Incoming orders in plastics machine construction: A sigh of relief in a year of crisis!

Incoming orders in plastics machine construction: A sigh of relief in a year of crisis!

German plastics engineering shows positive development in the first quarter of 2025. Loud Plastic web Price-adjusted order intake rose by 5 percent compared to the previous year. This comes after a challenging 2024, in which the industry faced a 21 percent decline in new orders, according to the BVSE reported.

The positive order situation particularly affects the manufacturers of injection molding machines, who recorded an increase of 9 percent, but their sales fell by 15 percent. In contrast, blow molding machines experienced a pleasing increase in both order intake and sales of 10 percent each. Unfortunately, extruder manufacturers reported a 13 percent decline in orders and sales.

A ray of hope for the industry

However, there is a ray of hope for the future with total sales that were 17 percent below the previous year's figure. Thorsten Kühmann, Managing Director of the Association of German Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA), is convinced that the trough has bottomed out and a slow recovery is expected. This feeling is also reflected in the upcoming K trade fair, which will take place in Düsseldorf from October 8th to 15th, 2025. Over 70 percent of the exhibitors come from abroad and the motto is "The Power of Plastics! Green - Smart - Responsible".

The K trade fair is seen as an important event for the sector to discuss important topics such as circular economy and digital innovations. One of the main concerns is promoting the sustainable use of plastics. These include initiatives that advance the use of secondary raw materials, which EY says can reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent, according to a report by Construction practice explained.

Global challenges and innovative approaches

However, the challenges at global level should not be underestimated. While Europe is working on legal regulations to promote the circular economy, many countries face different hurdles. For Germany, the new regulation that requires disposable PET bottles to contain at least 25 percent recycled plastic by 2025 could be a step in the right direction. According to reports, this could help significantly increase recycling rates.

The discussion about recycling and the circular economy is getting louder. The international perspective shows that countries such as China and Canada have already taken decisive steps to improve their recycling structures and reduce plastic waste. While the circular economy is identified in Europe as the key to reducing CO₂ emissions, the technical and financial effort for recycling also remains a central issue.

Overall, it is important to closely monitor developments in plastics engineering and the recycling industry in order to recognize the signs of the times in good time and to take advantage of the opportunities for a sustainable future.