Eeditorial
| Paolo Spinelli
Eeditorial
EDITORIAL
| Paolo Spinelli
Plast 2026 comes at one of the most delicate moments in recent years for the European plastics industry. Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to fuel uncertainty regarding energy, logistics and raw materials. The European automotive sector is undergoing a profound transformation, whilst the recycling sector struggles to find a balance between high industrial costs, weak demand and competition from virgin resins. Even the figures for Italian exports of plastics and rubber machinery, compiled by Amaplast, point to a challenging 2025, with declines in almost all major geographical areas. And it is precisely for this reason that the figures for the Milan event take on particular significance. From 9 to 12 June, the halls of Fiera Milano will host over 1,000 exhibitors, with 44 % coming from abroad. But the most striking figure is the arrival of 200 new companies compared to the last two editions: a sign that the sector continues to invest and believe in the value of trade fair participation as a commercial lever. At a time when many companies are scaling back investments and development programmes, Plast 2026 seeks
to convey a different message: innovation, technology and internationalisation remain strategic priorities. For the Italian machinery and plant engineering industry, having a major‘ home’ trade fair is now more important than ever. The sector thrives on exports, but in an increasingly unstable global market, it is essential to be able to rely on a domestic platform capable of attracting international buyers, consolidating commercial relationships and showcasing the competitiveness of‘ Made in Italy’ to the world. It is no coincidence that the organisers are placing a strong focus on foreign delegations: over 300 buyer companies are expected, mainly from India and Latin America, markets considered strategic for the sector’ s future prospects.
www. plastmagazine. it
PLAST 2026, THE TRADE FAIR FOR INDUSTRIAL RESILIENCE
Alongside transformation and automation, the themes of sustainability, new materials and advanced manufacturing will also remain central, thanks in part to the satellite exhibitions Rubber, 3D Plast and PlastMat. More than just a trade fair, Plast 2026 therefore presents itself as a test of confidence for the entire Italian and European plastics supply chain. And the fact that the sector has chosen to be there, despite everything, is perhaps already the most important news.
Italian technology plast / June-July 2026
013