December 8, 2025 – The 2025 International Injection Molding Machine Expo (IIMME) officially opened its doors at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, gathering 650+ exhibitors from 32 countries—including industry giants like Haitian International, KraussMaffei, and Fanuc—and attracting over 40,000 professional visitors from automotive, medical, and consumer goods sectors. Over its five-day run, the expo has become a launchpad for groundbreaking injection molding machines, while fostering cross-border partnerships to address industry challenges like energy efficiency and material innovation.
A highlight of the expo is the "Global Premiere Zone," where 18 major brands unveiled their latest models tailored for 2025’s manufacturing demands. China’s Haitian International stole the spotlight with its "J5 Electric Series"—a full-electric injection molding machine that achieves a 58% reduction in energy consumption compared to hydraulic counterparts, thanks to its newly developed permanent magnet servo motor. The J5 also features a 15-inch touchscreen control system with real-time production analytics, allowing operators to monitor defect rates and adjust parameters remotely. "We’ve tested the J5 in a Chinese EV component factory for three months, and it cut production costs by 22% while boosting output by 18%," said Zhang Jian, Haitian’s chief technology officer. "This expo is the perfect stage to bring it to global clients."
Germany’s KraussMaffei, meanwhile, debuted its "Hybrid Xpress"—a hybrid injection molding machine designed for high-speed packaging production. The Hybrid Xpress can complete 80 cycles per minute (up from 65 in previous models) and uses a modular clamping system that fits molds for everything from small plastic bottles to large food containers. A key innovation is its "QuickClean" technology, which reduces mold change time by 40%—a critical feature for manufacturers handling multiple packaging designs. "Packaging demand is growing 7% annually, and speed is non-negotiable," said Markus Rall, KraussMaffei’s global sales director. "The Hybrid Xpress is our answer to that need, and the expo has already brought us 20+ inquiry from clients in Southeast Asia and South America."
Beyond new product launches, the expo hosts the "Injection Molding Tech Forum," where 50+ industry experts discussed trends like "AI in Machine Maintenance" and "Sustainable Materials Compatibility." At a panel on circular economy, representatives from Fanuc and Dutch recycled plastic supplier Avantium announced a joint initiative: developing injection molding machines optimized for 100% recycled PEF resin. The machines will feature modified screw designs to prevent material degradation, with pilot models set to roll out in 2026. "This collaboration started with a conversation at last year’s IIMME," said Fanuc’s sustainability manager, Yuki Tanaka. "Expos like this are where real industry progress happens."
For small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs), the expo’s "SME Matchmaking Zone" proved invaluable. Vietnamese plastic parts maker GreenMold secured a partnership with China’s Chun Zu Machinery to test its cost-effective "MiniMold S" machine, which is tailored for small-batch production. "We’ve been looking for a machine that fits our budget and space, but couldn’t find options in Vietnam," said GreenMold’s owner, Nguyen Minh. "The expo let us meet Chun Zu face-to-face and negotiate a trial—something we couldn’t do online."
With the global injection molding machine market projected to grow 6.1% in 2026, IIMME 2025 has solidified its role as a catalyst for industry growth. By bringing together innovators, buyers, and experts, the expo is not just showcasing machines—it’s shaping the future of manufacturing.
