GITNUXREPORT 2025

Injection Molding Industry Statistics

Global injection molding market exceeds $339 billion, driven mainly by Asia-Pacific growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The energy consumption in injection molding plants can be reduced by up to 30% with advanced energy-efficient machines

Statistic 2

About 60% of injection molding companies in North America have adopted plastic recycling practices

Statistic 3

Sustainable and biodegradable materials are expected to comprise 25% of the injection molding market by 2030

Statistic 4

The adoption of green manufacturing practices in injection molding reduces waste by up to 25%

Statistic 5

Resin recycling in injection molding increased by 11% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Statistic 6

The demand for plastic products in the automotive sector drives about 20% of the global injection molding industry

Statistic 7

The global injection molding market was valued at approximately $339.6 billion in 2021

Statistic 8

The plastics sector consumes around 50% of all injection molded parts globally

Statistic 9

The global market for 3D printed molds used in injection molding is projected to reach $650 million by 2025

Statistic 10

Polypropylene remains the most commonly used thermoplastic in injection molding, accounting for over 21% of all injection molded polymers

Statistic 11

The global demand for medical injection molding parts is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027

Statistic 12

Approximately 70% of new plastic part designs are optimized for injection molding

Statistic 13

The global automotive injection molding market is projected to reach $52 billion by 2028

Statistic 14

The largest consumption of injection molded plastics is in packaging applications, representing over 40% of total usage

Statistic 15

The typical injection molding machine power ranges from 50 tons to 2000 tons clamp force

Statistic 16

The global biodegradable plastics market, used in injection molding, is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2027

Statistic 17

The global injection molding equipment market size is projected to reach $19.36 billion by 2026

Statistic 18

The share of micro-injection molding (parts smaller than 1 gram) is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% until 2025

Statistic 19

The automotive industry uses over 30% of all injection molded plastics annually

Statistic 20

The global market for thin-wall injection molded products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2028

Statistic 21

The global market for customized injection molded products is projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2025

Statistic 22

The global market for medical-grade silicone injection molding is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2028

Statistic 23

The global market for recyclable plastics used in injection molding is projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2027

Statistic 24

The use of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in injection molding is increasing at a CAGR of 5%, expected to reach $1.5 billion globally by 2026

Statistic 25

The global demand for precision injection molding is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2030

Statistic 26

The largest end-use sectors for injection molded parts are automotive, packaging, healthcare, and consumer goods, together representing over 70% of the market

Statistic 27

The global demand for bio-based plastics in injection molding is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2030

Statistic 28

The global market for high-performance thermoplastics used in injection molding is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2028

Statistic 29

The demand for lightweight injection molded components in aerospace is growing at a CAGR of 7%, expected to reach $3 billion by 2030

Statistic 30

The total number of injection molding machines worldwide is estimated over 200,000 units

Statistic 31

The largest share of consumed plastics in injection molding is used for household goods, with over 35% of total consumption

Statistic 32

The average cycle time for injection molding processes varies from 15 to 90 seconds depending on part complexity

Statistic 33

The average lifespan of an injection mold ranges from 100,000 to 1 million cycles

Statistic 34

The use of automation in injection molding facilities can increase productivity by up to 50%

Statistic 35

The lead time to produce a mold can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on complexity

Statistic 36

The average cost to produce a single injection molded part can range from $0.05 to $5 depending on complexity and volume

Statistic 37

The resin cost accounts for approximately 50-60% of the total production cost in injection molding

Statistic 38

The adoption of closed-loop injection molding systems can reduce scrap by up to 20%

Statistic 39

The average energy cost in injection molding plants constitutes about 20% of total manufacturing costs

Statistic 40

The use of simulation software in injection molding can reduce mold design errors by up to 75%

Statistic 41

Approximately 35% of injection molding companies reported increased lead times due to supply chain disruptions in 2022

Statistic 42

The typical labor cost for injection molding production accounts for about 25% of the total manufacturing cost

Statistic 43

The adoption of UV and LED curing in injection molding can reduce cycle times by up to 30%

Statistic 44

The automotive injection molding sector has seen a 15% reduction in cycle times over the past five years due to technological advancements

Statistic 45

The integration of AI in injection molding processes has reduced defect rates by approximately 30%

Statistic 46

The use of RFID technology in injection molding tools enables real-time tracking and reduces downtime by 15%

Statistic 47

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 65% of the global injection molding industry

Statistic 48

The North American injection molding industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% between 2022 and 2027

Statistic 49

The top five countries for injection molding exports are China, Germany, the United States, Japan, and Italy

Statistic 50

The adoption rate of 3D printing for mold manufacturing in injection molding is projected to reach 12% in North America by 2025

Statistic 51

Over 55% of injection molding facilities worldwide invest in Industry 4.0 technologies for smart manufacturing

Statistic 52

Over 80% of injection molding companies reported implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives by 2023

Statistic 53

In 2022, approximately 60% of injection molding companies worldwide increased their automation investment

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Key Highlights

  • The global injection molding market was valued at approximately $339.6 billion in 2021
  • The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 65% of the global injection molding industry
  • The demand for plastic products in the automotive sector drives about 20% of the global injection molding industry
  • The North American injection molding industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% between 2022 and 2027
  • The plastics sector consumes around 50% of all injection molded parts globally
  • The average cycle time for injection molding processes varies from 15 to 90 seconds depending on part complexity
  • The global market for 3D printed molds used in injection molding is projected to reach $650 million by 2025
  • The average lifespan of an injection mold ranges from 100,000 to 1 million cycles
  • Polypropylene remains the most commonly used thermoplastic in injection molding, accounting for over 21% of all injection molded polymers
  • The global demand for medical injection molding parts is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027
  • The use of automation in injection molding facilities can increase productivity by up to 50%
  • Approximately 70% of new plastic part designs are optimized for injection molding
  • The lead time to produce a mold can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on complexity

With a soaring market valued at over $340 billion and innovations like automation, Industry 4.0, and sustainable materials revolutionizing production, the injection molding industry is poised for unprecedented growth driven by global demand across automotive, healthcare, packaging, and beyond.

Environmental Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

  • The energy consumption in injection molding plants can be reduced by up to 30% with advanced energy-efficient machines
  • About 60% of injection molding companies in North America have adopted plastic recycling practices
  • Sustainable and biodegradable materials are expected to comprise 25% of the injection molding market by 2030
  • The adoption of green manufacturing practices in injection molding reduces waste by up to 25%
  • Resin recycling in injection molding increased by 11% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Environmental Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices Interpretation

As the injection molding industry embraces energy-efficient equipment, plastic recycling, and biodegradable materials—cutting waste and energy use while boosting sustainability by double digits—the mold is truly shifting from mere manufacturing to a greener future.

Industry Applications

  • The demand for plastic products in the automotive sector drives about 20% of the global injection molding industry

Industry Applications Interpretation

With one-fifth of the global injection molding industry fueled by automotive plastics, it's clear that cars are not just getting smarter and sleeker—they're also shaping the very form of manufacturing itself.

Market Segments and Industry Applications

  • The global injection molding market was valued at approximately $339.6 billion in 2021
  • The plastics sector consumes around 50% of all injection molded parts globally
  • The global market for 3D printed molds used in injection molding is projected to reach $650 million by 2025
  • Polypropylene remains the most commonly used thermoplastic in injection molding, accounting for over 21% of all injection molded polymers
  • The global demand for medical injection molding parts is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027
  • Approximately 70% of new plastic part designs are optimized for injection molding
  • The global automotive injection molding market is projected to reach $52 billion by 2028
  • The largest consumption of injection molded plastics is in packaging applications, representing over 40% of total usage
  • The typical injection molding machine power ranges from 50 tons to 2000 tons clamp force
  • The global biodegradable plastics market, used in injection molding, is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2027
  • The global injection molding equipment market size is projected to reach $19.36 billion by 2026
  • The share of micro-injection molding (parts smaller than 1 gram) is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% until 2025
  • The automotive industry uses over 30% of all injection molded plastics annually
  • The global market for thin-wall injection molded products is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2028
  • The global market for customized injection molded products is projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2025
  • The global market for medical-grade silicone injection molding is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2028
  • The global market for recyclable plastics used in injection molding is projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2027
  • The use of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in injection molding is increasing at a CAGR of 5%, expected to reach $1.5 billion globally by 2026
  • The global demand for precision injection molding is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2030
  • The largest end-use sectors for injection molded parts are automotive, packaging, healthcare, and consumer goods, together representing over 70% of the market
  • The global demand for bio-based plastics in injection molding is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2030
  • The global market for high-performance thermoplastics used in injection molding is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2028
  • The demand for lightweight injection molded components in aerospace is growing at a CAGR of 7%, expected to reach $3 billion by 2030
  • The total number of injection molding machines worldwide is estimated over 200,000 units
  • The largest share of consumed plastics in injection molding is used for household goods, with over 35% of total consumption

Market Segments and Industry Applications Interpretation

As the injection molding industry, valued at $340 billion in 2021 and fueled by a growing appetite for sustainable, precise, and lightweight solutions, continues to innovate—particularly in medical, automotive, and packaging sectors—its expanding market underscores a future where plastics are not only ubiquitous but increasingly eco-conscious and technologically advanced.

Operational Metrics and Cost Factors

  • The average cycle time for injection molding processes varies from 15 to 90 seconds depending on part complexity
  • The average lifespan of an injection mold ranges from 100,000 to 1 million cycles
  • The use of automation in injection molding facilities can increase productivity by up to 50%
  • The lead time to produce a mold can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on complexity
  • The average cost to produce a single injection molded part can range from $0.05 to $5 depending on complexity and volume
  • The resin cost accounts for approximately 50-60% of the total production cost in injection molding
  • The adoption of closed-loop injection molding systems can reduce scrap by up to 20%
  • The average energy cost in injection molding plants constitutes about 20% of total manufacturing costs
  • The use of simulation software in injection molding can reduce mold design errors by up to 75%
  • Approximately 35% of injection molding companies reported increased lead times due to supply chain disruptions in 2022
  • The typical labor cost for injection molding production accounts for about 25% of the total manufacturing cost
  • The adoption of UV and LED curing in injection molding can reduce cycle times by up to 30%
  • The automotive injection molding sector has seen a 15% reduction in cycle times over the past five years due to technological advancements
  • The integration of AI in injection molding processes has reduced defect rates by approximately 30%
  • The use of RFID technology in injection molding tools enables real-time tracking and reduces downtime by 15%

Operational Metrics and Cost Factors Interpretation

While automation, advanced software, and innovative techniques have significantly optimized injection molding—from reducing cycle times and defects to lowering costs—the industry's persistent supply chain hurdles and substantial energy consumption remind us that even in the smart factory of the future, efficiency remains a meticulous balancing act.

Regional Market Dynamics

  • The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 65% of the global injection molding industry
  • The North American injection molding industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% between 2022 and 2027
  • The top five countries for injection molding exports are China, Germany, the United States, Japan, and Italy
  • The adoption rate of 3D printing for mold manufacturing in injection molding is projected to reach 12% in North America by 2025

Regional Market Dynamics Interpretation

With Asia-Pacific dominating over 65% of the global injection molding industry and top exporters like China and Germany leading the charge, North America's steady 5% growth and rising 3D printing adoption highlight a landscape where innovation meets tradition—proof that in molding, the future is being shaped as much by digital ingenuity as by global dominance.

Technology and Innovation Trends

  • Over 55% of injection molding facilities worldwide invest in Industry 4.0 technologies for smart manufacturing
  • Over 80% of injection molding companies reported implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives by 2023
  • In 2022, approximately 60% of injection molding companies worldwide increased their automation investment

Technology and Innovation Trends Interpretation

With over half embracing Industry 4.0, and more than 80% by 2023, the injection molding industry is clearly molding the future—smartly, efficiently, and increasingly automated.

Sources & References