Packaging leads Scandinavian injection moulding growth

Packaging leads Scandinavian injection moulding growth
By David Eldridge

Polymer consumption by Scandinavian injection moulders increased 7.5% to 423,000 tonnes in 2002, according to UK consultancy group AMI.

The consumption rate in injection moulding grew by an average 3.5% in 1997-2002. AMI forecasts annual growth of around 2% up to 2007.

Packaging accounts for 40% of the region’s injection moulding market and has provided the consumption growth, following the steep decline of the telectronics sector.

Scandinavian mobile telecoms companies such as Ericsson and Nokia suffered in the collapse of the market in 2000, which had a knock-on effect in 2001 for companies supplying the sector. Injection moulders including Perlos and Nolato were forced to cut production, while some smaller companies went out of business.

AMI highlights the high use of polypropylene. According to its database, 88% of moulders are using the material. Packaging is a major consumer, with the region’s largest injection moulder Superfos being a major consumer. The Swedish automotive component industry is another significant PP user.

Injection moulding accounts for 20% of all polymer consumption in Scandinavia, and is the second largest processing sector after film extrusion.