Just over a month before opening, Plast 2026 confirms its position as one of Europe’s most important events of the year for the plastics and rubber industry. The twentieth edition, scheduled for 9–12 June at Fiera Milano, is recording positive results despite the complex geopolitical and economic situation worldwide, marked by trade tensions and instability across global markets. More than 1,000 exhibitors will present at the Milan venue, with international companies accounting for 44% of the total. The total exhibition area will exceed 40,000 square metres. Among the participants will be 200 companies that did not take part in either of the previous two editions. In a demanding market environment, in which strategic sectors such as automotive are undergoing profound transformation, the organisers see this result as a clear sign of the industry’s confidence in Plast as a platform for presenting innovation and developing commercial relationships.
At the same time, efforts are under way to significantly increase the presence of international visitors, including representatives of the main destinations for Italian industrial exports. Buyer delegations are being organised in cooperation with Agenzia ICE and through agreements with key trade associations, both from the plastics and rubber sector and from the main end-use markets. More than 300 companies are expected in the delegations, including around 70 from India and a similar number from Latin America.
Satellite events will cover the entire supply chain
Plast, together with its three satellite events, Rubber, 3D Plast and PlastMat, is intended to represent the entire plastics and rubber industry supply chain. The exhibition will occupy six of the eight halls of the MaTec complex. Rubber is dedicated to the rubber sector, from materials to processing technologies and industrial applications. 3D Plast focuses on 3D printing and additive technologies applied to polymers. PlastMat, in turn, is devoted to materials innovation, which the organisers describe as one of the central issues in the development of manufacturing industry.
Exports remain crucial for machinery manufacturers
The machinery sector described as “Made in Europe” is characterised by a strong export orientation, including towards emerging markets where investment appetite remains high. According to the organisers, access to these markets is an important factor in strengthening the position of European companies, especially manufacturers of plastics and rubber processing machinery. In this context, Plast 2026 is intended to serve as a platform for presenting the most advanced solutions, with particular attention to the challenges related to technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
Italian export data point to a mixed situation
Data on Italian exports of plastics and rubber processing machinery in 2025, compiled by the Amaplast research department, point to a mixed market picture. Significant declines were recorded in most geographical areas, with Asia and Oceania as the only exception, driven mainly by China and India.
| Geographical area | Share of total |
Change 2024–2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 52.3% | -4.6% |
| Asia and Oceania | 19.0% | +4.1% |
| North America/USMCA | 17.1% | -5.7% |
| Africa | 6.2% |
-12.3%
|
| Central/South America | 5,4% | -25,4% |
