Towards a new paradigm of circular economy
Following the import ban on domestic waste in late 2017, China's "Ban on Plastics Scrap" goes further. The import of industrial plastic waste was banned entirely in late 2018. The problem of plastics pollution is serious and urgent. The traditional pattern of "raw material - production - consumption and use - disposal" is being gradually abandoned and added with the crucial step of recycling. Reshaping the industry paradigm with innovative technologies will not only eliminate the "troubles" caused by plastics pollution, but also discover the underlying development opportunities and potential. "Chinaplas 2019 focuses on 'Smart Manufacturing', 'Innovative Materials' and 'Green & Circular Solutions'. With the arrival of the prevailing global trend of circular economy, it is an exhibition definitely not to be missed," mentioned Ada Leung, General Manager of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., the organizer of the show.
The circular economy and plastics recycling are hot topics again. Giving used plastics a new life is an important mission; it not only stimulates economic growth and creates new value, but also helps to protect our beautiful planet. Technological upgrades to plastics are helping to give us many more environmentally friendly solutions. The global manufacturing and supply chains are taking pro-active steps aimed at promoting a circular economy. From the United Nations to the European Union, China and the U.S., from chemical raw materials suppliers to leading brands like Nestle, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and L'Oreal, all stakeholders are taking action to promote reasonable utilization and recycling of plastics, with the goal of minimizing plastic waste.
Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., the organizer of Chinaplas, jointly held the "Plastics Recycling & Circular Economy Conference and Showcase" on 20 May (a day before the opening of trade fair) with CPRJ - China Plastics and Rubber Journal, and received an overwhelming response from the industry. The event gathers from all around the world the latest innovations, improvements in processes, application examples, unique perspectives and insightful viewpoints regarding the circular economy and recycled plastic materials. At the conference, industry experts explored the theories behind and implementation of the circular economy and had face-to-face discussions on how to grow business while also focusing on reducing waste and saving resources. Recyclers and users of recycled materials (including retailers and brands such as Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Tupperware) shared case studies on how to establish a circular recycling ecosystem and discussed the entire life cycle of plastic materials.
In the world of recycled plastics, the possibilities are endless. Chinaplas will set up for the first time a "Recycled Plastics Zone", exhibiting several 100% recyclable, non-toxic and safe materials, such as rPET, LDPE recycled resin, PP recycled resin, high-performance recycled plastics, and recycled modified plastics. Visitors can get some tips for turning "waste" into useful materials in the "Recycling Technology Zone". The Zone is designed to demonstrate the implementation of closed-loop industrial supply chains and advanced technologies for each session throughout the recycling production line, from sorting, crushing, cleaning, and drying, to smart granulation systems. The bio-based plastics and bio-composites shown in the "Bioplastics Zone" not only can be used in a wide range of applications such as packaging, electronic appliances, toys, children products, automobiles, and 3D printing but also are degradable, compostable, environmentally friendly, non-toxic and as affordable as petroleum-based plastics.
Reshaping the space for development with intelligent manufacturing and industrial design
The manufacturing industry has been facing growing demographic challenges, with fewer millennial willing to do repetitive work in a factory, along with increasing labor costs. Labor productivity and economic benefits can be fundamentally increased by "reshaping" the manufacturing sector's traditional production approach and mode of operation and supporting the business with the latest-generation information technologies. 5G's high speed, huge capacity, and low latency, for example, will further foster the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing.
Digitalization and automation have become the standards for future development of the manufacturing industry. In view of that, Chinaplas 2019 showcases a massive number of "smart" manufacturing solutions, such as integrated intelligent manufacturing devices that improve productivity, and liquid silicone injection molding machines that offer high precision and speed.
"We have successfully held the 'Industry 4.0 Conference' over the past three years," says Ada Leung. "This year, let's step outside the conference room. We will concurrently hold the 'Industry 4.0 Factory of the Future', which demonstrates the implementation of Industry 4.0 in real-life settings at the exhibition venue. The event is intended to showcase the revolutionary changes brought by digitalization to factory managers and production processes, and thus improve quality and efficiency, reduce costs, and encourage more young people to devote themselves to the manufacturing industry," she said.
Two theme areas - "Manufacturing Intelligence Control Room" and "Smart Factory" - will display real-time operating data with big screens connected to devices from different booths at the show and factory sites remote from the exhibition venue. In collaboration with injection molding machine manufacturers and associated facility suppliers, these displays will simulate the operation of future factories to provide plastics and rubber industries' executives and plant managers with insights about using production data for analysis, problem fixing and daily management of factories. Such knowledge will help to enable enterprises to catch up with the Industry 4.0 wave.
Industrial design also is playing an ever more important role in maximizing the potential of future product development. Continuing a popular feature from past shows, this year's fair will again partner with other industries, and present the concurrent event "Design x Innovation", which comprises three parts - "CMF Inspiration Walls", "Design Forum" and "Chinaplas Designers' Night". Together, these activities and displays will help to spark creativity and inspiration. The "CMF Inspiration Walls" display a rich variety of resources for Color, Material, Finish (CMF) design, allowing visitors to have a close look at the exhibits and touch them. The "Design Forum" assembles globally renowned design masters and plastics technology suppliers to share the unlimited possibilities of product innovation and environmentally friendly design. The "Chinaplas Designers' Night", themed "Connect & Inspire", is a cross-industry party with the plastics and electronic information industries. Participants can share their ideas for product design while enjoying delicious food and the cozy atmosphere.
