Extrusion International 4-2025

14 Extrusion International 4/2025 INDUSTRY NEWS Amaplast Assembly 2025 The annual Assembly of Amaplast - Italy's national trade association representing some 170 manufac- turers of machinery, equipment, and moulds for plastics and rubber processing, and member of Confin - dustria - was held on 24 June 2025 at Villa Borromeo in Cassano d'Adda. During the Assembly, Massimo Margaglione was confirmed as President for the 2025-2027 term, alongside Gabriele Caccia and Bar- bara Ulcelli, who were appointed Vice Presidents. In his talk, Massimo Margaglione illustrated the performance of the Italian plastics and rubber process- ing machinery industry, commenting on the results of the fifth edition of the National Statistical Survey carried out by the MECS-Amaplast Statistical Studies Centre. The survey focused on approximately 430 manufactur- ers (representing over 15.000 em- ployees), who generated revenues exceeding 4.82 billion euros (+1.4%), with exports accounting for more than 74% of the total sum. This performance is particularly reassuring considering the multiple ongoing geopolitical tensions, the complex legislative framework, and the occasionally disadvantageous decisions imposed by European in- stitutions. Vice President Barbara Ulcelli commented on the survey results concerning the structure of the association and, more broadly, the structure of the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry, covering aspects such as geographical position, company size, and workforce. She also pro - vided an update on ongoing ne- gotiations for the renewal of the National Collective Labour Agree- ment (CCNL), represented by Fe - dermeccanica, of which she is a General Council member. Vice President Gabriele Caccia focused on topics concerning his field of work, including Amaplast's participation in industry fairs over the past year, the results of GREEN - PLAST 2025, and the preparations for PLAST 2026. The guest of honor at the assem- bly was Professor Carlo Cottarelli, who delivered a lecture on the cur- rent global economy and its poten- tial future developments with a spe- cial emphasis on Italy. Industry Data According to the findings of the fifth edition of the National Statis - tical Survey by the MECS-Amaplast Statistical Centre, the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry closed 2024 with a 1.4% increase in turnover, reaching over 4.82 billion euros. This result sur- passes the preliminary forecast published in March, which had an - K-Alliance The plastics and rubber industry is dynamic, highly innovative and a key player when it comes to the circular economy, climate protection and digitalisation. In October 2025 over 3,200 exhibitors from throughout the world will present the world’s most comprehensive ranges of for- ward-looking manufacturing, pro - cessing and finishing technologies at its No. 1 trade fair, K in Düsseldorf. At the latest K three years ago, the production units presented in live operation by machine manufactur- ers, raw material producers and processors at the Düsseldorf exhibi- tion halls thrilled just under 178,000 trade visitors from 167 nations. In addition to its leading trade fair serving as the innovation hub for the entire sector every three years, global players in the plastics and rubber industry require appropriate platforms for direct market entry in growth regions. So far Messe Düssel- dorf had pooled its activities under the service brand Global Gate, which will now become the K-Alliance. “The previous name especially emphasised Messe Düsseldorf’s function as a door opener for enter- ing promising sales markets,” says Thomas Franken, Director of K who goes on to explain: “The designa- tion K-Alliance now places a clearer focus on the strong partnerships and alliances that our constantly growing, worldwide network of trade fairs related to plastics and rubber stands for.” K-Alliance stands for the inter- national strategy of Messe Düssel- dorf, for our performance promise and customer-focused service. In the international exhibition busi- ness, it is key to create profession - al communication platforms for global players. Here, Messe Düs - seldorf’s portfolio ensures ideal offerings – both with K in Düssel- dorf and around the globe. Our own events and strategic alliances with leading trade fairs for the plastics and rubber industry pro- vide the sector with tailor-made opportunities. At present, the K-Alliance com - prises eleven trade fairs through- out the world. This year will still see Pack Print Plas Philippines being held from 18 to 20 September, and Plastics & Rubber Indonesia, from 19 to 22 November. Plastindia, Plas - tics & Rubber Vietnam, Chinaplas, plast alger (Algeria), Colombiaplast (Colombia), Plastics & Rubber Thai - land and Central Asia Plast World (Kazakhstan) in 2026 as well as Arabplast (United Arab Emirates) will be held in 2027 again. The latest member of the K-Alliance is Saudi Plastics & Petrochem, which will be held from 12 to 15 April 2026 con- currently with Saudi Print & Pack in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). www.k-alliance.global