The first edition of MaTec comes to a close: the new platform satisfies exhibitors and visitors

A new trade fair initiative with a rich history behind it, capable of meeting the technological needs of industrial sectors – plastics, wood-furniture and composite materials – that represent an exceptionally significant share of Italian manufacturing.
This is the message coming from FieraMilano-Rho, where the first edition of MaTec 2026 closes today at 18.00. The exhibition platform brings together Plast, the show dedicated to machinery and materials for the plastics and rubber industry, Xylexpo, the biennial event for wood technology and the furniture industry, and Composites Future, the first edition of the “Made in Italy” conference-exhibition dedicated to composite materials.
A system that, taken as a whole, generates turnover of approximately 110 billion euros in Italy, and that over four days – Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 June – has demonstrated its full vitality.

The multi-show event has closed on a positive note. “Pending the certified visitor figures, which will be available in the first days of next week, we can speak of a good edition”, commented Mario Maggiani, Director of Plast. “We cannot deny that we feared far heavier repercussions from the global geopolitical situation on our shows as well. Instead, they have reflected the “desire for the future” shown by the more than 1,200 exhibiting companies and the tens of thousands of visitors who came to the fair”.

“The debut of Composites Future is certainly to be welcomed with satisfaction”, added Roberto Frassine, President of Assocompositi since 2005. “The collaboration with Plast and Xylexpo, the growing attention of industries towards new materials, and the opening of new horizons for technologies traditionally dedicated to plastics and wood have effectively allowed the new conference-exhibition to achieve a result beyond expectations, thanks also to our Demo Area and the truly rich and engaging programme of the Composites Future Academy”.

“We have undoubtedly opened a new chapter in a story that presents and will continue to present new scenarios and new perspectives for an exceptionally significant part of Italian manufacturing”, concluded Dario Corbetta, Director of Xylexpo. “The early indications emerging from the fair days show just how much value the ‘trade fair product’ can still deliver, provided one is always able to create new opportunities”.