ECONOMY AND MARKET
Boasting a 2.4 bn euro turnover, strong export orientation and highly specialised supply chain, the Sebino district continues to be a European leader in the production of rubber gaskets. A Mediobanca study analyses its strengths, economic performance and current challenges linked to sustainability, PFAS and industrial transition.
THE SEBINO DISTRICT: EUROPE’ S“ RUBBER VALLEY”
Italian technology plast / October 2025
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Straddling the Italian provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, the rubber and plastics district of Sebino is currently one of Europe’ s most strategic and dynamic manufacturing centres for technical gaskets in rubber and PTFE. A study published by Area Studi Mediobanca in June 2025 offers an updated and detailed snapshot of this industrial hub, often dubbed“ Rubber Valley”, highlighting its potential, challenges and emerging trends
A GROWING MARKET, BUT UNDER PRESSURE Globally, the industrial gaskets market reached a value of approximately 75 billion dollars in 2024 and is expected to exceed 90 billion by 2028 with an average annual growth of 5.5 %. In this sector, Italy is the fourth main exporter in the world after Germany, the United States and Poland. Thanks to their versatility and resistance, rubber gaskets are used in strategic sectors such as automotive, aerospace, food and pharmaceuticals. The global turnover is estimated at 5.6 billion dollars, with annual growth prospects of 5.3 % until 2033. However, this sector is strongly influenced by the volatility of raw material prices – especially those of fossil origin – and by geopolitical uncertainties in some producer countries, as well as by new and stringent environmental regulations.
A LONG-STANDING, SPECIALISED AND RESILIENT DISTRICT The roots of the Sebino district date back to the early decades of the 20th century. This district has experienced a decisive development since the 1950s in parallel with the expansion of the Italian automotive industry. Thanks to the availability of abundant water resources and the local industrial tradition, it has established itself as a hub specialised in the production of gaskets. Over time, the production network has developed into a fullfledged supply chain including companies specialising in rub-
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