The Italian packaging sector closed the first three months of 2026 with a 2% increase in revenue. The domestic market performed well, while orders, especially from abroad, declined.
Packaging machinery: revenue increases in the first quarter of 2026
The packaging machinery sector recorded a 2% increase in revenue in the first three months of 2026. According to data released by Ucima, growth was driven by the domestic market, which increased by 15.2%, while exports recorded a slight decline of 0.2% compared to the same period in 2025.
Sales in Italy increased by 15.2%, offsetting the slight slowdown in exports, which fell by 0.2% compared to the same quarter in 2025.
The order intake situation, however, is more critical. In the first quarter of 2026, orders recorded an overall decline of 5.8%, penalized primarily by the decline in foreign demand (-6.8%). Orders from the domestic market, however, increased (+3.9%).
The number of months of assured production remained stable at 7.7 months, a figure in line with the previous quarter and indicative of the sector’s strong operational stability.
An analysis of March, however, highlights a more marked slowdown in orders: overall collections fell by 9.3% compared to March 2025. The domestic market was positive (+18.2%), while exports contracted by 12.6%.
Packaging machinery, key sectors remain strong
From an application perspective, the best results come from the Food, Pharmaceutical, and Chemical sectors. Growth is more moderate in the Beverage, Cosmetics, and other industrial segments.
Despite the slowdown in international demand, Italian-made packaging continues to demonstrate strong resilience.
Operators’ expectations for the second quarter of 2026 remain stable, with growth prospects in both the domestic and international markets.