The first edition of MaTec 2026 ended at Fiera Milano in Rho as a new industrial platform bringing together the plastics, wood and furniture, and composite materials sectors. The event was designed as a response to the technological needs of industrial branches that represent an important part of Italian manufacturing. Under a single format, it combined Plast, dedicated to machinery and materials for the plastics and rubber industry, Xylexpo, the biennial event for wood technology and the furniture industry, as well as Composites Future, the first edition of a conference and exhibition dedicated to composite materials under the Made in Italy banner. According to the organisers, this entire ecosystem generates turnover of around EUR 110 billion in Italy. Over four days, from Tuesday 9 June to Friday 12 June, the event was said to confirm its scale and business activity.
The organisers assessed the multi-show format as successful. As indicated, the final certified visitor figures will only be available in the first days of next week, but the preliminary assessment of the event is positive. It was also noted that, despite concerns related to the global geopolitical situation, the fair did not experience the negative impact that had been feared.
Positive assessment at the close of the event
Mario Maggiani, Director of Plast, commented: "Pending the certified visitor figures, which will be available in the first days of next week, we can speak of a good edition." He also added: "We cannot deny that we feared far heavier repercussions from the global geopolitical situation on our shows as well. Instead, they reflected the 'desire for the future' shown by more than 1,200 exhibiting companies and the tens of thousands of visitors who came to the fair."
Roberto Frassine, President of Assocompositi since 2005, also referred to the results. As he stressed, the debut of Composites Future should be regarded as satisfactory. "The collaboration with Plast and Xylexpo, the growing attention of industries towards new materials, and the opening of new horizons for technologies traditionally dedicated to plastics and wood have effectively allowed the new conference-exhibition to achieve a result beyond expectations, thanks also to our Demo Area and the truly rich and engaging programme of the Composites Future Academy."
Joint platform for several industrial sectors
Statements from the organisers' representatives indicate that MaTec is to be developed as a shared platform for sectors of major importance to Italian manufacturing. The focus was on technologies and materials for the plastics and rubber industry, the wood and furniture industry, and the composites segment. This format is intended to create new opportunities for companies operating at the intersection of several industrial segments and for users seeking technological solutions in a more integrated trade fair environment.
Dario Corbetta, Director of Xylexpo, summarised the event by saying: "We have undoubtedly opened a new chapter in a story that presents and will continue to present new scenarios and new perspectives for an exceptionally significant part of Italian manufacturing." He also added: "The early indications emerging from the fair days show just how much value the trade fair product can still deliver, provided one is always able to create new opportunities."
