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Economic growth and membership of the EU has led to a rise in injection-moulding for packaging in Central Europe, according to a report by Applied Market Information (AMI).

AMI estimates that nearly one million tonnes of polymer resin are processed in the region as many West European firms have relocated injection-moulding production eastwards in order to increase profit and follow their customers.

Growth has also been driven by high levels of investment in packaging, domestic appliance manufacturing and automotive production.

Poland is the largest market (50%), followed by Czech Republic (21%), Hungary (19%) and Slovak Republic (10%).

AMI lists around 640 injection-moulding firms in Poland, with the packaging industry primarily supplied with containers by Warsaw-based Plast Service Pack, the Danish company Superfos and German Jokey-Plastik, which also produces materials handling items along with Schoeller Arca and Plast-Box.

Bericap dominates the closures market in Poland, while PET preforms are injection-moulded by Alpla and GTH Hanex.

Bericap and Alpla are also leading suppliers to Hungary, along with Greiner for thin wall packaging.

AMI lists 214 injection moulders in Hungary.

The second-largest number of injection-moulders in Central Europe are in Czech Republic, according to AMI, which lists 378 firms.

Alfa Plastik is the largest manufacturer of boxes and crates in the country, along with Jokey-Plastik for lidded containers, Portola and Seaquist Löffler for plastic closures, and Retal and Alpla for preforms.

There are 70 injection-moulding firms in Slovakia, where activity is being driven by automotive investment.