IPF Japan - Where world's leading innovators converge

Japan's largest plastics exhibition, International Plastics Fair Japan (IPF Japan), closed its eighth edition in November 2014 on a positive note as exhibitors and visitors applauded the valuable exchange of information on innovative technologies aimed at improving plastic processing and manufacturing of plastic products.

With the reputation of being the most technologically advanced show in Asia, IPF Japan gathered 776 exhibitors from around the world and these demonstrated the latest technologies in plastics processing, raw materials, and rubber production. The exhibition is held every three years. Of the 776 exhibitors (occupying 2,248 booths), more than half or 470 are Japanese companies or domestic companies, while 306 are from overseas. Taiwan had the second largest number of exhibitors at 64 companies including Chuan Lih Fa, Tan Star, Jenn Chong, Fong Kee and many others. Next in terms of number of exhibitors is Germany with 46 while 35 companies were from the United States and 31 from China.

During the opening ceremony, Katsuo Ito, Chairman of International Plastic Fair Association addressed the importance and potential of plastic and rubber industry. He also said that the latest products, technologies, services and information related to plastics and rubbers were presented and that IPF is also envisioned to provide a place for vital negotiations between world-leading businesses.

Asian companies well-represented
IPF Japan gathered a large number of Asian companies whose growing strength in terms of production capability and marketing reach have made them well-known all over the world. For instance, Taiwan had the second biggest delegation as Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Taiwan Association together brought 64 exhibitors with their latest technology related to the plastic and rubber industry to IPF Japan 2014. Mr. David Wu, Chairman of the Plastic and Rubber Machinery Committee of Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry, gave two reasons which contribute to Taiwanese plastic and rubber products' popularity in the Japanese market: "Firstly, our quality is getting better. Although currently it may not be at the same level with Japanese products, we can provide quality product at favourable prices. Secondly, Taiwan companies are more flexible in certain areas, like customisation, special dedicated machines."

Mr. David Wu (吴正炜)
Chairman of the Plastic and Rubber Machinery Committee Association: Taiwan Association of Machinery
Tel: +886-2 2349 4666
Fax: +886-2 2381 3711
E-mail:tami@tami.org.tw
Webisite: www.tami.org.tw

Expanding business in Asia
Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation exhibited a large range of purging and cleaning solutions for plastic injection moulding machines to IPF 2014. With its business growing fast in Southeast Asia, the company aims to double its market in the region and China as well in the next three years. Mr. Hiroshi Hayakawa, General Manager of ASACLEAN Business Dept, Fabricated Product Division said, "since our customers are gradually transforming their focus to Southeast Asia and China, we aim to double our business by 2017 in these markets." Of all the exhibits, Asahi Kasei Chemicals' IMX attracted a lot of attention. The equipment is the simplest and most effective way to solve the black spots injection problem of screws and can completely clean the carbide without the need to remove the screw.

Mr. Hiroshi Hayakawa
General Manager of ASACLEAN Business Dept, Fabricated Product Division Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
Tel: +81-3 3296 3274
Fax: +81-3 3296 3458
E-mail: hayakawa.hb@om.asahi-kasei.co.jp
Website: www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asaclean/en/index.htm

High-end cushioning materials
Narashino Kasei Inc. showcased its foamed plastic cushioning materials which are applied in the fields of aerospace (such as Japan Experiment Module named ‘Kibo' in the International Space Station), military, broadcasting, medical and other areas. Mr. Hidehisa Suzuki, President of Narashino Kasei, spoke highly of the product's quality," In 1998, our cushioning materials helped the transportation of special cameras in Nagano Olympic Games. And in 2014, we helped transport the LED lightings of special TV studio in Sochi Olympic Games in 2014." With many of its business related with military and international space stations, currently the cushioning materials are only sold in Japan. According to Mr. Suzuki, they are now cooperating with the Japanese government to develop cushioning materials in archaeological area to protect precious artifacts during transportation.

Mr. Hidehisa Suzuki President Narashino Kasei Inc.
Tel: +043-445-4775
Fax: +43-445-2596
E-mail address:Narasinoattonifty.Com
Website: homepage1.nifty.com/narasino/

High precision machines
As a regular exhibitor of IPF, Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd occupied a big booth where it presented its latest injection moulding machines, extrusion plants, including emerging technologies that are new to the market. Its high precision vertical machine UVM series is one of the main products exhibited. The aerostatic bearing spindle realised high-speed/ high accuracy rotation and high-reliability of the machine. Also the linear motors and the high-resolution scales improved machining accuracy and surface quality. Mr. Koji Egashira, group manager of the injection moulding machine sales department Euro-America Export sales group, talked about the characteristics of Japanese customers, "We are rather conservative. In overseas markets, price always come as first priority. In Japan, price is important, but we also put supplier customer relationship into consideration. This is maintained not only by the reliability of the product, but also after-sales service. Once customers buy the machine, they use it for many years. If the aftersales service is good, they will become loyal to the supplier."

Mr. Koji Egashira
Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd
Group manager, injection molding machine sales department Euro-America Export sales group
Tel: +81-3 3509 0313
Fax: +81-3 3509 0331
E-mail: egashira.kouji@toshiba-machine.co.jp
Website: www.toshiba-machine.co.jp

Eco-friendly technology
Toyo Chemical exhibited its recycled resin pellets from a variety of plastic raw materials. Like the real tree they set up in their booth, their company's mission is to help create a green, eco-friendly and recycling-based society. Currently Toyo Chemical focuses mainly on the domestic market and they have some clients in China. With the aim to explore new markets like Korea, Toyo Chemical came to IPF to meet potential foreign buyers. Mr. Seiya Yaguchi, from the marketing division of Toyo Chemical said, "In this edition, there were many overseas visitors. People came to ask questions about our products. I think IPF is really a good platform." Toyo Chemical's management philosophy is to reduce (decrease the amount to use), to reuse (use repeatedly) and to recycle, therefore creating an environment that is friendly to the people and the feature.

Mr. Seiya Ya guchi
Toyo Chemical Representative from marketing division
Tel: +81-575 403 011
Fax: +81-575 403 018
E-mail: yaguchi@toyochemical.co.jp
Website: www.toyochemical.co.jp

ASEAN is the market of the future
Zambello Group is an expert manufacturer of gearboxes especially for rubber and plastic machinery. At IPF 2014, the company exhibited its gearboxes for single-screw extruders, twinscrew extruders and gearboxes for electronic injection moulding machines. According to General Manager, Mr. Homer Lee, all of the gearboxes made by Zambello are of high quality, with features like high torque, low noise, less maintenance and longer life. He also stressed the importance of Southeast Asian markets, "We consider it the market of the future. At this show, besides Japanese companies, we are also trying to approach other Asian clients. With our products being 100% made in Italy, I'm sure that will provide machine buyers with high quality product."

Mr. Homer Lee
Zambello riduttori Group
General Manager for Asia
Tel: +882-2 2279 9031
Fax: +886-2 2279 9032
E-mail: service@zambelloasia.com
Website:www.zambelloasia.com