Growing Adoption in Plastics and Packaging
The increasing demand for plastics and packaging solutions presents a significant opportunity for process heating equipment. In plastic manufacturing, process heat is essential for controlling the physical and chemical properties of thermoplastics, which can be softened, molded, and shaped when exposed to precise temperatures. This is particularly important in the packaging industry, where processes such as thermoforming (also known as vacuum forming) require highly uniform and accurate heating to ensure product quality. In thermoforming, a vacuum is applied between the plastic sheet and the mold, with atmospheric pressure providing the shaping force, while the chemical composition of the material remains unchanged. Improper or uneven heating can lead to warping, surface irregularities, or defects, especially with plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Process heating equipment, such as electric heaters and cartridge heating systems, allows manufacturers to maintain precise temperature control throughout production.
February 2026: CECO Environmental and Thermon Group Holdings entered into a definitive agreement to combine in a stock-and-cash transaction valued at approximately USD 2.2 billion. The combination brings Thermon’s industrial process heating, heat tracing, and temperature management capabilities into CECO’s portfolio, covering applications across industrial thermal and environmental systems. The transaction was expected to close in mid-2026, subject to customary conditions.