Top 5 Plastic Vacuum Forming Factories in Belgium

John Li
June 23, 2025
7:19 am

Plastic vacuum forming is a versatile manufacturing process¹ that shapes heated plastic sheets over molds using a vacuum, creating lightweight, cost-effective parts for industries like packaging, automotive, and medical.

Vacuum forming uses heat and suction to mold plastic sheets² into precise shapes, offering an affordable solution for custom parts in packaging, automotive, and industrial applications.

Belgium, with its robust manufacturing sector, hosts several top-tier vacuum forming³ factories. This article explores the leading five, their services, and the technology behind vacuum forming, helping you understand its applications and benefits.

Vacuum forming is a cost-effective manufacturing process.True

It uses inexpensive molds and is ideal for low to medium production runs, reducing overall costs.

Vacuum forming is only suitable for small parts.False

It excels at producing large parts like machine covers and automotive components, not just small items.

Table of Contents Hide

1. Who Are the Top 5 Plastic Vacuum Forming Factories in Belgium?
2. What is Plastic Vacuum Forming?
3. What Are the Steps in the Vacuum Forming Process?
4. What Are the Key Factors in Vacuum Forming?
5. What Are the Applications of Vacuum Forming?
6. How Does Vacuum Forming Compare to Other Methods?
7. Conclusion

Who Are the Top 5 Plastic Vacuum Forming Factories in Belgium?

Belgium’s vacuum forming industry thrives on innovation and quality. Here are the top five factories, renowned for their expertise and diverse offerings.

Workers in protective clothing operate machinery in a spacious, well-lit factory interior — Vacuum Forming Factories

Belgium’s top vacuum forming factories—BTL Plastics, Vitalo Group, AB Flexibles, ABS Plastics NV, and C.M.K. Kunststoffen—deliver high-quality, custom plastic solutions⁴ for global industries.

Factory Name	Location	Year Founded	Employees	Main Services
BTL Plastics	Wielsbeke, Belgium	2002	21-100	Thermoforming for industrial vehicles, machine covers
Vitalo Group	Meulebeke, Belgium	1936	501-1000	Thermoforming for insulation solutions
AB Flexibles	Kuurne, Belgium	Not specified	31-100	Vacuum forming packaging, thermoforming⁵ films
ABS Plastics NV	Zedelgem, Belgium	1968	51-200	Vacuum forming
C.M.K. Kunststoffen	Hamont-Achel, Belgium	1995	51-200	Thermoforming, injection molding

BTL Plastics

Located in Wielsbeke, BTL Plastics specializes in parts for industrial vehicles and machinery, leveraging automation for precision and efficiency.

Vitalo Group

Based in Meulebeke, Vitalo Group excels in thermoforming plastics and foams for acoustic and thermal insulation, serving industries needing advanced material solutions.

Workers in a manufacturing plant operating machinery and assembling products — Vacuum Forming Factories

AB Flexibles

In Kuurne, AB Flexibles focuses on packaging, offering thermoformed films and vacuum-formed solutions tailored to client needs.

ABS Plastics NV

Operating from Zedelgem since 1968, ABS Plastics NV provides reliable vacuum forming services with decades of expertise.

Workers in protective gear at a factory production line with white plastic molds — Vacuum Forming Factories

C.M.K. Kunststoffen

Located in Hamont-Achel, C.M.K. Kunststoffen combines thermoforming and injection molding for versatile manufacturing options.

All top Belgian vacuum forming factories focus solely on packaging.False

While some like AB Flexibles specialize in packaging, others like BTL Plastics and Vitalo Group serve industrial and insulation sectors.

What is Plastic Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, offering flexibility and efficiency.

Vacuum forming heats thermoplastic sheets, shapes them over molds with a vacuum, and cools them into durable parts for diverse applications.

A blue panel being shaped on a CNC machine with numbered markings — Vacuum Forming process

Common Materials Used

Common thermoplastics include:

ABS: High impact resistance for automotive parts.
HIPS: Economical for packaging.
PE: Durable for containers.
PP: Chemical-resistant for medical uses.

A blue panel being shaped on a CNC machine with numbered markingsRolls of BOPP film being manufactured in a factory setting — Vacuum Forming Sheets

PVC: Versatile for displays.
Acrylic (PMMA): Transparent for signage.
Polycarbonate (PC): Strong for safety shields.

Material	Key Property	Typical Use
ABS	Impact resistance	Automotive components
HIPS	Cost-effective	Packaging trays
Polycarbonate	High strength	Safety shields

ABS is widely used in vacuum forming.True

Its durability and impact resistance make it ideal for structural parts like dashboards.

What Are the Steps in the Vacuum Forming Process?

The vacuum forming process is straightforward yet precise, enabling rapid production of custom parts.

Vacuum forming involves heating plastic, shaping it with a vacuum over a mold, and cooling it into a finished part, ideal for prototyping and production.

Black handling tray for transport and storage — vacuum forming products

Process Steps

Heating: Plastic sheet heated to 150-200°C.
Forming: Sheet stretched over mold; vacuum applied.
Cooling: Part cooled to solidify shape.
Trimming: Excess plastic removed.
Finishing: Additional operations like drilling completed.

Vacuum forming is slow and inefficient.False

It offers rapid production cycles, making it efficient for prototyping and medium runs.

What Are the Key Factors in Vacuum Forming?

Success in vacuum forming hinges on controlling critical variables.

Vacuum forming depends on material choice, mold design, and process parameters like temperature and vacuum strength, affecting part quality and cost.

Various black and white plastic trays used for holding keyboard switches — vacuum forming products

Material Selection

Material properties (e.g., thickness, UV resistance) dictate suitability. Thicker sheets allow deeper draws but raise costs.

Mold Design

Molds must include draft angles (1-2°) and avoid sharp corners to ensure easy removal and uniform thickness.

Temperature Control

Precise heating ensures pliability without degrading the plastic.

Material choice impacts vacuum forming outcomes.True

Different plastics offer unique properties, influencing strength, flexibility, and application.

What Are the Applications of Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming serves a wide range of industries with tailored solutions.

Vacuum forming produces parts for automotive, medical, packaging, consumer goods, and industrial uses, balancing cost and performance.

Two white ice cube trays with a unique vertical slice design on a wooden surface — vacuum forming products

Automotive: Dashboards, trim.
Medical: Device enclosures, sterile packaging.
Packaging: Blister packs, trays.
Consumer Goods: Toys, displays.
Industrial: Machine covers.

Vacuum forming is limited to prototyping.False

It’s used for both prototypes and production parts across industries.

How Does Vacuum Forming Compare to Other Methods?

Vacuum forming stands out but has trade-offs compared to alternatives.

Three different sizes of plastic blister packaging on a plain background — vacuum forming products

Vacuum forming excels in cost and speed for large parts but lacks the precision of injection molding for complex designs.

Method	Pros	Cons
Vacuum Forming	Cost-effective, large parts	Limited to single-sided molds
Injection Molding	High precision, complex parts	Expensive molds, high volume
Blow Molding	Hollow parts	Limited shapes

Vacuum forming is less precise than injection molding.True

It struggles with tight tolerances and intricate details.

Conclusion

Belgium’s top vacuum forming factories—BTL Plastics, Vitalo Group, AB Flexibles, ABS Plastics NV, and C.M.K. Kunststoffen—offer specialized solutions⁶ for diverse needs. Vacuum forming’s affordability⁷, speed, and versatility make it a go-to process for industries worldwide. Whether you’re designing packaging or industrial components, understanding this technology can unlock efficient manufacturing options.

Learn about the manufacturing process of vacuum forming to appreciate its efficiency and versatility in creating custom parts. ↩
Discover how plastic sheets are integral to vacuum forming, enhancing your knowledge of this manufacturing technique. ↩
Explore this link to gain a deeper understanding of vacuum forming, its applications, and benefits in various industries. ↩
Discover the process behind custom plastic solutions and how they cater to specific industry needs, ensuring quality and innovation. ↩
Learn about thermoforming techniques and their applications in creating diverse products, crucial for many manufacturing sectors.benefits in various industries. ↩
Learn about specialized solutions that can cater to unique manufacturing needs, improving efficiency and product quality. ↩
Discover insights on how affordability in manufacturing can lead to better resource allocation and increased competitiveness. ↩