The word "injection molding" covers a wide range of processes, including the molding of metals, ceramics, polymers, and several other substances. Plastics and injection molding are frequently used together. Plastics can also be formed using a variety of different methods, such as extrusion and blow molding. But the most used method of forming plastics worldwide is injection molding.

It is predicted that the need for injection molded plastics would be driven by the rising demand for plastic components from a variety of end-use sectors, including consumer goods and electronics, packaging, and automotive and medical devices.

In addition, injection molding developments are also being focused on by businesses to reduce the rate of defective manufacturing, which has had a substantial effect on the demand for injection-molded plastic components globally. Thus, the injection molded plastics market is set to reach USD 409.2 billion by 2030, according to PS Intelligence.

Application in Packaging Contributes Majority of Revenue

With a market share of 30% across all applications, packaging will continue to rule the market; as a result, the expansion of the packaging industry will be a major market driver.

The gradual transition away from glass and metals in the consumer packaging market in favor of polymers is driven by the latter's reduced space need, decreasing weight, durability, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness.

Moreover, polypropylene holds the majority of the market share, at about 40%, as a result of its lightweight properties, moisture resistance, shock resistance, cheap cost, high molding capacity, and outstanding compatibility with food applications, particularly in terms of package safety.

Furthermore, it may be used in injection molding to create components and goods of all different sizes and forms. Due to its semi-crystalline structure and strong flexural strength, polypropylene also has this property.

Demand for Polymers Is Growing in Automotive Applications

One of the end markets for injection-molded plastics with the quickest growth is the automobile sector. The need for such materials would be boosted throughout the projected period by the expansion of the Asian automotive market, notably in China and India.

Thermoplastic elastomers and other injection-molded polymers are discovering new uses in the vehicle sector because of technological advancements in the production of automotive components. The majority of car parts up until recently were composed of steel. To lighten the total weight of cars, plastic is now quickly replacing steel.

In addition, as automotive manufacturing methods continue to advance, high-performance materials—such as thermoplastic elastomers, which combine the properties of rubber and plastic while also being lighter than steel and other polymeric materials—are replacing traditional polymers in an expanding number of applications.