PLAST 2015
The Italian plastics industry is enjoying a period of prosperity - providing the perfect conditions for PLAST 2015 in Milan.
This buoyancy has been reflected in the triennial event's growing exhibitor registration count, with the number of exhibiting organisations soaring to over 1,200 - a 3.9 per cent increase on the same period ahead of the last show three years ago.
Indeed, with under four months to go, PLAST 2015 has across-the-board representation of all the difference segments and categories in the six PLAST 2015 pavilions, providing yet more evidence that the European plastics market is capable of regenerating and growing.
The Italian plastics and rubber machinery, equipment and moulding industry has maintained reputation as a solid sector, and major contributor to the Italian economy - particularly where exports are concerned.
Analysis by Assocomaplast - the Italian trade association and member of Confindustria, a group that unites some 170 companies - of ISTAT data on foreign trade between January and September 2014 highlights growth in imports and exports. In the first three quarters of last year, sales abroad reached €1.89 billion (£1.41 billion), compared to €1.82 billion in the corresponding period in 2013, recording year-on-year growth of four per cent.
Imports for the same timeframe also rallied by seven percentage points from €423 million in 2013 to more than €454 million last year.
Expectations for 2015 remain optimistic in spite of the shifting political framework of Europe and the relative economic uncertainties that remain. Some countries continue to sail through choppy waters - namely Russia, the South American market and China - while others (namely the US) are witnessing a stronger recovery.
Moreover, recent moves by the European Central Bank are driving optimism for a resurgence in Europe, which is reflected in the number of participating businesses in the triennial PLAST show, which will take place from May 5th-9th 2015.
Managing Director of PLAST organiser Promaplast Mario Maggiani said: "Beyond the numbers it is important to note how foreign exhibitors continue to believe in PLAST, reclaiming, if not expanding, the same spaces reserved in 2012.
"PLAST is not only holding its ground, but gaining more, as confirmed by the increase in new exhibitors, both Italian and foreign, who have made the decision, for the first time, to exhibit at the fair. The spaces are almost all reserved, but applications continue to arrive. And of course, we can't be anything but pleased."
