Bernd Nötel from the VDMA Association for Plastics and Rubber Machinery ("Fachverband Kunststoff- und Gummimaschinen") is pleased that the German-Russian business relations, which have traditionally been full of trust, are continuing even in difficult times. "Machinery made in Germany has a good reputation here, and the service provided by the German companies is highly appreciated. German suppliers have taken advantage of their on-site presence to maintain close contact with their customers and present their innovations. The financing of planned and also necessary investments currently represents the greatest problem. However, there is definitely optimism for the future - especially because it seems that efforts are being taken by the Russian government in order to drive forward the expansion of domestic production. Developing the value-added chain has long been neglected – the current low oil and gas prices have now provided for some movement on this field." Nötel summarised that many German companies came to the interplastica with subdued expectations, but these were clearly surpassed due to the increased number and the high quality of customer leads. On the first evening of the trade fair, this VDMA specialist association, together with the VDMA Association for Food Processing Machinery and Packaging Machinery (Fachverband Nahrungsmittel- und Verpackungs-maschinen), extended an invitation for a social exchange to take place between German suppliers and Russian customers and was very pleased with the positive feedback.
As is customary, Italy was strongly represented during the interplastica. In halls 1 and 3, numerous individual exhibitors and the large community stand offered an extensive overview. And, although Italian manufacturers were not able to sell as many machines and tools to Russia as in 2013, companies are relying on good customer contacts that have endured for many years as well as the quality of their products. That was confirmed by Mario Maggiani, CEO of the Italian machinery manufacturer's association, Assocomaplast: "Exports of plastics and rubber machinery as well as moulds dropped by 12 percent in 2014 in relation to the previous year, i.e. from 119.5 to 105.3 million euros. And if we take a look at 2015, we have to even assume a decline of 20 to 30 percent in light of the existing figures to date for the first three quarters. Thereby, Russia has fallen into eighth place in our export statistics after being one of the five most important sales markets for Italian manufacturers of plastics and rubber machinery for many years." However, Maggiani further commented, although no quick improvement had been expected in the face of the difficult economic environment, in particular, the weak rouble, the fall of the oil price, and the sanctions, the great visitor turnout at the interplastica as well as the specific discussions were clearly far beyond the expectations of the Italian exhibitors.
The range of offers of interplastica exhibitors was complemented by an expert supporting programme. At the "Raw Materials Meeting Point" on the Polymer Plaza located in trade fair hall 1, lectures and rounds of discussions took place where raw materials, the recycling of plastics, and additive production were the topics of focus. In addition, exhibitors presented innovative products and processes during the course of open seminars.
The next interplastica in Moscow will take place from 24 to 27 January 2017, again running in parallel with UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA.
