Gateway to ASEAN's plastics and rubber industries

M-PLAS 2011, the 5th International Plastics and Rubber Trade Fare for Malaysia, attracted over 5,000 trade visitors and professionals from across the automotive, building and construction, chemical and petrochemical, electrical and electronics engineering, information communications, and medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia, the event was held for four days at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 9-12 November 2011 and gathered over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. National pavilions and groups from Austria, China, Italy, Malaysia, and Singapore were present, as about 60% of exhibitors from outside Malaysia. The presence of global market leaders and a range of newcomers brought everything in one place – from robots and automation equipment to odorless reclaimed rubber.
The event's official opening was attended by the country's industry dignitaries and business leaders. YB Dato' Jacob Dngau Sagan, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry said in his opening speech that the event underlines the importance of Malaysia as a key plastics and rubber manufacturing destination and as a global player for the plastics and rubber sectors in the region.
Due to relatively low operating cost and improved industril, technological and knowledge-driven capabilities, Asia is the largest processor of plastics and rubber, accounting for 43% of total global production. In 2010, the Malaysian rubber products industry alone contributed RM12.8 billion (about $4 billion) to the country's export earnings, whilst the plastics and plastic products industry has become one of the most dynamic growth sectors in Malaysia's manufacturing industry.
Aside from the impressive line-up of companies including plastic processors, manufacturers, and material suppliers, M-PLAS 2011 also offered live equipment demonstrations and a series of seminars and presentations on various topics relevant to the theme "Shaping Your Business".

Bee Chee Seem, Assistant Sales Manager, Color Pigment (M) Sdn Bhd

Diversity in a rapidly expanding market
Most of the companies who participated are manufacturers of machinery and equipment, makers of semi-finished products, suppliers of raw materials and auxiliaries, and service providers for plastic and rubber industries. In the semi-finished products category, many participants were producers of masterbatches.
Through the years, Color Pigment (M ) SdnBhd (www.colorpigment.com) has been specialising in the manufacture of white and colour masterbatches, calcium carbonate master batches and performance additives. The Malaysia-based company exhibited its range of semi-finished products during the show. According to Bee Chee Seem, assistant sales manager of Color Pigment, the company has been constantly setting the bar in using advance techniques and equipment to produce masterbatches that require less resin and oil. "Our products are widely used in various plastic manufacturing processes such as blow moulding, lamination, injection, and so forth. It's used for a variety of purposes including food and beverage, agriculture, sewage, and industrial." said Mr. Seem.
China-based Dongweijin Plastics Masterbatches Manufactory (www. black-masterbatches.com) also presented its various masterbatches. The company's manufacturing facility is in Dongguan, Guangdong whilst its trade office is in Hong Kong. "Our ISO-certified facilities cover a land areaNike Air Max 98