Chinaplas 2015 - EXHIBITORS' FEEDBACK

Strong market for healthcare
Healthcare is a key area of focus for Davis-Standard in Asia, where multinational and national companies are setting up operations. "Asia in general have a lot of investment in medical device and healthcare, so it's really a strong market," explained James Murphy, president and chief executive officer. Prior to Chinaplas, Davis-Standard hosted about 60 medical equipment companies at their facility in Suzhou, China, which is equipped with a high-speed FPVC extrusion system and multipurpose microbore tubing line to support the continued growth of the regional medical industry. "I would say probably 80% of the attendees at our open house were from China and the rest from other parts of Asia," Mr Murphy said. Another area that the company is geared for is the flexible packaging market. "We're seeing a lot of growth in food packaging applications where flexible packaging can be done in a number of different ways," he commented. "Dry bond lamination, which is efficient and effective in smaller volumes, but as volumes grow, the efficiencies and the effectiveness of the packaging is much greater with extrusion lamination."

Davis-Standard (China)
Tel: +86-21 6440 0468
Fax: +86-21 6440 0219
Website: www.davis-standard.com
Davis-Standard (Germany)
Tel: +49 211 2404-0
Fax: +49 211 2404-281
Website: www.davis-standard.com

Downgauging solution for flexible films
Customised solutions for downgauging flexible films were introduced for the first time worldwide at Chinaplas 2015 by DuPont. Ti-Pure DownGaugeTM, the new TiO2 solution from DuPont Titanium Technologies, enables thinner flexible pigmented films and was developed in response to the growing direction towards sustainable performance and operations across many industries. "Brand-owners are looking for ways to improve their sustainability and packaging footprint," noted Guclu Turkoglu, global market segment manager - Plastics, Titanium Technologies. Mr. Turkoglu said Titanium Technologies is propelling its wide experience in TiO2 across the value chain, including masterbatch suppliers, to provide solutions that will achieve thinner flexible films that meet packaging standards for safety, sustainability and marketability. "Ti-Pure DownGauge is all about working with the plastics value chain to co-create innovative TiO2-based solutions for thinner film performance with improved productivity," he explained. The systems solution combines TiO2 knowledge, capabilities, product performance and insights from key influencers in the value chain to cocreate the whitest, brightest films for eyecatching beauty, and superior film opacity, printability and light protection.

DuPont Titanium Technologies
Tel: +41-22 717 5325
Fax: +41-22 717 6150
E-mail: guclu.turkoglu @dupont.com
Website: www.dupont.com

Expanding the market for asphalt
and plastic modifiers Dynasol, the synthetic rubber joint venture of Mexican conglomerate Grupo KUO and Spain's Repsol, recently opened a manufacturing facility in Liaoning, China. This brings to three the production operations, in addition to production facilities in Altamira, Mexico and Santander, Spain, of the world leader in asphalt modifiers and plastics. "Strategically, wherever we do business, there are three main drivers in the synthetic rubber business in general. First, to assure the raw material supply; secondly, have a partner agreement; and third, establish a convenient and stable pricing formula focused more on contract pricing rather than spot pricing," said Raul Olabarrieta, Asia sales director, Dynasol. In Asia, Dynasol will focus on value-added sector and work with local companies that are producing and exporting their high value products that require, technical compounds and adhesives. To that end, they will also work closely with customers in order to understand their needs, help develop formulations and offer troubleshooting services through a newly equipped technical service laboratory. Dynasol will remain active in other applications, such as asphalt, plastic modification like ABS and polystyrene resins and styrene copolymers, and with the future view of entering other sectors, such as low rolling resistance tires, said Mr Olabarrieta.

Dynasol
Tel: +1-281 874 0888
Fax: +1-281 885 1742
E-mail: marketing@dynasol.com.mx
Website: www.dynasolelastomer.com

Delivering superior performance
Strategically focused on functional chemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, and plastics & coatings, Feixiang Group highlighted absorbers and light stabilisers for PVC, PP and plastic products. FENTASORB 531 is an excellent performance and efficient anti-aging additive, which can absorb 240-320 nm UV light, with a light colour, nontoxic, good compatibility, easy processing characteristics. FENTAUNIV 1130 is a liquid UV absorber for paints and coatings that can effectively maintain the lustre, avoid cracking and produce spots explode and surface stripping. FENTASTAB 770 is an antioxidant-rich UV absorber that improves heat resistance and light stability; and FENTASTAB 292 can effectively prevent the coating remains shiny in the sun exposure, avoid cracking and produce spots, greatly improving coating life. Sales director Hua Jiang said Feixiang exports 50 to 60 percent of its products to Asia-Pacific and European markets, and the rest are sold in Mainland China.

Feixiang Group of Companies
Tel: +86-512 5811 0839
Fax: +86-512 5811 0322
Website: www.feixiangchem.com

Customer-oriented strategy
Taiwan's largest manufacturer of plastic extrusion lines, Fong Kee International (FKI) Machinery, is strongly focused on exports and 90% of the company's output is exported. The latest Fong Kee blow moulding machines can be used to produce 0.2- to1000-L containers. Charles Wei, vice chairman and managing director, said FKI is currently working on a fully servo-driven blow moulding machine. "This year our goal is to develop one of the largest, 100% allelectric, blow moulding machine," he said, adding that the machine can be expected to be suitable for the pharmaceutical, household, cosmetic and beverage industry. The servo-driven alternative will be from 40 to 50 percent more expensive than a hydraulic version, but the cost will be offset by savings in power consumption and higher productivity, Mr Wei explained. Until the launch of this new development, FKI will continue its strategy of improving quality and gaining customer respect. "Next year, we will continue to participate in Chinaplas and K in order to reach more customers and direct communicate with them," he said.

Fong Kee International Machinery Co., Ltd.
Tel: +886-6 2532 157
Fax: +886-6 2533 079
E-mail: sales@fki.com
Website: www.fki.com

Keeping it cool
Process cooling specialist Frigel showcased the Ecodry 3DK, which saves up to 95% in water usage compared to a conventional cooling. In addition to improved water consumption, energy use can also be reduced between 20 and 30 percent compared to traditional systems. These solutions are intended to provide cooled water for injection moulding machines and all the auxiliary equipment. The systems are designed to work in virtually any climate to improve manufacturing productivity while keeping costs manageable, said Frigel Asia Pacific president Benjamin Sutch. Frigel offers a program, called "PAYS" for Pay as You Save, which allows small- and medium-sized manufacturers customers to structure the payment on the equipment over the term of the ROI. "So for the customer, it's a very small initial investment and then really, the savings pay for the equipment. So that's a very powerful proposition. Instead of paying for the utility costs, you pay for the equipment," Mr Sutch.

Frigel Firenze S.p.A.
Tel: +39-055 72209 20
E-mail: sales.emea@frigel.com
Website: www.frigel.com
Frigel Asia Pacific Co. Ltd.
Tel: +66 3857 7799
E-mail: sales.fap@frigel.com
Website: www.frigel.com

High-end automation solutions
China's plastics auxiliary equipment industry leader, Guangzhou Wensui Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd, has grown in 25 years of operation to include three wholly owned subsidiaries, two production bases, two R&D platform, and two overseas development centres. Now they are setting their sights on growing their export market further. Wensui automation solutions target material handling and processing, and from the outset have targeted high-end manufacturing companies. "In order to ensure the quality of our equipment, our engineering staff also actively participated in exhibitions at home and abroad, to learn advanced experience," said marketing director Li Dong. "In addition, three years ago, we set up shop in Canada, mainly to absorb foreign expertise, production experience, management and sales aspects." Although international business currently accounts for only 30% of overall business, Mr Li said continued R&D to provide customers with reliable equipment will mean more growth momentum for Wensui exports.

Guangzhou Wensui Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86-20 8485 3668
Fax: +86-20 8455 0068
E-mail: sales@wensui.com
Website: www.wensui.com

Green innovation on the agenda
Diversified international company, Lee Chang Yung Group, is headquartered in Taiwan, and has established factories in China, the United States, and the Middle East. Their portfolio includes polypropylene, thermoplastic rubber, solvents, methanol-related products, silicone and polysilicon. New Business Development manager Debbie Chiu said Lee Chang Yung (LCY) hues to the philosophy that strengthening the group's competitiveness means focusing on research and development. "For example, last year, we established a new R&D centre in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with about 150 staff. We are willing to invest so much money and effort in R&D, because we believe that only through continuous research and innovation can we bring new value to customers," said Ms. Chiu. LCY's green innovation strategy is currently targeting the global trend in environmental protection for polypropylene, so the R&D focus is on clean and sustainable properties, energy savings, transparency and lightweighting while assuring comfort, stability and safety. To address this issue, PP business unit director Hank Chen revealed that one direction towards this goal is utilising the transparent plastic agent NX 8000 from Milliken. "Through the use of this new series of transparency agent, we can help customers improve process speeds, lower power consumption and thus enhance product profitability," he said.

Lee Chang Yung Group
Tel: +886-2 2763 1611
Fax: +886-2 2748 6937
E-mail: lcy@lcygroup.com
Website: www.lcygroup.com

Ground-breaking TPE compounds
Automotive-specific compounds with international automotive manufacturer approval were the focus of Kraiburg TPE. Applications in automotive construction require materials with excellent mechanical properties, and the approvals for latest portfolio for both exterior and interior components open up new applicable scope for the TPE compounds. "International automotive approvals are very important since OEMs in the automotive industry are working to a very high technical standard and supply components worldwide," said Roland Ritter, director Asia Pacific for Kraiburg TPE. Window trim on the exterior, for instance, presents a special challenge but Florida test and Kalahari test, for example, are essential for light fastness and weathering. These special high-flow compounds for window encapsulation allow a homogeneous surface appearance. In automotive construction, as in numerous other market segments, a functioning and coordinated worldwide network is the basic prerequisite for successful international business relations, Mr Ritter said. "At Kraiburg, we can follow up on international approvals to track down and help customers find out about the approval process to fulfil customer requirements for numerous applications in the interior, exterior and motor compartment," he explained.

KRAIBURG TPE China Co., Ltd.
Tel: +852 2164 4882
Fax: +852 2164 4883
E-mail: info-china@kraiburg-tpe.com
Website: www.kraiburg-tpe.com
KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG
Tel: +49 8638 9810-0
Fax: +49 8638 9810-310
E-mail: info@kraiburg-tpe.com
Website: www.kraiburg-tpe.com

Broadcasting a brand
Unlike the majority of exhibitors, Rajoo Engineers did not showcase equipment or technology. Already a dominant player in India, they have installed over 2,000 plastic extrusion equipment in nearly 60 countries,and have strategic partners in the U.S., Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Their latest offering is an extrusion system for wood-plastic composites, but there is little promotion of the technology. Although none of these installations are in China, the rationale for participating in Asia's largest plastics and rubber show is clear: Brand building and exposure to a wide range of visitors from as many markets as possible. "One has to have a very wide basket. Your basket has to be big both in terms of geography and in terms of portfolio, because there are ups and downs. So in spite of all these ups and downs, we've been going because of this strategy," explained Sunil Jain, executive director and president of Rajoo Engineers. Participating in the show is a decision based on due diligence to ensure that almost every visit to their booth is purposeful. "We don't get people here who are just walking through. They come looking for us, with a deliberate agenda," he pointed out. It's a marketing strategy that seems to work even in an uneven global economy. "Our financial year has just ended in March, and we've registered a growth of around 14%," Mr. Jain said.

Rajoo Engineers Limited
Tel: +91 97 1296 2701 / 04 / 06
Fax: +91 28 2725 2700
E-mail: rel@rajoo.com
Website: www.rajoo.com
Iran Representative
FTA Group
Tel: + 982 18 8211 7757
E-mail: info@fta.ir
Website: www.fta.ir
South Africa Representative
Technimac Pty Ltd
Tel: +27 11 882 6630
E-mail: info@technimac.co.za
Website: www.technimac.co.za

High-end extrusion solutions
With over half a century of experience in developing extrusion technology, Reifenhäuser has tagged itself as the "Extrusioneer". Cutting-edge technology backed by total service orientation keeps the plastic extrusion specialist competitive even in challenging markets and in developing economies. In the high-end, high-performance segment, Reifenhäuser is the market leader nonwovens and cast lines in China, and in blown film in Asia. Another strong market is high quality surface protection films, such as those for mobile phones which require 100% clear film. Ralf Pampus, general manager of Reifenhäuser Plastic Machinery (Suzhou), said the company is able to overcome misgivings about their higher priced lines by demonstrating the price performance ratio, for example output, uptime of the line, number of scraps, etc., of the technologies offered. "We have been able to demonstrate this to prospective customers in China, where in the last three to four years we have installed a number of lines," he said. Food packaging, in particular, has not really been affected by economic slowdown and the market for Reifenhäuser extrusion machinery continues to grow. "Our latest technology for blown film lines, nonwoven lines, and also cast lines have been installed here, so when we talk about the latest German technology, such as our 11-layer barrier film technology, we have that installed in China, too," he explained. Prospective customers are then able to see the positive results of such investments in the China market and see the potential in their own markets.

Reifenhäuser Plastic Machinery (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86-512 6568 6036
Fax: +86-512 6568 6031
E-mail: rc-info@reifenhauser.com
Website: www.reifenhauser.com
Reifenhäuser Group
Tel: +49 2241 23510-0
Fax: +49 2241 23510-790
E-mail: info@reifenhauser.com
Website: www.reifenhauser.com