Plastic Injection Molding Machine Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Shift toward lightweight automotive components: Automotive OEMs continue to use plastics in their products in an effort to reduce the weight of vehicles and increase fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that for every 10% decrease in vehicle weight, the fuel economy increases by 6% to 8%. With the rising call for sustainability in electric vehicle manufacturing, original equipment manufacturers are placing their bets on more sophisticated molding machines that can deliver lightweight yet sturdy parts. In December 2024, the Pittsfield Plastics Engineering company laid down a plan for a USD 1 million investment to develop large-part injection molding. The company has also upgraded its manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of robotics, large-tonnage molding systems, and auxiliary equipment and has positioned its infrastructure for high-volume and weight-conscious plastic injection molding machine markets such as automotive interiors and structures.
• Medical device and healthcare sector expansion: Micro and precision molding solutions are quickly becoming indispensable to the medical manufacturing landscape. As more disposable products are used in medical applications, diagnostics components, and even advanced drug delivery systems, molding machine technology is advancing to meet higher tolerances and cleanroom environments. In November 2024, Viant acquired Knightsbridge Plastics, a California-based company, to combine micro-molding with its medical device design and manufacturing. This capability strengthens Viant’s capacity to manufacture intricate micro components and niche plastic components, as well as broadens the company’s network of centers of excellence worldwide.
• Technological advancements in sustainable molding systems: Innovation is one of the main drivers that contribute to the growth of sustainable and intelligent molding machines. In May 2024, Husky Technologies introduced the next-generation HyPET 6e platform, which combines innovation with reliable technology to set new benchmarks in molding sustainability. The platform increases PET preform molding productivity, which helps manufacturers optimize the use of materials and decrease carbon footprint. This development demonstrates how sustainability and digitalization are becoming integrated to transform machine architecture. As more manufacturers embrace eco-friendly materials and closed-loop production, equipment providers with versatile, high-performance systems are securing a large slice of the value proposition.

Challenges

• Environmental regulations and pressure on conventional plastics: There is a growing demand from governments and institutions for the plastics industry to shift from using polymers derived from fossil fuels. In 2025, the United Nations Environment Assembly, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and other international organizations will be working on an International Plastics Treaty that will set sustainable production standards and promote the use of biodegradable plastics. As much as this will spur innovation, it is a problem for the molding machine manufacturers who have to fashion the equipment to handle new materials. In order to efficiently process the new generation of polymers, which include systems capable of accepting other resins and biodegradable feedstocks, there is a need for research and development and reconfiguration of the supply chain.
• Fragmented supply chain and skilled labor deficit: Manufacturers are also experiencing elongated and complex supply chain issues and a lack of skilled technical workforce, especially in emerging plastic injection molding machine markets and the reshoring nations. In December 2024, Jalex Futures Ltd purchased SGH Moulds, a plastic injection molding company in the medical, industrial, and automotive industries. Although such acquisitions strengthen regional presence, their implementation is contingent upon workforce preparedness and component performance. The absence of this network can result in an erratic delivery of materials that can slow down production schedules and limit plastic injection molding machine market adaptability.