Italian packaging machinery sector posts strong annual performance
Encouraging annual results have been posted by the Italian packaging technology sector, which set to close 2024 with a strong performance, delivering a 3.5% annual upturn to €9.5 billion, according to the country’s sector body, UCIMA, writes Neill Barston.
According to the organisation, exports continue to drive the industry’s growth, reaching €7.5 billion, an increase of 3.8% over the previous year and representing approximately 80% of total turnover. The strongest performances were seen in key markets such as Africa and Oceania (+10.3%), Asia (+3.3%) and the European Union (+6.1%). Strong growth was also recorded in individual countries, notably Mexico (+18.8%) and Spain (+11.1%).
Although smaller, the domestic Italian market ended the year on a positive note with sales of €2 billion, up 2.5%. With 7.6 months of production already secured for the coming year, the sector is looking to the future with confidence, while remaining well aware of the geopolitical and regulatory challenges ahead. The forecasts for 2025 predict further growth, with revenues projected to reach €9.6 billion, solidifying Italy’s position as a global leader in the industry.
Ucima’s Chairman Riccardo Cavanna welcomed the results for 2024, which he believed heralded a notable start for the New Year. He said: “The technological excellence of our companies has continued to drive our success through 2024, a challenging 12 months in which the sector has once again demonstrated its resilience. Exports continue to be the backbone of the industry, but we are also focused on strengthening the domestic market, partly through tools such as the Industry 5.0 plan which has yet to be fully implemented.
“The recently introduced changes to the incentives may also not fully benefit companies due to the limited time left to access them. In addition, the government’s plan to restrict Industry 4.0 incentives in 2025 will certainly not make the situation any easier. Despite these challenges, as an association and as a sector, we remain committed to promoting innovative solutions, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence. Looking ahead, the forecasts for next year are positive and we expect to maintain the strong results achieved this year.”
