Association says European rubber, plastics machinery industry 'well-positioned'

FRANKFURT, Germany—The European rubber and plastics machinery association Euromap is upbeat about the future of the industry despite current energy and raw material headwinds.

While production value is set to remain flat year-on-year at about $15.1 billion (€15 billion) in 2022, the industry is set for growth over the next four years, said Euromap in an Oct. 5 pre-K Show presentation.

"Looking at the trend of the last 12 years, a steady growth in production can be observed," it said.

"The demand for processing machinery and equipment is evident in all major sales markets and will continue to grow," the association added, noting an estimated growth of 21 percent in demand for plastics and polymers between 2021 and 2026.

According to Euromap data, over the past decade, global exports of plastics and rubber machinery doubled from $12 billion in 2001 to $24 billion in 2021.

While Europe continues to lead the deliveries, its share of the exports fell from 54.6 percent of the total to 46.6 percent during the 10-year period.

The share of Chinese exports, on the other hand, grew "over-proportionately" from less than 2 percent to 24 percent percent.

In terms of production, total global output value grew from $17 billion in 2001 to $39 billion in 2021.

Europe's production share fell from just under 55 percent to 40 percent during the decade, while China's share grew from 6.4 percent to 35 percent, according to Euromap data.

Noting that the order situation is currently restrained in Europe, the association said the European plastics and rubber machinery industry "does not have a structural problem."

"Like the plastics industry as a whole, (the machinery industry) is currently facing a variety of challenges," it said.

Euromap said the supply chain problem within the industry has still not been eased while "the prices for gas and steel are exploding."

According to a September survey by the machinery arm of the German mechanical engineering association (VDMA), only 3 percent of respondents said they faced no supply disruptions during the month.

By contrast, 60 percent said they faced "serious disruptions" in the supply chain.

"To put this into perspective, gas only covers a quarter of Europe's energy needs; before the shortage, 40 percent of this came from Russia.

"Currently, it is only 8 percent, and the gas storage facilities are well filled," it added.

As a result, Euromap said that it was important to develop or expand alternative, regenerative energy sources now.

As for the K 2022 major trade fair, Euromap said the industry was "in the midst of the transformation process towards a circular economy."

"The current situation with rising energy and raw material prices is seen as a confirmation, rather than an obstacle, to consistently continue along this path," it said

The European plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers, it concluded, will bring technologies that will make a "decisive contribution" to realizing the key themes of K 2022—circular economy, digitalization and climate protection.