Italian polymer machinery sector reports 1.4% growth

Milan, Italy – The Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry posted a 1.4% increase in turnover in 2024, reaching over €4.82 billion, according to new figures released at Amaplast’s annual assembly on 24 June.

The results, said the industry trade assocaition, beat preliminary forecasts issued in March, which had projected a slight contraction. (ERJ report)

The growth was largely driven by continued strength in exports, which rose by 1.5% year-on-year to €3.62 billion and now account for more than 74% of total production.

Exports marked their fourth consecutive year of growth, with the strongest activity recorded in the final quarter, especially in December.

While established markets such as the EU and North America posted modest gains, demand grew more sharply in smaller but dynamic markets.

These included China, India, Turkey, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

Imports, meanwhile, declined by 7% during the year, finishing slightly above €1 billion.

According to Amaplast, the industry comprises around 430 manufacturers of plastics and rubber processing machinery, equipment, and moulds, collectively employing more than 15,000 people.

Most are based in Lombardy (53%), followed by Veneto and Emilia Romagna (14% each), and Piedmont (9%).

Larger companies continued to dominate turnover, Amaplast noted.

While the majority of firms fall into the lower revenue brackets (under €10 million), accounting for 72% of the workforce, the largest producers generated 78% of total industry sales.

Average revenue per employee stood at €320,000 across the sector, which Amaplast said was "well above the national industrial average."

Packaging remained the top end-use market for the sector, representing 29% in food applications and 17% in non-food.

It was followed by the automotive sector (16%), construction (12%) and medical applications (5%).