Ulrich Reifenhäuser A recent survey among members of the Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association within the VDMA, reveals that the tentative optimism emerging towards the latter half of 2020 seems to have been justified. Then, the figures were already hinting at a turnaround in the plastics and rubber machinery industry, with order volumes lifting from October onwards. The year closed with a 7 percent increase in orders compared to 2019. The member companies of the German trade association responding to the survey say they are looking forward this year to a continued improvement in the order situation as well as expanding turnover volumes.