The rise of global markets acts as a springboard for Italian plant engineering. The packaging, rubber / plastic and ceramic machinery sectors have in fact achieved record results in 2021.
Focus on packaging
The resilience of the food sector and the new demand from the pharmaceutical industry have greatly favored the success of the packaging area. Revenues rose by 8% to 8.43 billion, exceeding the previous high of 2019, also thanks to a fervent national demand.
The production guaranteed by the orders acquired is valid for seven months. But the optimism of the situation could be compromised by market tensions, read (mainly) from the price nodes and the shortage of raw materials and components.
Plastic, return to the pre-Covid level
The rubber / plastic machinery sector is approaching the pre-pandemic level, reaching 4.35 billion by the end of the year, with an order portfolio that guarantees a six-month period of production. But even in this area, the trend of the distribution chains is of concern.
According to Amaplast forecasts, the inclination towards flexibility and innovation in the sector will still allow the pre-crisis levels to be overcome by 2022.
For ceramics, revenues rose to 2 billion
On the other hand, it is difficult for the Italian manufacturers of machinery and equipment for ceramics to replicate the result of the the result of the current year in the next one. The 45% growth, which, with 2.14 billion euros, brings production closer to the all-time high of 2017, risks being heavily weakened by the worrying rise (30%) in production costs.
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore
