March, 9, 2026 – Promaplast srl, the promoters of PLAST 2026, organized an international Press Tour from February, 24 to 26 to present the latest highlights of the exhibition to take place in Milan, Italy, from June 9 to 12, 2026. Innovations in machinery, processes and applications, as well as new developments related to digitalization and Artificial Intelligence were also displayed during guided visits to the heardquarters of Bandera, Moretto and BMB. Approximately 25 journalists from 14 countries attended the event.
A press conference (photo) opened the Press Tour with the presence of Mr. Gabriele Caccia, Vice President of Amaplast (The Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery and Moulds Manufacturers´Association), Mr. Mario Maggiani, PLAST Exhibition CEO and General Manager of Amaplast, Mr. Alessio Fineo, PLAST Exhibition Manager, and Mr. Giampiero Zazzaro, PLAST Press Officer and responsible for the Press Tour.
Mr. Mario Maggiani opened the Press Conference and welcomed all journalists with wishes for a fruitful and pleasant time during the meetings and visits to Italian manufacturers. He mentioned that the preparations for Plast 2026 were in full throtlte and expected this year´s edition to repeat the sucess of Plast 2023.
Mr. Gabriele Caccia mentioned that Plast 2026 will be the 20th. edition of the show, which is the 2nd most relevant trade fair for the Plastics and Rubber Industry in Europe in terms of both prestige and tradition. The history of Plast spans more than 60 years, with the first show taking place in 1964.
Mr. Caccia emphasized that Plast is a trade fair that engages the entire global market, with exhibitors and visitors coming from all over the world. It attracts representatives from the main destination countries for Italian exports. Because Plast takes place in Milano, it is in the center of a geograpical area which is close not only to other European countries but also to North Africa and the Middle East. Thanks to the collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the organisation of numerous delegations of qualified international buyers is planned, coming from all major world regions,and also including the Americas and Asia.
Amaplast´s vice-president also said that the exhibition will take place amidst a challenging time for the manufacturing industry, marked by geopolitical uncertainties and new demands across the sector, such as the implementation of European PPWR regulation. On the other hand, the "Made in EU" is firmly export-oriented and continues to play a strategic role on the global stage. Therefore, Plast 2026 emerges as a valuable opportunity to foster business relationships at both a national level and an international level. A special source of expectations is the recent trade agreement established between the EU and India, which should facilitate the access of Italian machine manufacturers to a very relevant growth market in the coming future.
As for the statistics concerning the performance of the Italian Machinery and Moulds Manufacturing Industry for Plastics and Rubber, a 5% decline in production is estimated in 2025 in comparison to 2024. From January, 2025 to September, 2025, Imports had an increase of 16%, mostly supported by government initiatives, while exports decreased by 6% when compared to the same period in 2024, as a result of a complex geopolitical context. Exports for most geographical areas (Europe, the Americas and Africa) registered a decreased with Asia and Oceania area being an exception.
Regarding the last edition of Plast which took place in 2023, Mr. Alessio Fineo presented some figures:
A total of 1,323 exhibitors distributed across six halls came from 50 different countries. 73% of the area was occupied by machinery manufacturers, while 21 % of the exhibiting area were allocated to materials and products, with the services sector being responsible for 6% of the remaining space. 47% of the exhibitors came from abroad while 53% were Italians.
As for the visitors, 38,000 professional buyers attended Plast 2023, with 26 % coming from 109 different countries abroad, and the balance corresponding to Italian visitors. 33% of all visitors were processors from the packaging, automotive, construction, pharmaceutical and agriculture sectors, as well as other industries.
With over 50,000 sqm of net exhibition space, PLAST 2026 plans to offer a premier platform for innovation, professional growth and business networking. Three specialized satellite shows will once again spotlight key areas of excellence: 3D PLAST (focusing on 3D printing and additive technologies for polymers), PLAST MAT (with emphasis on innovation for materials) and RUBBER (for the rubber sector, from materials to industrial applications).
PLAST 2026 will take place alongside XYLEXPO, the biennial international exhibition for woodworking technology and the furniture industry, and COMPOSITES FUTURE, a new trade fair and conference for the composites sector.
Together, these events will be co-located under MaTec 2026 project (Materials and Technologies), a synergic format bringing together suppliers, technologies and materials across different industries: plastics and rubber, furniture and woodworking, construction, marine, aerospace, automotive, and more.
The organizers of Plast 2026 expect 800 participating companies and visitors from 120 countries, as well as buyers delegations organized in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) .
Along with the official exhibition, a Conference will take place in parallel, with the following program:
9 June -AFTERNOON:
Conference about Packaging
10 June -MORNING:
The Plastics Industry in Italy: Strategies and courses of action to support competitiveness and circularity
11 June -MORNING:
ASSORIMAP – “Mechanical recycling of plastics –Report 2025. Protection to regenerate the system”
11 June -AFTERNOON:
MADE – Conference about Artificial Intelligence
Visitors will be allowed to attend all three shows with the same ticket, opening the door to cross-industry innovation, international visibility, and new business opportunities.
Free pre-registration for visitors has been already active since March, 2nd.
