Packaging machinery: turnover up in the first half of 2026, while orders slow and production costs continue to rise

28 July 2026

Packaging machinery: turnover up in the first half of 2026, while orders slow and production costs continue to rise

UCIMA MECS economic monitoring confirms a 2.3% increase in industry turnover during the first six months of 2026 and an order backlog equivalent to 7.7 months of production. However, June data indicate a slowdown in order intake, while rising costs – particularly energy prices – continue to put pressure on manufacturers.

The UCIMA MECS Research Centre has released its economic report for the Italian packaging machinery manufacturing sector covering the first half of 2026. The figures confirm the industry’s overall positive performance in terms of turnover, while also highlighting signs of weaker order intake and increasing pressure caused by higher raw material and component costs.

Turnover: growth driven by the domestic market

During the first half of 2026, industry turnover increased by 2.3% compared with the same period in 2025 (with a 2.8%increase in the second quarter alone). Growth was primarily driven by the Italian market, which expanded by 12.5%(6.3% in the second quarter), while international markets recorded a more moderate increase of 0.9% (2.2% in the second quarter).

Orders: backlog covers 7.7 months of production, but signs of slowdown emerge

Current order intake provides companies with a production backlog equivalent to 7.7 months. Between January and June 2026, the overall orders index declined by 2.5% compared with the first half of 2025 (+3.3% in Italy and -3.0%in foreign markets). Looking at the second quarter alone, the index increased by 1.1% (+2.6% in Italy and +1.0%abroad).

A year-on-year comparison between June 2026 and June 2025 confirms a slowdown in demand, with overall orders declining by 0.8%. The decrease was significantly more pronounced in the domestic market (-7.4%) than in international markets (-0.6%).

Raw materials and components: widespread cost increases, especially for plastics and energy

The second quarter confirmed the cost pressures already observed in previous months. Prices of the main raw materials and components used by packaging machinery manufacturers continued to rise, largely due to the adverse economic environment resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

“The results for the first half of the year confirm that our sector remains in good health and continues to be one of the most dynamic segments of Italian manufacturing,” said Maurizio Bertocco, President of UCIMA.

“At the same time, the slowdown in order intake is a cause for concern, as it clearly reflects reduced investment by our international customers, driven by the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies and the ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Rising production costs are also placing increasing pressure on companies’ profit margins.

On the other hand, we are encouraged by the strong performance of the Italian market, which is undoubtedly benefiting from government support measures, including the extension of the Transition 5.0 Plan and the introduction of the new enhanced capital allowance scheme,” Bertocco added.