Bringing added value to a worldwide customer base, while staying ahead of the innovation curve are top of the agenda at CHINAPLAS 2017, which opened yesterday (May 16th 2017) in Guangzhou.
CHINAPLAS 2017
Industry 4.0 continues to be a prime focus at CHINAPLAS, in response to intense interest in smart manufacturing.
The event provides a networking platform between visitors and more than 3,400 exhibitors from all over the world, presenting the very latest in plastics and rubber processing technology.
Steadier growth has become the new norm in China, where gross domestic product grew by nearly seven per cent in the first quarter of 2017, while the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences predicts annual growth will be 6.6 per cent. Due to this slowdown, companies are adapting by focusing on quality and efficiency.
"Under this economic backdrop, it's both an opportunity and a threat for the industry at the same time," said Stanley Chu, Chairman of CHINAPLAS organiser Adsale. "On one hand, Chinese products are increasingly moving toward providing added value. Vehicles, especially new-energy vehicles, as well as packaging and medical products are rapidly going high-tech. On the other hand, industries such as home appliance manufacturing have an urgent need to eliminate their excess capacities and introduce innovation.
"At the same time, government policies favour technological innovation and support environmental protection measures, while enterprises increase their investment in research and development and brand building."
Chu added that more and more Chinese businesses are looking at expanding their operations overseas, and this, coupled with a drive to improve quality are generating demand for Chinese innovation.
Plastics processors are also benefiting from a huge plastics application market, supply-side structural reform, and from enterprises' strong desire to transform their business structures and upgrade their technologies.
We are impressed by the increasing importance attached to the Chinese market by the leading overseas technology suppliers.
"We are impressed by the increasing importance attached to the Chinese market by the leading overseas technology suppliers," said Ada Leung, General Manager of Adsale, "meanwhile, we are also witnessing strong interest in Chinese machinery by overseas buyers."
With "Greenovation for a Smart Future" as the show theme, CHINAPLAS 2017 has set Intelligent Manufacturing, High-tech Materials, and Green Solutions as the event's focal points.
CHINAPLAS, according to Leung, has accelerated the integration of technologies and trading both outside and within China, contributing to more technologically sophisticated exhibits.
"CHINAPLAS 2017 has evolved from a former sourcing and trading platform for materials and machinery into an international, technology-oriented platform," she said.
CHINAPLAS 2017
CHINAPLAS provides a networking platform between visitors and more than 3,400 exhibitors from all over the world.
Smart factories, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and bicycle sharing systems are just a few of the topics and keywords that have risen to popularity in the past year. What they all share is a close relationship to technology and innovation. During this second year into China's National 13th Five-Year Plan, supply-side structural reform is taking place, and it relies increasingly on modern technological progress.
CHINAPLAS this year, Leung said, is providing the platform for the launch of more than 40 technologies globally or in Asia, while also showcasing a variety of cutting-edge innovations.
In line with its technology-oriented goals, CHINAPLAS is introducing its new Tech Talk feature. Many practical solutions will be shared in open forums, including technical insights about the application of targeted nano enhancements in plastics; the application of flame-retardant, antibacterial polypropylene in the smart home; the present status and future development of PPS resin; system solutions to presses with Inverter+ PLC; customised solutions for industrial 3D printing (materials, technology and processes); and "8+16" management philosophy.
In addition, CHINAPLAS will hold three Guided Technology Tour routes, with the themes of Intelligent Manufacturing Technology, Advanced Automation Equipment and High-tech and Green Materials. During these tours, experts will offer detailed explanations about the new products and technologies on display, to allow visitors to focus on their targeted exhibits in a time-efficient manner.