The automatic packing and packaging machines industry marks a historic milestone: in 2022, the industry recorded a total turnover of €8.537 billion, improving the previous record set in 2021 by 3.6%. Considering the 2019-2022 period overall, the industry's turnover has grown by approximately half a billion euros in just 4 years, recording the uptrend despite the outbreak of the pandemic and its adverse impacts worldwide.

This data was disclosed at the annual Members' Meeting by the Mecs - Ucima Research  Centre, reporting  its  11th National Statistical Survey, which provides a snapshot of the industry's performance every year. 616 companies were surveyed, with employees amounting to over 37 thousand.

Italian manufacturers propensity for export, especially in the packaging technologies and solutions industry, was also confirmed in 2022, with foreign turnover accounting for 77% of the total and amounting to €6.57 billion (up 1.7 % on 2021).

The domestic market marked a significant leap, with a rise of 10.6% on 2021, taking Italian manufacturers to the almost €2 billion mark at home: with a final balance of €1.96 billion and 23% of total turnover.

For 2023, the Mecs - Ucima Study Centre surveys found  that further growth is expected by 47% of the companies interviewed. 41.7% expect a stable continuation of the year, while 10.3% fear a decline.