PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2010

MATERIAL / RECYCLING 32 PET planet insider Vol. 11 No. 10/10 www.petpla.net An international market place for used PET machinery Demand for used PET equipment keeps rising Sales figures on the used PET machinery sector have been consistently growing over the last few years; more so than in other sectors, such as glass or cans packaging. Demand nearly doubled in 2009 compared to the previous year and has shown continued growth in 2010, according to specialist company MachinePoint Consultants SL. Founded in 1999 and based in Valladolid, Spain, it is a significant trader of used plastic and beverage machinery in the world. Demand has been particularly strong during the two years of recession. Cesar Rodriguez, founder & managing partner, says that the growth in sales means that the PET machinery niche segment has continued to invest in capital equipment, which frees up previously- owned machines for processors who are working within tight budgets but still need good quality equipment. The key drivers contributing to the growth of the used-equipment sector include innovations and new tech- nologies, coupled with high output sold plastics and beverage used machines are sourced in Europe. Concerning the PET machinery market, 50% come from Europe, the other 50% come from outside.The PET segment is more global, with only around half of equipment sourced from Europe while only 20% are sold in the EU. Whatever the market, the company says that distance seems to be of little concern when customers are searching for good quality used PET equipment. MachinePoint expects the market balance to keep shifting. The growth in emerging regions such as Latin America, west and southern Africa, the Middle East, India and south-east Asia leads to a fallback in Europe’s position. Latin America is particularly strong; companies appear to have already completely recovered from the recession and they are fully focusing on their future expansion plans. The African market has challenges with telecommunications, which machines and lower power con- sumption. Combining these criteria with new ancillary technologies and complementary services and prod- ucts raise cost-effectiveness and attractions in the market. As a result, MachinePoint expects a pattern of stable growth in the demand for used PET equipment in upcoming years, in parallel with growth in demand for new machinery, especially in Latin America and Asia. The market is likely to see further internationalisation. Europe: largest market but international growth is strong MachinePoint sells 60% of used plastics equipment; 85% of all their According to MachinePoint, Valladolid, Spain, sales figures of used PET machinery have been constantly growing.