With AMAPLAST as Organizer, PLAST 2026 Sets a New Benchmark
Could you share the latest developments at AMAPLAST and your perspective on the Indian market following the Free Trade Agreement? How will it benefit both countries?
First of all, thank you very much for the invitation. It is always a pleasure to be here with you and to engage once again with the AMAPLAST India community.
As you rightly pointed out, the relationship between India and Italy dates back many years. I was recently reviewing export statistics, and the growth has been remarkable. Around 15 years ago, Italian exports of plastics and rubber machinery to India were approximately €20 million. By 2024—while we still await the official 2025 figures—this value has grown to nearly €110 million, representing almost a sixfold increase in a relatively short period.
This growth is driven by the rapid expansion of the Indian market, particularly in recent years. India has become an extremely attractive and strategic market for Italian manufacturers.
The recently signed Free Trade Agreement between Europe and India will further strengthen this relationship. It will not only boost exports but also enhance collaboration between Italian and Indian companies. We are already witnessing Italian firms establishing subsidiaries in India, initiating local production, and entering joint ventures. This cooperative approach represents the future of our bilateral industrial relationship.
AMAPLAST is organizing PLAST Milan. Could you share some details about the exhibition, including exhibitor numbers and key innovations?
First of all, I would like to highlight that PLAST 2026 will be the largest plastics and rubber machinery exhibition in Europe. Globally, it ranks as the second-largest exhibition in the sector, after the well-known K Show in Düsseldorf.
To give you an overview based on the last edition in 2023, PLAST covered a net exhibition area of over 50,000 square meters and hosted close to 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries. The event welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors over four days, making it a truly international exhibition.
While visitor numbers may not match those of exhibitions in India or China, it is important to note that European exhibitions typically attract a more specialized audience. PLAST 2026 will take place from 9 to 12 June in Milan, and we expect the largest international delegation to come from India—a reflection of our strong and longstanding partnership.
What are the key technological developments currently shaping the Italian plastics industry?
From a technological standpoint, the primary focus in Italy—and across Europe—is on sustainability, circular economy, and environmental responsibility. Recycling is advancing rapidly, not just in Europe but globally. The industry is working to reduce plastic usage by optimizing product design, such as decreasing the thickness of bottles, caps, and packaging components.
At the same time, there is a strong push to increase the use of recycled materials and adopt new solutions such as biodegradable and compostable plastics. Achieving these goals requires advanced technology—technology capable of processing recycled materials, virgin polymers, and biopolymers efficiently, while also reducing material consumption without compromising performance.
Technology, therefore, remains the central pillar of innovation.
How do you view the growth of plastics in the automotive industry?
The European automotive industry is currently facing challenging times due to the transition from conventional vehicles to electric and hybrid models. This transformation involves significant technological and regulatory hurdles.
However, when we focus specifically on plastics within the automotive sector, the outlook is very positive. Electric vehicles are heavier due to battery systems, and to compensate for this increased weight, manufacturers must rely more heavily on lightweight materials such as plastics.
Fifteen to twenty years ago, the average car used less than 20 kilograms of plastic. Today, that figure exceeds 150 kilograms and continues to rise. Plastics play a critical role in weight reduction, efficiency, and performance—making their future in automotive applications very promising.
How do you see the Indian plastics exhibitions and market for Italian companies?
India is the place to be for companies seeking growth. Doing business in India today is essential—not only for Italian companies but for European manufacturers as a whole. The market is expanding rapidly, and what is particularly noteworthy is the significant improvement in product quality expectations.
Indian manufacturers are increasingly focused on producing high-quality finished and semi-finished products, which requires advanced machinery and technology. While local machinery manufacturers are developing quickly, achieving top-tier technological standards often necessitates collaboration with European partners, particularly from Italy and Germany.
What message would you like to share with the Indian plastics industry?
To my Indian colleagues and friends, I would like to emphasize that Italy is always open and committed to cooperation. Our objective is not merely to sell machinery, but to build long-term partnerships. This is why we see a growing number of joint ventures and local manufacturing initiatives involving Italian companies in India.
Italian companies stand alongside Indian industry as partners in growth and innovation.
Finally, I warmly invite all our Indian friends to visit PLAST 2026 in Milan from 9 to 12 June. We are preparing extensively, and we look forward to welcoming the largest-ever Indian delegation to the exhibition.
In this exclusive 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭, with 𝐌𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐢, 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓
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