The annual Assembly of Amaplast - Italy's national trade association representing some 170 manufacturers of machinery, equipment, and moulds for plastics and rubber processing, and member of Confindustria - was held on 24 June 2025 at Villa Borromeo in Cassano d'Adda.
During the Assembly, Massimo Margaglione was confirmed as President for the 2025-2027 term, alongside Gabriele Caccia and Barbara Ulcelli, who were appointed Vice Presidents.
In his talk, Massimo Margaglione illustrated the performance of the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry, commenting on the results of the fifth edition of the National Statistical Survey carried out by the MECS-Amaplast Statistical Studies Centre. The survey focused on approximately 430 manufacturers (representing over 15.000 employees), who generated revenues exceeding 4.82 billion euros (+1.4%), with exports accounting for more than 74% of the total sum.
This performance is particularly reassuring considering the multiple ongoing geopolitical tensions, the complex legislative framework, and the occasionally disadvantageous decisions imposed by European institutions.
Vice President Barbara Ulcelli commented on the survey results concerning the structure of the association and, more broadly, the structure of the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry, covering aspects such as geographical position, company , and workforce. She also provided an update on ongoing negotiations for the renewal of the National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL), represented by Federmeccanica, of which she is a General Council member.
Vice President Gabriele Caccia focused on topics concerning his field of work, including Amaplast's participation in industry fairs over the past year, the results of Greenplast 2025, and the preparations for Plast 2026.
The guest of honor at the assembly was Professor Carlo Cottarelli, who delivered a lecture on the current global economy and its potential future developments with a special emphasis on Italy.
Industry Data
According to the findings of the fifth edition of the National Statistical Survey by the MECS-Amaplast Statistical Centre, the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry closed 2024 with a 1.4% increase in turnover, reaching over 4.82 billion euros. This result surpasses the preliminary forecast published in March, which had anticipated a slight contraction in production.
The stability of the sector can largely be attributed to the strong performance of exports, which increased for the fourth consecutive year. According to ISTAT data, exports increased by 1.5% compared to 2023, reaching a total value of 3.62 billion euros.
Exports, accounting for three quarters of total production, peaked in the final quarter of the year, particularly in December.
While more established markets such as the European Union and North America registered modest growth, other regions - despite accounting for smaller shares - proved to be more dynamic. Significant increases in demand were observed in the Far Est - especially in China and India - as well as in non-EU European countries (Turkey), Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.
Conversely, imports declined by 7% over the course of the year, ending just above 1 billion euros.
The macro-level data emerging from the latest National Statistical Survey outline an industry composed of approximately 430 manufacturers of plastics and rubber processing machinery, equipment, and moulds, collectively employing over 15,000 people.
Most of the companies are located in Lombardy (53% of production facilities), followed by Veneto and Emilia Romagna (each with 14%), and Piedmont (nearly 9%).
