Report Overview
The global blow molding tools market size was valued at USD 12.71 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2022 to 2030. The growing demand for blow molded plastics in the medical sector and increasing emphasis on plastic recycling is anticipated to positively influence the market growth during the forecast period.
Unlike most sectors, COVID-19 has affected the market positively as the demand for blow molding tools increased with the soaring need for plastic packages for hand sanitizers, cleaning products, and beverages like beer, juices, and water. For instance, according to a Spanish dealer of plastics machinery, in June 2020, the bottling and bottle industry produced 100% above their usual capacity.
The growing demand for plastic containers is propelling the need for molds and eventually benefitting the market growth in the U.S. For instance, in August 2021, Meredith-Springfield Associates Inc. announced the expansion of its manufacturing space by 5,000 square feet. The company will install two extrusion blow molding machines and one injection stretch blow molding machine.
Plastics is the eighth largest industry in the U.S., which generated USD 394.7 billion in shipments in 2020. Out of these shipments, USD 2,777.1 million were held by the NAICS 33351105 molds for plastics that have around 637 total establishments and 15.6 thousand employees in the U.S. The large-scale spread of the plastic molds industry is owing to the increasing demand from various industries.
Furthermore, COVID-19 has raised the demand for medical equipment and market players are constructing new plants to meet the surging demand from the medical sector. For instance, in June 2021, Amgen announced the construction of a new USD 365 million manufacturing plant for producing vials and syringes in Columbus, Ohio. The plant is scheduled to operate in 2024.
Emphasis on the reuse of plastics is expected to benefit the market growth and trade-off the negative impact of the ban on single-use plastic on the blow molding market. For instance, in November 2020, Austria implemented mandatory targets by making a beverage reuse quota of 25% by 2025 compulsory in their Waste Management Act. With this, it became the first European country to do so.
Method Insights
The extrusion segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 50.0% in 2021. The extrusion method is used to produce medium to large complex geometric hollow parts. It caters to highly technical requirements such as HVAC ducts, DEF tanks, and lawn mower seats. The growing demand for containers and closures specifically from the packaging and automotive sectors is projected to propel the demand for the extrusion method over the forecast period.
For instance, in February 2020, North America-based Pretium Packaging invested a sum of USD 3 million for extrusion blow molding equipment and infrastructure in Ohio, U.S. The equipment is for producing HDPE industrial round gallon containers to meet the rising demand from the household and industrial chemical markets.
The injection segment held the second-largest revenue share in 2021. This method is suitable for the mass production of products with complicated shapes. It is used in applications such as automotive components, dashboard switches, and knobs, engine bay connectors, mechanical parts such as gears, surgical instruments, syringes, appliance components, and storage containers.
Stretch blow molding is a widely used technique, especially to produce PET bottles. These tools are widely adopted for the production of HDPE, LDPE, PET, and PETG products. The tools use a lower pressure level, which results in lower machinery costs. Moreover, it has a faster turnaround when compared to injection molding.
Application Insights
The packaging application segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 35.0% in 2021 and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. The rising demand for packaged food and drinking water is projected to fuel the need for containers, which in turn, is expected to augment the growth of blow molding tools over the coming years.
Furthermore, rising demand for blow molded parts in the automotive industry is anticipated to propel the market growth. The growing demand is compelling manufacturers to expand their capabilities, for instance, in February 2022, Uniloy, Inc., a manufacturer of blow molds, acquired Century Die Co. LLC to expand its molding capabilities for automotive parts, health, cleaning, and household goods.
In addition, growing demand from the medical equipment industry is projected to expand the market further. For instance, in August 2021, Comar, a packaging and dispensing product supplier, inaugurated its 230,000 square feet facility in California, U.S. The facility will produce medical devices using injection and blow molding technologies.
Regional Insights
Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of more than 35.0% in 2021. Rising demand from the packaging industry is propelling the market growth in the region. For instance, in December 2021, Mumbai-based Mahika Packaging announced to double its tube-making capacity in FY2022-23. The company supplies its products to cater to the packaging needs of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Europe is anticipated to register a growth rate of 3.6%, in terms of revenue, over the forecast period. The expansion of plastic container manufacturing facilities is expected to boost the market growth in the region. For instance, in September 2021, Mauser Packaging Solution made a significant investment to expand its intermediate bulk container and plastic drums capacity. The company will install a blow molding machine for intermediate bulk container bottles production in 2022.
Furthermore, the pandemic augmented investments in disinfectants and sanitizers, which positively influenced the product demand in North America. For instance, in January 2021, the Ontario government provided CAD 1 million (~USD 0.79 million) to Merit Precision to boost the production of sanitizers and disinfectants. To complete the demand, Merit Precision invested in two blow-molding lines and tooling, necessary for the infrastructure.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
The global market is competitive with the presence of numerous players worldwide. Key market players are constantly striving to stay competitive by manufacturing customized blow molds to cater to the needs of their customers. Moreover, they are involved in several strategic approaches such as acquisitions and capacity expansions to stay ahead of their competitors.
For instance, in August 2019, The Eastern Company acquired Big 3 Precision Mold Services, Inc., a leading company engaged in manufacturing blow mold tools. In August 2020, the company also acquired Hallink RSB, Inc., for strengthening its blow mold tooling business and increasing its geographical reach. Some prominent players in the global blow molding tools market include:
Abhijeet Dies and Tools Pvt. Ltd.
ADM Precision Tools
Creative Blow Mold Tooling
Gemini Group
HEISI INDUSTRIES, INC.
Kanton Engineering
Kaysun Corporation
Polymold AG
RPM International Tool and Die
The Rodon Group