Extrusion International 1-2026

16 Extrusion International 1/2026 INDUSTRY NEWS Women in Plastics Italy Celebrates its First Year of Activity Women in Plastics Italy (WIPS-It) celebrated its first year of activity with the Annual Meeting held on 28 November in Desenzano del Garda, an event that brought together members, companies, professionals, and institutions to take stock of the association's first twelve months and share visions and new goals. The event was well attended, confirming the inclusive nature of WIPS-It: not only wom - en, but also numerous men and companies took part in the day, demonstrating a collective commitment to a more eq- uitable, open, and collaborative culture within the rubber and plastics industry. Founded in October 2024, Women in Plastics Italy pro- motes the enhancement of female talent and an inclusive and sustainable culture within the plastics industry. The as- sociation now has 160 members and offers training cours- es, networking opportunities, collaborations with the aca- demic world, and communication campaigns to spread an informed and responsible image of plastics and their role in society. The 2025 Annual Meeting featured a packed program of presentations and discussions. The association reviewed its growth and focused on some of the activities carried out in its first year, also previewing some of the upcoming events for 2026, including workshops, training sessions, and op- portunities for personal growth. The institutional address by Hon. Martina Semenzato, President of the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry on Feminicide, offered a significant contribution on gender equality and social responsibility, highlighting the impor- tance of women’s work and economic independence as es- sential tools to counter all forms of violence. The morning continued with an in-depth discussion on the gender gap and awareness as a lever for change. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the progress of the new WIPS-IT website on the topic of professional reloca- tion. An additional panel dedicated to paths toward equal- ity provided concrete examples from the business world, while the session dedicated to dialogue with young people and the academic world opened up perspectives on new training and collaborative projects. The day ended with a moment of synthesis, emotions, and final farewells. Alongside the formal content, great importance was given to networking opportunities, which were a central element of the meeting. While lunch was an opportunity to symbolically celebrate the association's first birthday, in - formal exchanges were, as always, fundamental in foster- ing new relationships, sharing experiences, and building an increasingly solid network. Registration for 2026 is now officially open Individuals – both women and men – as well as compa- nies, associations, and legal entities can join the association as supporting or associate members who wish to support the mission of WIPS-It. All members are committed to promoting a culture of sustainability in order to spread a positive image of plastic, emphasizing its essentiality and value, and to creating an inclusive and respectful work environment that guarantees equal opportunities for all. Women in Plastics Italy (WIPS-It) info@wips-italy.it Change in Management Starting January 1, 2026, Stefan Moll took over the man- agement of Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG, the world’s leading provider of measurement and control technology for web- shaped materials. With this move, Mahlo is focusing on the long-term safeguarding of its market position and techno- logical leadership. The current CEO, Rainer Mestermann, will leave the company after 14 years as part of a planned succession arrangement. “Stefan Moll is an excellent choice as the new CEO for our traditional company,” says Mahlo owner Ralph Green- wood-Mahlo. “We look forward to his expertise, fresh ideas, and perspectives.” Moll brings extensive experience in managing global ma- chinery and plant engineering companies. In addition to in- ternational corporations, the new CEO is also familiar with the structures and characteristics of larger medium-sized family businesses. With this change at the top, Mahlo is setting the course for sustainable growth and technological advancement. Stefan Moll will continue the chosen innovation path together with the management team and further strengthen the interna- tional market position of this traditional company. Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG www.mahlo.com Stefan Moll