Euromap expects pick-up in rubber and plastics machinery demand

Dusseldorf, Germany – The European plastics and rubber machinery industry expects to see a recovery in demand in 2025 following two years of global slowdown, according to industry association Euromap.

In an 11 Oct statement, the European association said demand had been subdued due to uncertainty in key markets, including Europe and Germany.

Furthermore, in the US, where the industry expected demand to pick up, delivery tariffs and uncertainties dampened investment sentiment, said the European polymer processing machinery umbrella group.

Nevertheless, Euromap said its forecast remains that demand from the US will “pick up in phases” and thus, the buying mood worldwide will pick up again.

According to the Brussels-based association, Europe “continues to lead the world” in the production of plastics and rubber machinery, accounting for over 40% of global output by value – followed by China, the US, and Japan.

“While recent years have seen a shift in favour of China, Europe maintains its strong position,” said the Euromap.

Within Europe, Germany contributes half of the total production, with Italy and Austria also playing key roles.

Elsewhere, Euromap said it aims is to “establish internationally recognised standards, increasingly based on digital frameworks, to facilitate global cooperation and innovation.”

The use of consistent digital protocols ensures machines “speak the same language,” helping reduce costs, shorten time-to-value, and support data-driven manufacturing.

Euromap's current technical focus is on OPC UA and the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) – frameworks known respectively as the global production language and the standard for the digital twin.

These technologies deliver “less complexity, fewer interfaces, and quicker setup,” explained Euromap president Tobias Baur of Arburg GmbH. 

They also help manufacturers align production with energy use and cost, improve recycling, and ensure reliable product carbon footprint reporting.

Euromap said the industry remains committed to the transformation toward a circular economy and wider adoption of digital and AI-driven manufacturing tools, "despite uneven global demand."