ECONOMY AND MARKET |
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EuPC Appoints Federica Gallicchio as new Managing Director
European Plastics Converters( EuPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Federica Gallicchio as new Managing Director. Federica joined EuPC in 2019 and has since built an impressive track record within the organisation. Initially working within the Packaging Division, she soon took on a leadership role in the Automotive Division, while also promoting innovation across the European plastics value chain through her involvement
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in several EU-funded initiatives in close cooperation with the major European R & D centres active in the plastics and composites sectors. With a strong background in advocacy, Federica brings deep knowledge of European policymaking, having previously worked for a Member of the European Parliament active in the ENVI Committee. Her combined experience in public affairs and industry leadership makes her wellplaced to guide EuPC at a time of unprecedented regulatory and technological change.“ Federica brings an invaluable expertise, having worked closely with EuPC members for many years and having been deeply involved in the plastics |
industry. Her understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the practical needs of our members makes her the perfect profile to lead EuPC in this new chapter,” stated Benoît Hennaut, EuPC President. As Managing Director, Federica will focus on strengthening EuPC’ s role as a key voice for European plastics converters, driving forward the organisation’ s sustainability goals and reinforcing its advocacy efforts at the EU level.“ I am honoured to take on this role and to continue working with our members, partners, and stakeholders to help shape a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive plastics industry in Europe. The coming years will be critical for our sector, |
Federica Gallicchio with Benoît Hennaut, EuPC President
and I am fully committed to supporting EuPC in addressing both challenges and opportunities ahead,” commented Federica after her official appointment during the EuPC 2025 General Assembly.
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Amaplast, Italy’ s national trade association representing over 170 manufacturers of machinery for plastics and rubber processing, and member of Confindustria, expresses deep concern over the trade agreement recently signed in Scotland between US President Donald Trump and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The compromise reached, which introduces a flat 15 % tariff on a wide range of European products, constitutes – according to the association – a serious obstacle for the Italian and European manufacturing industry. Particularly alarming is the lack of clarity regarding possible exemptions and the failure to lift the current 50 % tariff on European steel. In addition to tariffs, the agreement includes substantial financial commitments for the European Union: 750 billion dollars in energy purchases from the United States over the next three years, 600 billion dollars in investments |
to be made in the US within two years, and unspecified military supplies. All these elements place a disproportionate burden on European industry without offering adequate compensation.“ This is not an agreement, it’ s more like a surrender,” commented Amaplast President Massimo Margaglione.“ In a global context already affected by a weakened dollar and sluggish demand, a blanket 15 % tariff is a devastating blow for our companies, which have always driven Italian exports through quality, technology and reliability.” The sector represented by Amaplast exports around 10 % of its total turnover to the United States. The new conditions imposed by the agreement could significantly hinder access to one of the most important markets for the sector, which is already suffering from currency fluctuations and an uncertain global outlook. Amaplast therefore urges the Italian Government and the European |
Commission to adopt a more assertive strategy in defending European industry and calls for urgent clarification on which goods will benefit from tariff exemptions. The association hopes that, in view of the globally recognised value of Made in Italy and the strong export orientation of Italian companies( over 70 % of all machinery produced is sold abroad), plastics and rubber processing machinery will |
be included among the products exempted from the new tariff measures.“ Today more than ever,” concludes Margaglione,“ Europe needs industrial and monetary policies capable of meeting the global challenge. We cannot allow entrepreneurs to face such unstable international scenarios alone. Without a shared strategic vision, we risk not only competitiveness, but Europe’ s very social cohesion.” |
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Plastic Systems: Change in Company Leadership
Plastic Systems., an internationally recognized company in the field of systems for the treatment, dehumidification, and dosing of plastic polymers, and part of the
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Pegaso Industries Group, announces that, effective July 30, 2025, the company’ s leadership will be assumed by Rinaldo Piva, current President of the Pegaso Industries Group, who will succeed Mr. Gianfranco Cattapan. This handover marks a step in the company’ s natural path of continuity, aimed at strengthening the Group’ s managerial structure and reinforcing strategic |
alignment among its various business entities. Eng. Piva, already serving as President of Pegaso Industries S. p. A., brings with him extensive experience in the industry and a proven leadership within the Group, and will now lead the operations of Plastic Systems with a clear and integrated vision for industrial development.“ I take on this role with the commitment to enhance |
the team’ s expertise and Plastic Systems’ international focus, continuing with determination to deliver quality, reliability, and responsiveness to our customers,” said Piva. Full operational continuity is assured for clients, suppliers, partners, and collaborators: contracts, conditions, commercial contacts, sales and after-sales services remain unchanged. |