Four leading trade shows—GreenPlast, Ipack-Ima, Print4All, and Intralogistica Italia—will come together to create an integrated supply chain ecosystem, covering everything from plastics and rubber processing technologies to packaging, printing, and logistics. This pivotal event highlights the strength of a “Made in Italy” industry, which exports an average of 64% of its output.
A strategic alliance among key capital goods sectors. That is how the upcoming edition of The Innovation Alliance, set to take place at Fiera Milano from 27 to 30 May 2025, is being positioned.
Benchmark event for the European industrial landscape
As a premier showcase for capital goods excellence, providing machinery and technological solutions for major manufacturing industries, The Innovation Alliance reaffirms its role as a benchmark event for the European industrial landscape. By bringing together four industry-leading trade fairs—GreenPlast, Ipack-Ima, Print4All, and Intralogistica Italia—it presents a comprehensive vision of a fully integrated supply chain: from cutting-edge sustainable technologies for rubber and plastic production to advanced packaging and processing solutions for both food and non-food sectors, from customisation via printing to state-of-the-art warehouse logistics.
This holistic approach will underscore the innovation, research, and development prowess of a “Made in Italy” sector valued at €25.4 billion. Employing over 90,000 professionals, the industry is highly export-oriented, with an average export share of 64% and peaks reaching 78–79% in key sectors such as plastics machinery and packaging. This supply chain plays a critical role in strategic industries for both Italy and Europe, including food and pharmaceuticals.
Spanning 11 exhibition halls and featuring 1,700 exhibitors—27% of which are international—The Innovation Alliance will serve as a unique European platform for technological innovation. Moreover, it will foster discussions on resilient solutions to address today’s complex economic landscape, helping shape a shared vision and driving the industry toward new frontiers.
Innovation in focus – Responding to the German economic slowdown and US tariffs
The export market for Italian capital goods currently faces two major challenges: Germany’s economic slowdown and increasing US protectionist measures. These two key markets collectively account for over 25% of total exports from the sectors represented at The Innovation Alliance. In response, European manufacturers are calling for concrete measures to enhance competitiveness, including tax cuts, investment incentives, and reduced bureaucracy, while concerns over potential new US tariffs continue to mount.
Despite these challenges, Italian industries remain resilient. Forecasts from leading industry associations—AISEM (material handling), ACIMGA and ARGI (printing and converting), AMAPLAST (plastics and rubber processing machinery), and UCIMA (packaging and processing)—indicate a generally stable order intake for 2025, with moderate export growth projected across certain sectors.
In this demanding context, innovation remains the driving force behind market stability and growth—an overarching theme of The Innovation Alliance. The event will showcase cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving production efficiency and sustainability. From increased automation and robotics integration to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Augmented Reality, as well as remote design and assistance, companies are investing heavily in R&D to maintain their international leadership. Exhibitors will highlight solutions focused on resource optimisation, energy efficiency, and new business models such as servitisation, which transforms manufacturer-customer relationships by offering continuous support and tailored solutions.
A dynamic hub for dialogue
Beyond serving as a premier technology showcase, The Innovation Alliance will also be a dynamic hub for dialogue and strategic collaboration. By bringing together key players across interconnected sectors—from plastics processing to packaging, from printing and converting to logistics—the event will not only spotlight the most innovative solutions but also facilitate new synergies. These collaborations will be essential for tackling global challenges and maximising returns on investments in innovation, research, and development.