As we enter 2025, the waste sector stands at a pivotal moment. The industry has the potential to grow from $1.3 trillion to $3 trillion over the next decade, driven by large-scale AI automation that reduces recylate costs and reshapes economic models and regulatory frameworks.
Yet challenges remain. Markets continue to grapple with low-cost virgin plastics, while rising energy costs, labour shortages, and fluctuating recyclate prices tighten margins. Automated waste analysis powered by AI has become a critical tool, enabling the sector to extract maximum value from waste, minimise losses, and provide a low-cost, sustainable alternative to virgin materials.
Awareness is growing. Netflix’s Buy Now! documentary spotlighted the devastating impact of pollution, and COP29 closed with a landmark agreement on organic waste. These milestones signal that 2025 could mark a turning point for action and accountability.
However, progress requires systemic change. The lack of legal consequences for waste mismanagement highlights the need for stronger regulatory measures. In 2025, we expect a shift from incentive-based “carrots” to enforceable “sticks,” with forces such as EPR legislation, new waste audit requirements, international plastics treaties, and DRS making efficiency and accurate data indispensable.
Brands are more invested than ever in the full lifecycle of their products. AI waste analysis is poised to answer their questions at a global scale, enabling data-driven packaging improvements that cascade down the value chain to create higher-quality material streams.
The potential is immense. In 2025, we will turn even more waste into opportunity through AI and accountability and accelerate the evolution from “waste management” to “resource recovery.” The world is waking up to the untapped value in its waste streams—and there’s so much more to unlock.
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