Plastics Processing Machinery Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Machine Type (Injection Molding Machines, Extrusion Machines, Blow Molding Machines, Thermoforming Machines, Others), By Plastic Type (Thermoplastics, Thermosets, Elastomers, Bioplastics), By Application (Packaging, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Construction, Electrical & Electronics, Medical Devices, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 29.21 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.14%
Fastest Growing Segment	Injection Molding Machines
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 37.26 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Plastics Processing Machinery Market will grow from USD 29.21 Billion in 2025 to USD 37.26 Billion by 2031 at a 4.14% CAGR. Plastics processing machinery encompasses the industrial equipment employed to convert raw plastic materials into finished or intermediate products through techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. The market expansion is primarily driven by the escalating demand for lightweight components in the automotive sector to enhance fuel efficiency and the sustained requirement for durable packaging solutions in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, the construction sector supports growth through the increasing application of plastic pipes and insulation materials which offer longevity and economic efficiency compared to traditional alternatives.

One significant challenge impeding market acceleration is the stringent regulatory environment regarding plastic waste and sustainability mandates which forces manufacturers to invest heavily in machine modifications for processing recycled materials. According to the Plastics Industry Association, in 2025, shipments of primary plastics machinery in North America increased by 3.5 percent during the first half of the year compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth trajectory highlights the resilience of the sector despite the hurdles posed by fluctuating raw material costs and evolving environmental policies.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in electric vehicle (EV) production and the parallel trend of metal replacement are fundamentally reshaping the technological requirements of the global plastics processing machinery sector. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing high-tonnage, two-platen injection molding machines capable of fabricating large, lightweight structural components such as battery housings and tailgates to offset battery weight. This transition has made the automotive segment a critical revenue stream for equipment providers adapting to electrification. According to Haitian International, March 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the ongoing expansion of new energy vehicle production directly supported the continued strong performance of their Jupiter series two-platen solutions.

Concurrently, the continued expansion of the packaging sector, reinforced by sustainability mandates, is driving demand for specialized high-speed machinery designed for circular economy initiatives. Converters now require advanced equipment capable of processing recycled polymers and bio-based materials with high precision, maintaining cycle efficiency while reducing energy consumption. This segment has proven to be a stabilizer for the industry during periods of broader economic fluctuation. According to Engel Global, May 2025, in the 'ENGEL expands market share amid global uncertainty' press release, their Packaging division demonstrated distinct resilience and benefited from an increase in demand even as overall group revenue faced headwinds. This sectoral momentum is further evidenced by recovery patterns in key regions; according to the Plastics Industry Association, in 2025, shipments of injection molding machinery in the U.S. rose by 30.0 percent in the third quarter compared to the preceding quarter.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The stringent regulatory environment regarding plastic waste and sustainability mandates stands as a primary obstacle impeding the growth of the Global Plastics Processing Machinery Market. As governments enforce stricter circular economy protocols, machinery manufacturers are compelled to allocate substantial capital toward research and development to engineer equipment capable of processing recycled materials effectively. This necessity for extensive technical modifications increases production costs and technical complexity, thereby elevating the capital expenditure required for purchasing new machinery. Consequently, many plastic processors delay equipment upgrades or capacity expansions due to these inflated initial investment costs and the uncertainty surrounding evolving compliance standards.

This hesitancy is evident in recent industrial performance metrics, which reflect a constrained market environment despite pockets of regional recovery. The financial strain of adapting to these mandates has dampened global equipment demand. According to VDMA, in 2025, sales figures for the first half of the year were lagging by 17 percent compared to previous sustained levels, underscoring the ongoing struggle to regain momentum. Such data indicates that while the industry is resilient, the financial and technical burdens imposed by regulatory pressures are directly curtailing broader market acceleration and sales volume.

Key Market Trends

The Transition Towards All-Electric and Hybrid Injection Molding Machines is becoming a dominant force in the market, distinct from the high-tonnage requirements of the automotive sector. This trend is characterized by a widespread shift away from traditional hydraulic systems in favor of electric variants that offer superior precision, cleanliness, and energy efficiency for manufacturing intricate components in the consumer electronics and medical device industries. As processors face rising energy costs and stricter noise regulations, the adoption of servo-electric technology has accelerated to ensure higher repeatability and reduced operational overheads. This technological shift is quantitatively evidenced by major manufacturing outputs; according to Haitian International, March 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the company delivered more than 53,000 units in 2024, representing a growth of 35.5 percent compared to the previous year, a surge significantly driven by the robust demand for their electrical Zhafir series in the consumer goods and electronics sectors.

Concurrently, the Development of Machinery Optimized for Processing Recycled and Bio-Based Materials is fundamentally altering the upstream compounding and extrusion landscape. Unlike the downstream injection molding of finished parts, this trend focuses on the critical initial stage of material preparation, where advanced twin-screw extruders are required to homogenize inconsistent recycled feedstocks with additives to create industrial-grade pellets. Manufacturers are heavily investing in compounding equipment that features specialized screw geometries and degassing systems to handle the variability of post-consumer resin (PCR), ensuring that the raw material meets the quality standards required for subsequent processing. The intensity of this infrastructure build-out is reflected in recent trade data; according to the Plastics Industry Association, August 2025, in the 'Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) report for the Second Quarter of 2025', shipments of twin-screw extruders more than doubled, posting a substantial 115.4 percent increase compared to the second quarter of the previous year.

Segmental Insights

The injection molding machines segment represents the fastest-growing category within the global plastics processing machinery market. This acceleration is primarily driven by the automotive sector, where manufacturers require these machines to produce lightweight components that enhance vehicle fuel efficiency. Additionally, the packaging industry extensively utilizes this technology to manufacture rigid containers and closures in high volumes. The capability of injection molding to deliver complex geometries with high precision further supports its adoption in the medical and electronics sectors. Consequently, this segment continues to expand as industries prioritize consistent quality and operational efficiency.

Regional Insights

North America stands as the leading region in the Global Plastics Processing Machinery Market, driven by substantial investment in the automotive, packaging, and healthcare sectors. The region's dominance is underpinned by a strong shift toward automation and the reshoring of manufacturing activities to ensure supply chain stability. Additionally, stringent guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding energy efficiency and material recycling accelerate the demand for advanced, sustainable processing equipment. These factors, combined with the presence of key industry players, sustain North America’s commanding market position.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Engel unveiled "inject AI," an advanced artificial intelligence framework, alongside a fully autonomous injection molding cell at the K 2025 trade fair. This breakthrough technology was developed to resolve challenges related to skilled labor shortages and quality consistency by enabling machines to self-regulate continuously during production. The system allows operators to define quality targets directly, after which the machine automatically adjusts process parameters to minimize scrap and reduce setup times. The company positioned this development as a major step forward in digitalization, offering a self-optimizing solution that enhances material efficiency and process reliability on an industrial scale.
• In August 2025, KraussMaffei Extrusion introduced the ZE Petrochemical (ZE-PC) series, a new line of twin-screw extruders specifically designed for the petrochemical industry. The company engineered this machinery to support large-scale raw polymer production, featuring a high diameter ratio of 1.65 and exceptional torque density. This launch signified the company's strategic entry into the raw polymer production market, utilizing their proven BluePower technology to ensure energy efficiency and high throughput. The series provides a scalable solution with screw diameters up to 330 millimeters, addressing the rigorous demands of industrial polymer processing and significantly lowering operating costs.
• In February 2024, Davis-Standard confirmed the completion of its acquisition of the Extrusion Technology Group (ETG) from a Dutch investment firm. This strategic transaction integrated well-known brands such as battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas into the Davis-Standard portfolio, substantially broadening the company's capabilities in the global extrusion and converting equipment sector. The Chief Executive Officer of Davis-Standard noted that this consolidation would strengthen their market position and allow for expanded support across various industries. The merged entity aims to leverage shared engineering expertise to drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency for customers worldwide.
• In February 2024, Arburg announced the global debut of its new electric injection molding machine, the Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric, which was subsequently presented at the NPE trade fair in the United States. This launch marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the German manufacturer premiered a new machine outside its home country. Designed with a clamping force of 2,800 kN and a streamlined footprint, the machine was engineered to maximize production output per square meter. The company developed this model to offer high process stability and electrical precision, specifically targeting the requirements of the American market.

Key Market Players

• Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
• Milacron LLC
• ENGEL Austria GmbH
• Haitian International Holdings Limited
• ARBURG GmbH + Co KG
• Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
• Chen Hsong Holdings Limited
• KraussMaffei Group
• Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.

By Machine Type	By Plastic Type	By Application	By Region
Injection Molding Machines Extrusion Machines Blow Molding Machines Thermoforming Machines Others	Thermoplastics Thermosets Elastomers Bioplastics	Packaging Automotive Consumer Goods Construction Electrical & Electronics Medical Devices Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Plastics Processing Machinery Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Plastics Processing Machinery Market, By Machine Type:

• Injection Molding Machines
• Extrusion Machines
• Blow Molding Machines
• Thermoforming Machines
• Others

• Plastics Processing Machinery Market, By Plastic Type:

• Thermoplastics
• Thermosets
• Elastomers
• Bioplastics

• Plastics Processing Machinery Market, By Application:

• Packaging
• Automotive
• Consumer Goods
• Construction
• Electrical & Electronics
• Medical Devices
• Others

• Plastics Processing Machinery Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE