U.S. Injection-Molded Plastics Demand Projected to Increase

Injection-molded plastics demand in the United States is projected to grow 2.8 percent annually to almost 16 billion pounds in 2010, valued at $14.7 billion (resin content only), according to a study from the Cleveland-based industry research firm The Freedonia Group.

The study titled Injection Molded Plastics says that resins will account for 40 percent of total injection-molded product costs of $36.8 billion. Advances will reflect injection molding’s diverse applications and cost efficiency, as well as rebounding markets. Thermoplastic resins will remain dominant, according to the study, in light of processing, design and recycling advantages as compared to thermosets. Resin and machinery advances will also expand applications by enhancing product performance, quality and throughput.

Polypropylene, high density polyethylene and polystyrene combined accounted for 63 percent of injection-molded plastics demand in 2005, according to The Freedonia Group, with injected polypropylene demand forecast to grow 3.6 percent annually based in its low cost, good performance and improved performance characteristics, such as clarity and melt strength. The material is expected to be used in caps and closures, house wares and personal-care products.

Injection-molded polystyrene demand, however, is expected to increase slowly in light of competitive pressures from lower-cost resins like polypropylene and high density polyethylene, according to the study.

Packaging and consumer markets combined accounted for 64 percent of total injection-molded plastic demand in 2005, The Freedonia Group reports. Packaging markets will be driven by opportunities in caps and closures, industrial shipping pails and totes and crates, while consumer market growth will reflect the need for inexpensive, convenient, lightweight and unbreakable house wares and personal-care products.  

Injection Molded Plastics can be purchased from The Freedonia Group by visiting www.freedoniagroup.com.