CHINAPLAS 2026 Innovation of the Year: A demonstration of strength in driving industry transformation

From the accelerated pursuit of carbon neutrality to the deep integration of AI and automation, and from material breakthroughs to advanced manufacturing upgrades — ""2026 Innovation of the Year"" reflects a strong response to these defining trends.

1. AI & Digitalization: Reshaping Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming production logic in the plastics and rubber industry. ENGEL’s inject AI solution autonomously analyzes production data to detect process consistency, identify deviations and anomalies, enabling higher stability and lower scrap rates. ARBURG’s new Allrounder Trend electric injection molding machine is equipped with an intelligent control system, making smart manufacturing more accessible than ever. When AI meets plastics and rubber, production efficiency and quality control are being redefined.

2. Sustainability: Navigating the Transition to Net Zero
Delrin® ZA delivers 100% reduction in cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint; Clariant’s PFAS-free polymer processing aid delivers both environmental performance and processing excellence. Bluepha’s marine-degradable biopolymer PHA series offers a truly biodegradable material choice for the packaging industry. Teijin’s solvent-based polycarbonate recycling technology unlocks high-quality circular solutions. Sustainability is no longer an option—it has become a necessity.

3. Transcending Material Limits: Enabling New Applications
KRAIBURG TPE’s light-effect TPE material opens new design possibilities for smart cockpits and wearable devices. BASF’s lightweight polyamide series provides ideal material solutions for drones and robotics. Behind every new material lies a commitment to higher performance, lower carbon footprint, and broader application horizons.

4. China High-Tech: Realizing Indigenous Innovation
Indigenous innovation from Chinese companies is equally impressive. Chenhsong Group’s all-electric multi-material two-platen injection molding machine delivers efficient, energy-saving multi-color molding. Yuantian Biotechnology’s enzymatic PET recycling technology offers a breakthrough solution for the circular economy. These innovations mark the accelerating transformation of China’s plastics and rubber industry—from manufacturing to smart manufacturing.

2026 Innovation of the Year brings you an exclusive first look at the most forward-thinking technological breakthroughs. Here, innovation is not only showcased—it is seen, connected, and empowered.

Innovation Related Products

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Innovation Related videos

Industry News

AM and Conductive Polymers: Next-Gen Aerospace Electronics Source: plasticsengineering

A biological material that becomes stronger when wet could replace plastics Source: bist

Breakthrough – Fiber screw caps on a trajectory towards equal or lower in cost than fossil plastic Source: Blue Ocean Closures

A Breakthrough Plastic That Leaves Zero Microplastics Behind Is Here Source: YAHOO NEWS

Reinventing rubber: Plastic Energy announces pioneering recycling breakthrough that could slash emission Source: PLASTICENERGY

WASTE2H2: Converting plastic waste into clean hydrogen and carbon materials Source: INNOVATIONNEWSNETWORK

Plastic Film Micro-Perforation: Technology Comparison for Food Packaging Source: feldman

Advancing Sustainable Polymer Composites in 3D Printing Source: advancedmanufacturing

KraussMaffei goldPower Series ZE 180 Twin-screw Extruder

KRAUSSMAFFEI

The KraussMaffei ZE180 twin-screw extruder series from the goldPower line is specifically designed for high-throughput applications such as large-scale petrochemical production, reactive devolatilization, and film and sheet extrusion. This series inherits globally leading extrusion technology while integrating the innovative expertise of KraussMaffei’s China-based R&D team, achieving major breakthroughs in both productivity and precision.
As a milestone in the localization of large-scale extrusion equipment, the ZE180 is built around the principles of high-end performance, intelligent operation, and green manufacturing. It serves as a key driving force for upgrading the advanced materials industry and enabling greater technological independence in critical equipment.

inject AI Solution - iQ process observer - EVA – ENGEL virtual assistant - iQ weight control

ENGEL MACHINERY (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

inject AI is ENGEL’s digital solution portfolio and the next step in making injection moulding production future-ready and competitive. Three prodcuct highlights illustrate this approach: iQ process observer analyses production data autonomously, detects process consistency, deviations and anomalies, and provides optimisation recommendations for stable, transparent manufacturing. EVA, the ENGEL Virtual Assistant, delivers precise answers from ENGEL documentation via a language-model-based assistant, reducing search time, service effort and errors. iQ weight control automatically compensates for viscosity and process fluctuations shot by shot, keeping filling behaviour and part weight stable while reducing start-up losses, rejects and material consumption. Together, these solutions demonstrate how inject AI transforms data into actionable intelligence, enabling more efficient, stable and sustainable injection moulding production.

SFM15MA Slitting and Folding Machine

SACMI IMOLA S.C.

1. SFM15MA: Is the fastest slitter in the market, providing an outstanding ROI for high output production, up to 3,000 caps/minute, ensuring the shortest conversion time to and from tethered and traditional slitting patterns.
2. It digitalizes the process through two features, entirely designed and manufactured by SACMI:
- CVS embedded vision inspection system for checking the whole cap surface, taking advantage of AI algorithms,
- SMARTPACK™ the hardware and software kit for fast and effective action on the process.
3. SFM15MA can self-adjust the slitting action according to inline quality control of the tamper evidence band. This brings the slitting process to a whole new level of automation.

Automatic Sheet Feeding Device

ASANO LABORATORIES CO., LTD.

In separate-type thermoforming lines like ours, transferring and positioning formed sheets from the forming machine to the trimming machine has traditionally required manual handling. Due to the workload and operational complexity, many customers have hesitated to adopt separate-line systems.
Our new solution was developed to overcome this challenge. By using sensors to detect the formed products and automatically align them, the system eliminates the need for operators to manually set and position sheets in the trimming machine. This enables customers to maintain the flexibility of a separate line while significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing labor workload.
At CHINAPLAS 2026, our theme is “High-Speed Lunch Box Production” and “Reduction of Labor Workload.” We will showcase these innovative technologies and warmly welcome you to visit us.

SA series Outward Toggle Injection Molding Machine

FCS GROUP

Servo injection closed-loop system could accurately control the speed of each shot, the injection time stability is >99.9%, and with stable molding product weight；The clamping force is directly applied to the center of moving platen, and the mold is uniformly stressed, reducing the probability of defective products and improving product yield；The length of the clamping unit is shortened by 23% and the floor space is reduced, which could improve plant utilization； Increase the mold opening stroke by 18% and suitable for molding plastic products with deep depth.

BASF offers the new Ultramid® FR HTPA portfolio as a high-performance solution for metal-insert overmolded parts of EV

BASF (CHINA) CO LTD

Ultramid® FR HTPA materials showed no cracking after 1,000 cycles between -40°C and 150°C, while retaining dielectric strength and volume resistivity at elevated temperatures. The materials deliver a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 V, significantly higher than typical PPS solution), enabling greater design freedom for high voltage components featuring metal-insert overmolded.

The Ultramid® FR HTPA series features:
• Lower density (approx. -10%) for reduced component weight
• Improved toughness and processing stability
• Superior surface finish, colorability and laser marking capability
• Better recyclability potential

Novel SEBS GP-9430 for High-Oil Extended Formulations and Ultra-Soft Compounding Applications

LCY CHEMICAL CORP.

Distinguished from conventional SEBS grades, Globalprene 9430 features a unique polymer structure specifically designed for high-oil-extended applications. Once oil-extended, it delivers a dry, refined tactile feel and elastic recovery comparable to silicone and latex. Key advantages include:

･ Excellent oil-holding ability under high oil-extended recipe
･ Outstanding elasticity and stiffness
･ Low compression set and balanced tear strength
･ Comfortable and soft touch

The high oil-extended TPE solution, Globalprene 9430 is ideal for ultra-soft compounding, stress-relief toys, mattresses, cushions and intimate products. They deliver a premium soft-touch surface with elasticity for a more comfortable, skin-friendly interaction, while showing strong potential for robotic skin.

Delrin® Zero Attributed (ZA)

DELRIN SPECIALTY MATERIALS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

Delrin® ZA delivers 100% reduction in cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint, enabled through a combination of ultra-low carbon methanol, 100% certified renewable electricity, and sustainable steam.

Food-grade PCR-PP has obtained recognition of the application scope A-H in the Letter of No Objection (NOL)

KINGFA SCI. & TECH. CO., LTD

By adopting intelligent sorting, washing and impurity removal technologies, impurities in PCR-PP raw materials are effectively removed. The raw materials are then subjected to NOL-certified special melt granulation and deodorization processes, which further effectively eliminate trace hazardous substance residues in the PCR-PP material. As a result, the PCR-PP product can meet food migration requirements.
The downstream application temperature range of the authorized food-grade PCR-PP is A–H, meaning the food-grade PCR product is suitable for the full spectrum of application scenarios from high-temperature sterilization and filling to low-temperature freezing and refrigeration.

KRAIBURG TPE’s Light Effect TPE Solution Fuels Design Innovation in Smart Electronics and Automotive Interiors

KRAIBURG TPE

･ Ahead of the Curve with Light Effect TPE
･ As vehicle cabins become more intelligent, the Light Effect TPE series blends functionality with aesthetics. These compounds (0.89 g/cm³ density; 60 Shore A) offer excellent flowability and multi-component molding compatibility, enabling high-precision production. With 10 MPa tensile strength and 700% elongation, they are ideal for flexible parts like light guides and haptic surfaces. Their highlight transmissibility supports ambient and backlit designs in dashboards and consoles.
･ Beyond design, Light Effect TPE meets rigorous automotive standards. It is halogen-free (IEC 61249-2-21), flame-retardant, and heat-resistant to 85°C. By complying with VDA 278 and VDA 270, these materials ensure low VOC and fogging for better air quality. Their lightweight nature also supports EV efficiency, while vibration-damping properties enhance driving comfort.
･ Smart Electronics: Light Transmission & Enhanced UX
･ The series allows light to pass through housing for a clean look in VR gear, smart speakers, and gaming consoles. It creates diffused light paths for interfaces and backlit icons, enhancing interactivity. Engineered for durability, it features excellent PP adhesion and UV resistance. Its soft-touch ergonomics provide comfort for wearables, while high moldability grants manufacturers the freedom to innovate with complex designs.

Enzymatic Recycling PET、PA6

YUANTIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY (TIANJIN) CO.,LTD.

The enzymatic recycling technology efficiently degrades waste PET plastic into rPTA and rEG monomers under normal temperature and pressure. These monomers are repolymerized into high-quality recycled rbPET, creating a closed-loop chain from mixed textile waste to recycled plastics. It provides a breakthrough solution for degrading blended fabrics, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by nearly 60% compared to virgin production. Products are widely used in food packaging and textile fibers, enabling high-value sustainable recycling and offering an innovative solution to combat plastic pollution and achieve "dual carbon" goals.

Car-to-Car ELV Recycled PP (rPP) Resin

DA FON ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Da Fon's Car-to-Car ELV rPP resin is produced exclusively from end-of-life vehicle (ELV) bumpers and plastic body components collected through Da Fon's own vehicle dismantling site in Tainan, Taiwan. Sourced feedstock undergoes a proprietary process of crushing, paint-coating removal, density separation, washing, and pelletizing to yield automotive-grade recycled polypropylene (rPP) at 200 MT per month. The material achieves true car-to-car circularity: plastic waste from scrapped vehicles is transformed back into material for new car parts. This is directly aligned with the EU's landmark ELV Regulation (provisional agreement, December 2025), which mandates a minimum of 15% recycled plastic in new vehicles within 6 years, rising to 25% within 10 years, with a specific portion required to derive from ELV sources. Da Fon's vertically integrated model ensures full traceability, consistent quality, and a certified post-consumer recycled supply chain for global automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.

AddWorks PPA PFAS-free polymer processing aid

CLARIANT CHEMICALS TECHNOLOGY (SHANGHAI) LTD.

AddWorks PPA is a PFAS-free polymer processing aid product series, recommended for use in polyethylene blown and cast film extrusion processes. It reduces melt fracture and die build-up while maintaining good extrusion processability without negatively affecting the typical film properties. Free of inorganic, silicone or siloxane substances. Regulatory compliance and broadly applicable, including food contact and food packaging applications

Trilliant™ HC Healthcare Thermoplastic for Auto Injector

AVIENT CORPORATION

Highlights include:
･ Biocompatible functional additives, precise custom color matching services, engineered materials for demanding performance requirements
･ ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facilities, solutions compliant with ISO 10993 and USP Class VI, global manufacturing and product management, and bio-based polymer solutions that reduce carbon footprint
･ Reduce friction and improve durability
･ Good strength and stiffness
･ Dimensional stability

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