Eeditorial
| Paolo Spinelli
Eeditorial
EDITORIAL
| Paolo Spinelli
www . plastmagazine . it
Italy ’ s plastic and rubber machinery manufacturers experienced an extraordinary 2023 , recording a 9.4 % increase in turnover compared with the previous year , according to data released by the association Amaplast . Achieving a turnover of 4.76 billion euros , mainly supported by exports , Italian manufacturers demonstrated remarkable resilience and capacity for innovation . This result is a historic milestone for a sector that numbers 415 companies and a workforce of nearly 14,900 people . This performance by the Italian plastic and rubber machinery industry was , in fact , driven by its outstanding export capacity . With an average export share of 74 % ( and peaks of 86 % for the largest companies ), Italian manufacturers conquered key markets around the world . 2023 saw exports peaking 3.59 billion euros , an increase of 11 % compared to the previous year . North America recorded 18 % growth , followed by Asia with + 8 %. Particularly notable were the leaps forward in markets such as Mexico (+ 56 %), France (+ 19 %) and Spain (+ 23 %). The sector ’ s success was underpinned by diversification of process technologies and customers . Extrusion accounted for one-fifth of total production , while moulds and dies contributed 10 % and injection moulding machines 9 %. Packaging emerged as the main outlet market , accounting for 44 % of the total ( 27 % food and 17 % non-food packaging ), followed by automotive ( 14 %) and construction ( 13 %). The fact that latter recorded the greatest increase in turnover (+ 28 %) underlines the vitality of the Italian plastic and rubber machinery industry . However , despite this record year , the outlook for 2024 is less optimistic . Orders received in late 2023 and early 2024 are down , a worrying sign that reflects the uncertainty of the international scenario . This slowdown could negatively impact client companies ’ investment planning , and thus affect future growth . The results of 2023 clearly confirm the extraordinary capacity for adaptation and innovation shown by the plastic and rubber machinery sector . However , the future presents significant challenges that require equally innovative strategies . Italian companies need to build on the momentum generated by their recent successes and invest in research and development , market diversification and the improvement of sustainable technologies . Continued government support will be crucial to ensure that they are able to navigate global uncertainties . The plastic and rubber machinery industry in Italy has come to a crossroads . The successes of 2023 show the extraordinary capabilities of Italian manufacturers , but the future demands adaptability and foresight on their part . Companies will have to navigate global uncertainties and exploit the opportunities offered by new technologies and emerging markets . Only in this way will they be able to continue to grow and stand as a pillar of the Italian economy . I believe that the industry has what it will take to address these challenges , but a proactive and collaborative approach between companies , institutions and research centres will be essential if it is to maintain and consolidate its position of international leadership .
A RECORD YEAR FOR ITALIAN MANUFACTURERS
Italian technology plast / October 2024
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