The conflict in Iran has resulted in an increase in the cost of oil and downstream products, including virgin plastic, providing an unexpected boost to the recycled plastics industry. This surge in cost competitiveness for recycled plastic aligns with the growing global effort to shift towards sustainable practices. It also underscores the importance of finding alternative solutions in the face of geopolitical instability, highlighting the potential for the recycling sector to play a pivotal role in addressing environmental concerns related to plastic waste.