News

Exactech, a developer and producer of innovative implants for joint replacement surgery, announced 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for its new Activit-E polyethylene (PE) for the Truliant knee replacement system. Activit-E is a crosslinked PE with vitamin E antioxidant. The PE is peroxide crosslinked and stabilized with vitamin E. The material is designed to maintain active oxidative resistance and long-term, high-performance, including strength and stabilization. This new generation PE is the latest innovation by Orhun Muratoglu, Ph.D., Director of the Harris Orthopedic Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Muratoglu invented the first crosslinked polyethylene, and the first of multiple generations of vitamin E antioxidant PE for leading orthopedic companies. Through replacing gamma radiation crosslink with peroxide crosslink, the chemically crosslinked PE brings an optimized balance of material strength, toughness and flexibility, which is ultimately useful in total knee arthroplasty. Eliminating the need for gamma irradiation technology used in previous generation PE also addresses the looming shortage problem of gamma radiation for crosslink. The first products for Activit-E will launch in the beginning of Q3 2023 for selected US customers while global expansion will begin in 2024.

With a combined population of over 660 million and a GDP exceeding USD 3.17 trillion (2019), ASEAN nations comprise both a substantial consumer base and a significant portion of the global market, particularly within the plastics & rubber industries. In fact, the GDP of the ASEAN region has been skyrocketing for a few years now, reflecting the region`s thriving economy. The plastics & rubber markets for Southeast Asia is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% globally from 2020 to 2025. The market expansion is driven by the growth of various end-user industries, such as increased output from automotive and construction industries, rising demand for substitution for glass, metals, wood, and man-made materials, and a surge in demand for convenient packaging generated by the increase in single-person households. The page of [ASEAN Brief" will explore the hottest industry trends in the region to help you identify potential opportunities, such as the rapidly growing medical & healthcare sector, manufacturing digitalization, robotics, 3D printing, circular economy, product innovation, etc.

The plastics industry in Vietnam has been contributing to the country`s overall industrial development, and over the years, the industry has grown substantially. A study by the World Bank on Vietnam`s plastics industry brings into light how plastics have been extensively used in the packaging, consumer goods, automotive, electronics, transportation/aviation and agriculture. In 2019 alone, the plastics industry`s output reached 8.89 million tons, contributing about US$17.5 billion to the national economy or 6.7% of the GDP, according to World Bank figures. The robust growth of Vietnam`s industrial production has been positively reflected in the Vietnamese plastics market which is set to grow by an estimated 8% yearly over the period 2023-2028, according to the report by Mordor Intelligence. While the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the Vietnamese plastics market, the recovery of major end-user industries spurred demand that the plastics market has now reached pre-pandemic levels, according to the report. Opportunities in this fast-growing market have expanded – especially for those supplying raw materials, finished plastics and processing technologies as Vietnam remains a net importer of these items. Along with the need for engineering plastics, advanced technologies in blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, etc. for the processing of plastics are in high demand. Also, the influx of foreign investors in the manufacturing sector has driven requirements for plastics, especially in such applications as packaging, electrical and electronics, building and construction, automotive and transportation, housewares, furniture, and bedding, etc., based on the Mordor Intelligence report.

The U.S. plastics industry continues to show resilience in the face of ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Make no mistake – the challenges have been many, to include a pandemic, a war in Europe, supply-chain disruptions, soaring inflation, extreme weather events, labor shortages and ongoing trade tensions. Plastic product manufacturing projected to grow this year U.S. plastic product manufacturing rose by 3.8% last year, up from 2.9% in 2021, according to government data. [The industry is returning to its normal growth rate" after this series of convulsions, says Perc Pineda, Chief Economist of the Washington, D.C.-based Plastics Industry Association (known as PLASTICS). Both represent a rebound from the 3% decline recorded in pandemic-impacted 2020, he said in an interview in February. Pineda still sees plastic product manufacturing growing this year, though possibly at a pace slightly below the 3.8% rate recorded in 2022. On Feb 23, PLASTICS released a statement quoting the U.S. Census Bureau as saying U.S. retail sales in January 2023 rose by 3% from December and by 6.4% from a year earlier. [If the economy continues to stay strong and consumers remain engaged," he said, [plastic product shipments could increase as plastics and plastic products are part of household consumption." [I think that the likelihood that the U.S. could end up with a soft landing has increased," suggests Pineda. Still, [we could possibly be in a low-growth scenario for an extended period of time." Various indices show there are some concerns on both the demand side and the supply side of the economy. [Inflation is moving down, but it`s not moving down as fast as we want it to. Supply chain issues remain but are not as bad as they used to be. "

The largest ever CHINAPLAS was successfully concluded at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, PR China on April 20. The show results were impressively indicating a great surge with 3,905 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions around the world. The show occupied 380,000sqm and recorded an attendance of 248,222 visitors from 149 countries and regions. 28,429 visitors came from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan region and overseas, accounting for 11.45% of the total. Compared with the 2019 Guangzhou Exhibition, the total number of visitors increased by 51.99%, and compared with the 2021 Shenzhen Exhibition, it increased by 63.16%. "The results of the exhibition exceeded expectations in terms of popularity, innovation level of exhibits, and the number and quality of visitors. The record high number of visitors reached about 250,000, including overseas visitors who had not attended the show for three years due to travel restrictions. Comparing with CHINPALAS held in 2021, the number of overseas visitors has surged considerably this year, injecting infinite vitality into the exhibition," said Ms. Ada Leung, General Manager of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., the organizer of CHINAPLAS. [The success can be attributed to the right timing, location and participants. The exhibition unleashed enthusiasm and strong demand for face-to-face communication between the upstream and downstream of the industry, with robust purchasing power from both local and overseas buyers. They have been actively placing purchase orders for materials and machinery. An exhibitor even claimed that it has received the largest amount of order in the past 30 years at the exhibition. The satisfaction on the exhibition of both exhibitors and visitors has soared. The plastics and rubber industries are showing more signs of recovery and the confidence of enterprises in the market has increased, creating a vibrant and promising outlook." Green, Smart, Advance: Leading the High-Quality Development of the Plastics and Rubber Industries The exhibition halls were bustling with hundred thousands of visitors. Exhibitors showcased their innovative products and technologies. On this stage for global plastics and rubber products, participants could not only see well-known "international superstars", but also countless rising stars. There were cutting-edge and pioneering technologies, as well as solutions with high cost-effectiveness. The concept of low-carbon and environmental protection was prevailing, while bioplastics were under the spotlight. Innovative applications of biodegradable plastics and post-consumer recycled plastics were shining in various sectors. At the exhibition, packaging industry was seeing strong momentum for solutions, such as single-material high-barrier films, easy-to-peel films and prefabricated vegetable packaging. New energy is advancing rapidly, and the abundance of solutions utilizing POM, POE, PA, and other materials for photovoltaics, wind power, hydrogen energy, and other clean energy sources have caught visitors' attention. Lightweight and smart vehicles have become the trend of automotive industry, and visitors could find many innovative material and technology solutions for the manufacturing of power batteries, high-voltage connectors, charging piles, charging guns, fast-charging cables, and smart cabins. Noise reduction, spray-free, flame retardant, low dielectric, antibacterial and easy-to-clean materials were expected to be widely used in the electric and electronic fields. In-mold injection molding IMR, IML, IME and other processes have become more and more popular. Since digitalization is the major development direction of plastics and rubber industries, all-electric injection molding machines, multi-layer thick-walled lens injection molding solutions, collaborative robots, ultra-high-speed PVC pipe extrusion production lines, automated flexible production, factory IoT solutions, smart factory logistics, warehousing systems, 3D printing, etc., were showcased in the machinery halls to demonstrate the digital trends of plastics and rubber technologies. Plastics and rubber are penetrating into downstream application industries such as electronics, automotive, packaging, building materials, medical, sports and leisure, for the betterment of our living.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand occupies a strategic position being a dynamic industrial center whose domestic production has been supplying both local and international markets. As the region`s major industrial hub, Thailand boasts of a strong plastics market whose growth momentum has been sustained by the demands of various industries dependent on plastics such as automotive, packaging and medical products. Thus, the Thai plastics market is projected to grow by 4% annually from 2023-2028, as the production of plastics has been recovering due to the resumption of industrial activities, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence. While currently, the government has imposed strict regulations leading to a plastic ban, increased production of environmentally-friendly plastic products is expected to create opportunities in the medium to long term.

The global flagship event for the plastics and rubber industries returns to Shenzhen! CHINAPLAS 2023 grandly unveils at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, PR China (SWECC) today (April 17) with all 18 exhibition halls opened for the first time, meaning a record-breaking exhibition area of 380,000 sqm. Under the theme of "A Brighter and Shared Future, Powered by Innovation", the event will be held from April 17-20 and it gathers over 3,900 quality international exhibitors to showcase plastics and rubber innovative solutions and a series of can`t-miss concurrent events. [With the upgrading and transforming of manufacturing industry in China, the demand of technological advancement will continue to rise. Shenzhen is recognized as a benchmark city with high-end transformation, playing an indispensable role in this critical era," said Mr. Stanley Chu, Chairman of the Adsale Group. CHINAPLAS 2023 is coming back to Shenzhen to promote the high-quality development of the industry and advanced manufacturing in order to drive the industry towards [Green, Smart, Advance". A Brighter Future for Advanced Manufacturing Industry Since 1983, accompanying the growth of China`s plastics and rubber industries for 40 years, CHINAPLAS has grown to become the world`s leading plastics and rubber fair widely recognized by the industry as one of the most influential exhibitions in the world. More than 1,500 materials suppliers and 3,000 sets of machinery exhibits stage in total 18 exhibitions halls, supporting smart, efficient, cost-effective, and low-carbon manufacturing. Being the first world-class plastics and rubber industry mega event held in China after the relaxation of pandemic controls, CHINAPLAS can`t wait to show the world advanced technological achievement and breakthrough for high-end manufacturing. In 2022, the sales of new energy vehicles in China have increased 93.4% and the proportion of clean energy consumption not limited to wind, solar energy, hydrogen energy in China has increased to 25% above. The demand of e-commerce logistics packaging, prefabricated vegetable packaging and innovative medical devices are growing rapidly. Fulfilling these market demands, the exhibition is showcasing a full array of innovative solutions, including over 200 world / Asian debut technologies. Innovative and high-tech materials are presented from long fiber reinforced thermoplastics for different applications, high performance and sustainable flame retardant solutions for EVs to tie layer materials for solar cells and silicone elastomer, which is resistant to -114℃ application scenarios, for biopharma tubing. In the newly introduced Innovative Products Zone, functional film products are displayed, such as biaxially oriented and heat shrinkable films, high barrier packaging bags, LCP films, optical films, lithium battery separator and photovoltaic packaging films, etc., as well as high performance products, such as sheets, plates, bars, pipes and other products made of PEEK, PPS, PAI, PVDF, ETFE, etc. Apart from exhibits, a variety of concurrent activities are held to further demonstrate the breakthrough and advancement of plastics and rubber solutions. Research and development is essential for enterprises to improve their competitiveness. Renowned scientists and academicians will be invited at the concurrent event - SciXplore Forum to share their views and latest reports on future development trend and scientific breakthrough achievement of polymer industry. Prof. Yuzhong WANG, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering will share his views on [New Routes and Technologies on Green, Low-Carbon Development of Polymer Materials". Prof. Chul B. PARK, Academician of The Academy of Science of the Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering will talk about [Achievement of Plastics Having Both High Toughness and High Stiffness". Prof. Shuhong YU, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering will focus on [Nanocellulose – Natural Polymer Materials". Enterprises categorized under "Professionalization, Refinement, Specialization and Innovation"(PRSI) are new forces and future leading companies in the plastics and rubber industries. Among 3,900+ exhibitors, over 400 enterprises are honored as [PRSI", and more than 100 national-level enterprises are awarded as a [Little Giant". To help these rising stars expand their business opportunities, the first [PRSI – Shining Stars in Plastics & Rubber Industries" will be held with the latest policies being introduced by the industry association leaders. "Professionalization, Refinement, Specialization and Innovation" thematic route is designed, allowing quality buyers from the sectors of automobiles, building material, packaging, electronics etc. to connect face-to-face with "PRSI" enterprises Industrial design has become a catalyzer for driving industrial transformation and upgrading. CHINAPLAS has been providing strong support to inspire innovative product design ideas in plastic technology. Under the theme of Product DNA: Low Carbon, Intelligent, Health-pursuit, the concurrent event of CHINAPLAS 2023 - "Design x Innovation" launches two inspiring events, [Design x Innovation Gallery" and [Design Forum" to showcase creative end products and gather experience from global designers. Molding is one of fundamental and essential manufacturing processes. In the "Empowering Product Quality with Advanced Molding & Innovative Technology" Symposium, it will show how to improve the quality of products and resolve the obstacles in the manufacturing process from the perspective of molding.

We cordially invite you to visit our booth (booth no.: 15B11) at CHINAPLAS 2023. Please input the FreeEntry Code during the pre-registration process to waive the admission fee at RMB 80 per person (for 4-day show visit). For existing MyCHINAPLAS account owner, you can simply login your account to retrieve your personal details and complete the registration. At CHINAPLAS 2023, you can find Highly effective manufacturing solutions provided by 3,900+ exhibitors from worldwide Many hot and first-launched technologies, and 3800+ sets of machines in display Latest market information and trends influencing future industry development Abundant business networking opportunities Check out the [Show Preview" for focal technologies and must-visit events of the year www.chinaplasonline.com/ShowPreview. Looking forward to seeing you at CHINAPLAS 2023 in Shenzhen! Yours sincerely, Hebei Xiongfa New Materials Technology Development Co.,LTD

Stabilizer production process and equipment In 2017, the stabilizer production workshop was technologically transformed and relocated to Taina Industrial Park, so that the stabilizer was deeply innovated in product application technology, core technology, key equipment, etc., and its comprehensive strength reached a high level in the industry. Among them: the self-developed Dcs control system realizes the fully automatic control of the production process. Product packaging robots are the epitome of smart manufacturing. The palletizer adopts the intelligent robot of Nuolida Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., which reduces the labor intensity of personnel and improves the quality of palletizing. The dust-free composite lead production process and tableting process equipment adopts the domestic patented composite stabilizer technology, which is clean and pollution-free, so that the product quality can reach a higher standard; It reduces the dust flying problem that cannot be completely solved in the industry so far.

Introduction of Xiongfa Technology production plant and equipment: 1. Chlorinated polyethylene production process and equipment Chlorinated polyethylene adopts the independent innovative "acid phase suspension method" production process, which realizes zero discharge of process wastewater. Xiongfa Technology Co., Ltd. attaches great importance to the integration of industrialization and informatization. The production from chlorination to the final packaging is fully automated. The packaging process adopts the AMO spiral automatic sorting machine with international leading technology, which makes the packaging process of finished products compact. , Coherent, efficient, and no foreign matter mixed, to ensure the stability of product quality. 2. Stabilizer production process and equipment In 2017, the stabilizer production workshop was technologically transformed and relocated into Taina Industrial Park, so that the stabilizer was deeply innovated in product application technology, core processes, key equipment, etc., and its comprehensive strength reached a high level in the industry. Among them: the self-developed Dcs control system realizes the fully automatic control of the production process. Product packaging robots are the epitome of smart manufacturing. The palletizer adopts the intelligent robot of Nuolida Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., which reduces the labor intensity of personnel and improves the quality of palletizing. The dust-free composite lead production process and tableting process equipment adopts the domestic patented composite stabilizer technology, which is clean and pollution-free, so that the product quality can reach a higher standard; It reduces the dust flying problem that cannot be completely solved in the industry so far.