In October 2023, BASF divested its Neopolen EPP business to Knauf Industries GmbH, signaling strategic shifts among key producers like BASF, SH Energy & Chemical, INEOS Styrenics, and Jackon GmbH. The global foam plastic production equipment market is estimated at USD 250-500 million in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 2.2%-4.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by demand for lightweight materials and sustainable packaging solutions.
Market Size and Growth Forecast
Valued at USD 250-500 million in 2025, the foam plastic production equipment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.2%-4.5% through 2030. This moderate growth reflects steady demand in construction and packaging, balanced by market maturity in developed regions and competition from alternative materials.Regional Analysis
- Asia Pacific: Growth is estimated at 3.0%-5.0%, with China and India leading due to construction and packaging growth. Trends favor cost-effective, scalable equipment.
- Europe: The market grows at 2.0%-3.5%, with Germany and the UK driven by sustainable building materials. Trends emphasize energy-efficient machines.
- North America: Growth is projected at 1.5%-3.0%, with the United States focusing on packaging and automotive uses. Trends lean toward automation.
- Rest of the World: Growth is 2.0%-4.0%, with Brazil notable for industrial applications. Trends support affordable solutions.
Application Analysis
- Expandable Polystyrene (EPS): Growing at 2.5%-4.5%, it dominates due to insulation and packaging uses, with trends in recyclable formulations.
- Expandable Polypropylene (EPP): With a growth rate of 2.0%-4.0%, it serves automotive and consumer goods, with trends in lightweight components.
- Others: Including polyurethane, this grows at 1.5%-3.5%, with niche demand in specialty applications.
Type Analysis
- Shape Molding Machines: Growing at 2.0%-4.0%, these produce precise foam parts, with trends in automation.
- Preexpanders: With a growth rate of 2.5%-4.5%, they ensure consistent bead expansion, trending toward energy efficiency.
- Block Molding Machines: Growing at 1.5%-3.5%, they cater to large-scale production, with trends in versatility.
Key Market Players
- Erlenbach GmbH: In Germany, it offers advanced foam molding solutions for EPS and EPP.
- Kurtz Ersa: Also in Germany, it focuses on efficient equipment for industrial applications.
- Behl GmbH: In Germany, it provides robust machines for foam production.
- Zhejiang Alexi Ao Intelligent Equipment Technology: In China, it serves regional packaging needs.
- Zhejiang Standard Plastic Machinery: In China, it targets cost-effective production.
- Hangzhou Fangyuan Plastics Machinery: In China, it focuses on scalable foam equipment.
- Akkaya: In Turkey, it caters to diverse foam applications with reliable designs.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- Threat of New Entrants: Low, due to high technical and capital barriers.
- Threat of Substitutes: Moderate, with alternative materials like cardboard competing in packaging.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers: Moderate, as large clients negotiate, but specialized needs limit options.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate, with raw material supply concentration.
- Industry Rivalry: Moderate, driven by efficiency and cost competition.
Market Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities
- Sustainable packaging demand boosts equipment needs.
- Automotive lightweighting trends support EPP growth.
- Construction growth in emerging markets offers potential.
Challenges
- Competition from alternative materials limits expansion.
- High energy costs affect production economics.
- Regulatory pressures on plastic use pose risks.
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Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned
- Erlenbach GmbH
- Kurtz Ersa
- Behl GmbH
- Zhejiang Alexi Ao Intelligent Equipment Technology
- Zhejiang Standard Plastic Machinery
- Hangzhou Fangyuan Plastics Machinery
- Akkaya

