PUBLISHER: DataM Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1634168
PUBLISHER: DataM Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1634168
The global injection molding market reached US$ 295 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 451.83 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period 2025-2033.
Injection molding is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten material into a mold. This process is frequently associated with plastics, but it can also be applied to metals, glasses, and elastomers. The material is heated until it becomes fluid, then forced into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies into the desired shape. The injection molding technology can produce huge volumes of similar parts quickly. It minimizes manufacturing costs per unit through mass production and allows for complicated patterns that are readily altered.
The increasing demand for injection molding is the driving factor that drives the market over the forecast period. The increase in the number of electric vehicle manufacturing increases the demand for Injection molding equipments. For instance, as of March 2023, there were more than 2.3 million electric vehicles in India. The majority of the EVs in India were two and three-wheelers, each with more than 1.1 million vehicles. India's electric vehicle market is changing rapidly, it was estimated that in 2035 the automobile market would be fully electric.
Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints
Increasing demand for injection molding
The increasing demand for injection molding is expected to be a significant factor in the growth of the global injection molding market. This demand is primarily driven by the booming automobile sector, the thriving packaging industry, and rising consumer goods and electronics usage. As industries look to improve production efficiency and reduce expenses, injection molding is a very effective solution that allows for the rapid creation of complicated and precise plastic parts.
One of the primary factors driving the injection molding market is its widespread use in the automobile industry. The trend to lightweight and electrified vehicles has prompted manufacturers to use injection molded polymers, which provide benefits in terms of weight reduction and fuel consumption. For example, the use of polypropylene in automobile parts is increasing due to its better qualities, such as high tensile strength and chemical resistance. The number of automobile industries and manufacturing units is increasing day by day. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation, The automobile sector received a cumulative equity FDI inflow of about US$ 35.40 billion between April 2000 - September 2023. India's annual production of automobiles in FY23 was 25.9 million vehicles. India has a strong market in terms of domestic demand and exports.
Technological advancements are one of the most important factors that increase the demand for injection molding. Technological advancements further bolster the injection molding market's prospects. Innovations such as 3D printing and automation are enhancing production capabilities, enabling manufacturers to create intricate designs while minimizing waste. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also allow for quicker prototyping and reduced time-to-market for new products. In recent times, there have been launches in the market that are manufactured using novel technologies. For instance, in October 2024, Milacron launched its all-electric injection molding machine the eQ180. The eQ180 enables the production of multi-layer parts, using post-consumer recyclable (PCR) materials. So, the increasing automobile industries, launches of products, and technological advancements increase the demand for injection molding and drive the market.
Stringent regulatory requirements
Factors such as stringent regulatory requirements are expected to hamper the global injection molding market. These laws have become particularly prominent in areas such as healthcare, automotive, and food packaging, where safety, quality, and environmental requirements are critical. Compliance with these standards requires extensive paperwork, rigorous testing, and adherence to precise manufacturing methods, all of which can raise operational complexity and costs for producers. For instance, companies in the life sciences sector must adhere to stringent regulatory standards established by authorities such as the FDA and ISO. These standards oversee the manufacture of medical devices and plastic items, requiring extensive validation processes and material traceability. The requirement for careful documentation might result in longer lead times in product development and higher costs connected with compliance audits and quality assurance processes.
The global injection molding market is segmented based on material, application, end-user, and region.
Automotive & transportation segment is expected to dominate the global injection molding market share
The automotive and transportation segment is expected to lead the global injection molding market, owing to increasing demands for lightweight and durable components in vehicle manufacturing. As the automotive industry changes, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for injection-molded parts has increased. These parts are required for the production of a variety of vehicle components, such as external body panels, dashboards, and other intricate interior and exterior features that demand high precision and consistent quality.
There are many recent launches in this segment and the latest technology is used in manufacturing. For instance, in October 2024, Fictiv announced the launch of their pioneering automated Design for Manufacturability (DFM) for injection molding, which is the industry's first completely automated DFM solution. This technology gives engineers immediate, actionable design feedback to improve product quality and shorten the time to market. When combined with human experience following automated DFM, it helps shorten the cycle of modifications, testing, and mold validation. This new technology streamlines operations reduces costly delays and optimizes injection molding tool designs from the very beginning.
The increasing number of automobile industries and new launches along with technological advancements makes this segment the most dominating one.
North America is expected to hold a significant position in the global injection molding market share
North America is predicted to play a significant role in the global injection molding market, due to a mix of strong industrial expansion, technical advancements, and rising demand across many sectors. The North American injection molding market is heavily influenced by the automotive industry. As manufacturers migrate to lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency and meet rigorous environmental laws, the demand for injection-molded plastic parts has increased dramatically. Dashboards, bumpers, and other exterior pieces are being manufactured utilizing modern injection molding techniques. Furthermore, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased this demand, as these cars frequently require specific lightweight components that can be easily produced by injection molding procedures.
Technological innovation is another important aspect of North America's dominant position in the injection molding sector. The region is experiencing a big move toward all-electric injection molding machines, which provide benefits like energy efficiency, high-speed manufacturing, and greater precision. These machines make for a significant share of sales in the United States, indicating a larger trend toward automation and smart manufacturing practices that increase productivity and lower operational costs. Furthermore, continual investments in research and development allow businesses to build more sophisticated gear that matches the changing demands of various industries.
The introduction of manufacturing services of injection molding has been established in this region recently. For instance, in October 2024, Biometrics, the leading vertically integrated medical device contract manufacturer in the interventional device sector, announced the launch of vertically integrated metal injection molding services. Biomerics' new Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Center of Excellence strengthens its commitment to contract design and production excellence in the metals industry. By combining MIM with their other leading micro metals processing capabilities, Biomerics' vertically integrated Micro Metals Division expands its manufacturing capabilities to produce a broad spectrum of highly specialized, complicated interventional medical devices and components. This portfolio of solutions includes complex components utilized in surgical robotics and minimally invasive surgical device applications. So, increasing automobile industries, technological advancements and launches drive the market in this region contributing to the largest market share.
Asia Pacific is growing at the fastest pace in the global injection molding market
The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for injection molding. One of the key drivers of this rapid expansion is the rising demand for injection molded goods in the automobile industry. As countries such as China and India build their automotive industries, there is an increasing demand for lightweight and efficient components that may be manufactured via injection molding. The shift to electric cars (EVs) exacerbates this demand, as manufacturers explore novel ways to reduce vehicle weight and improve energy efficiency. The evolution of the automobile industry is supported by the growth of the electronics business, which requires precision-molded plastic parts for products ranging from smartphones to home appliances.
For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the Indian EV battery market is projected to surge from US$ 16.77 billion in 2023 to a remarkable US$ 27.70 billion by 2028. India is on track to become the largest EV market by 2030, with the rise in investment over the next 8-10 years. India is on track to become the largest EV market by 2030, with the rise in investment over the next 8-10 years. The increase in electric vehicles increases the demand for injection molding products.
The major global players in the global injection molding market include All-Plastics, ARBURG GmbH + Co KG, Biomerics, C&J Industrie, Coastal Plastic Molding, Inc., Currier Plastics, D&M Plastics, LLC., DuPont, EVCO Plastics, Shibaura Machine among others.
Emerging Players
Mantle, Fictiv, and Natech Plastics among others
The global injection molding market report delivers a detailed analysis with 60+ key tables, more than 50 visually impactful figures, and 176 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.
Target Audience 2024
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