverages, medications, and various industrial applications. The market's growth is influenced by factors such as the availability of shale oil output, which has led to increased ethylene production capacity.
Additionally, the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as bio-polyethylene, is gaining momentum due to growing concerns about carbon footprint and the need for improved barrier qualities in packaging materials. Overall, the market is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, driven by the diverse applications and demand for ethylene-based derivatives in various industries.

How is this Ethylene Industry segmented?

The ethylene industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Feedstock

  Naphtha
  Ethane
  LPG
  Others


Application

  LDPE
  HDPE
  Ethylene oxide
  Vinyls
  Others


Packaging

  Automotive
  Building & Construction
  Agrochemical
  Textile
  Chemicals
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    US
    Canada


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Feedstock Insights

The naphtha segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Ethylene is a colorless, flammable organic compound used extensively as a raw material in the production of various plastics and petrochemical derivatives. The largest source of ethylene is naphtha, which accounted for over half of the global ethylene production in 2024. However, the naphtha segment is expected to lose market share due to its energy-intensive production process, which results in significant carbon emissions. One kilogram of ethylene production emits approximately 1.8-2 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Europe and APAC are the leading regions in naphtha-based ethylene production. Ethylene is a key ingredient in the production of polyethylene, ethylene glycol, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), vinyl acetate, and various ethylene-based derivatives.

Get a glance at the market report of share of various segments Request Free Sample

The naphtha segment was valued at USD 56.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the market size of various region