International Plastics News for Asia

In this issue we have post-show reports on three major trade exhibitions in Asia – Chinaplas, InterPlas Thailand and JEC Asia. Over the years, these shows have grown – in size and scope – that a large number of visitors now include these shows in their planning. The success of every edition of these shows reflects the highly dynamic Asian region’s plastics and rubber industry which international companies continue to explore.
Several reports in this issue touched on automation and how important it is in ensuring uninterrupted and cost-efficient operations. In the injection moulding process, the use of robots has significantly reduced cost and enhanced quality.
We also covered milestones of two leading companies in the industry. Borealis opened its catalysts plant in Austria and Lanxess inaugurated its butyl rubber facility in Singapore. Demand for raw materials has been on the rise in the past few years that companies have started to invest in ensuring stable supply of key materials.
The medical sector has been benefiting from the R&D initiatives in material solutions that new medical devices are now made of polymers with improved and highly specialised properties. The possibilities are endless with plastics as alternative materials that we will continue to monitor new developments.