The image shows the 3D-printed mold for the bottles. Before testing, it must be polished and assembled into a metal frame. Courtesy of formlabs.
Blow molding (BM) produces lightweight, hollow products with precision and speed. Its unmatched efficiency and versatility drove the global blow-molded plastics market to $80.04 billion in 2023. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2024 to 2030, the industry will embrace emerging trends redefining quality, sustainability, and design standards.
You can also read: Trends in Film Packaging – Shaping the Future.
Automation and AI are transforming multiple industries, including BM. These technologies enable machines to operate with greater precision and speed, reducing downtime and cutting operational costs. Moreover, they boost productivity and ensure consistent quality by allowing real-time adjustments and optimization. Companies like FyagoUnion lead the way by developing BM machines equipped with sensors and AI-driven controls. These innovations streamline operations and reduce human error.
Sustainability is a central topic of this era and a vital trend shaping Blow Molding’s future. Companies are integrating biodegradable and recyclable materials into the manufacturing process. They are also adopting energy-efficient machines and technologies that minimize waste. Meccanoplastica Group exemplifies this commitment with its extrusion and stretch blow molding machines. These machines achieve some of the lowest energy consumption levels in the industry and earn an energy efficiency rating of 10+ according to the Euromap classification.
Trends shaping the future of blow molding.
Blow molding also embraces 3D printing as an innovative solution. Traditional prototyping often results in unnecessary waste, high costs, and lengthy lead times. 3D printing simplifies these challenges by enabling rapid prototyping and small-scale production. This technology shortens lead times and speeds up product launches. In 2024, Serioplast and Unilever used 3D printing to create molds for new bottle designs. This approach reduced prototyping and pilot testing times by six weeks and lowered costs by 90%.
Finally, this process will continue evolving as automation, sustainability, and 3D printing shape future advancements. Companies must remain flexible, driving innovation to meet rising demand, lower costs, and prioritize sustainability.
Plastics Engineering spoke with Roberto Nunez, Director of Market Development at Baerlocher USA, about the…
Conor Carlin, SPE President, discusses SPE's role in the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty, emphasizing its…
As advanced recycling evolves rapidly, new companies and facilities are constantly emerging, partnerships are being…
With the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials, basalt fibers have become a promising…
Using recycled plastics in 3D printing reduces waste and carbon footprint, offering sustainable solutions such…
High-performance thermoset materials cannot be remelted or reshaped. Consequently, recycling carbon-fiber-reinforced composites poses significant challenges.