Smart Molding International 1-2026

24 smart_molding interna onal 1/2026 CHINAPLAS 2026 commanding heights of AI applications and empower industries across the spectrum. At the very start of 2026, a series of policy measures were introduced nationwide, accelerating innovation in the integration of “AI+ manufacturing”. From industrial chain collaboration and upgrading to precise empowerment of SMEs, AI technologies are now being fully embedded across all aspects of the manufacturing sector. Addressing the inefficiencies and low fault-tolerance of traditional manual quality inspection, AI technologies are now delivering a breakthrough solution, which precisely detecting micron-level defects while continuously learning and iterating inspection standards, ensuring that even the smallest flaws are exposed. Good Vision & Motion will showcase a high-speed quality inspection system at CHINAPLAS 2026. Combining advanced vision technology with AI algorithms, it enables real-time quality monitoring and defect detection on high-speed production lines, completing comprehensive product evaluations within milliseconds. Jeenar will present its AI valve-bag inspection system, which detects and eliminates defects during production, reducing labor costs and improving product stability. ENGEL has introduced injectAI, an iQ process observer system equipped with AI that can automatically analyze more than 1,000 parameters in real time, accurately identifying production deviations and providing optimization suggestions. The Recommendations also emphasizes accelerating a comprehensive green transformation. The plastics and rubber industries, as a vital part of manufacturing, are driving circular development through innovation, building an infinite loop ecosystemof “production–use–recycling– regeneration,” turning waste into a new starting point for the circular economy. BASF, in collaboration with Porsche and BSR, completed the world’s first pilot project for recycling mixed end-of-life vehicle waste. Using gasification technology, complex residues (including plastics, films, paints, and foams, which were traditionally managed through thermal recovery methods) were converted into syngas and derivatives, which replaced fossil feedstocks in BASF’s integrated value chain to produce polyurethane formulations for new car steering wheels, achieving a closed loop of “scrap parts → raw materials → new parts”. Boretech has developed three customized “rebirth solutions” — glycolysis, microwave alcoholysis, and solvent processes — targeting PET, PP, PE, and composite/dyed plastics. These establish efficient chemical recycling systems that transform waste plastics into high-quality recycled raw materials. Recycled plastics, bio-based and degradable materials, recycling technologies, digital solutions, and energy-efficient equipment will be the highlights of CHINAPLAS 2026, with live demonstrations bringing the intelligent and green vision of the “15th Five-Year Plan” into reality. Expanding High-Level Openness: A Global Mee ng Place 2026 marks the opening year of the “15th Five-Year Plan” and a pivotal year for China to demonstrate resilience and vitality amid complex global economic conditions. The Recommendations underscores expanding high-level openne s s , p romo t i ng two -way investment cooperation, and guiding cross-border industrial and supply chain layouts. Chinese enterprises are moving from “products going global” to “industrial chains going global” and “ecosystems going global.” BYD is building a plant in Hungary. SAIC Group has partnered with a Turkish company to establish a manufacturing facility. CATL has launched its third European battery plant in Spain. Kingfa has scaled production in Vietnam and Spain, while advancing overseas bases in Poland, Mexico, and South Africa. IZUMI has established subsidiaries in 12 countries, including Germany, the U.S., India, Turkey, and Mexico. By the end of 2025, Chinese enterprises had set up more than 50,000 overseas companies across 190 countries and regions. In the meantime, foreign investors continue to expand in China. In 2025, actual foreign investment reached RMB 747.69 billion, with 70,392 newly established foreign-funded enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 19.1%. Here are the examples: Forvia from France expanded its plant in Changshu, Jiangsu. BASF’s Zhanjiang integrated base launched a one-million-ton ethylene unit. Covestro opened a new TPU production facility in Zhuhai. Against this backdrop of “going out” and “bringing in,” the value of international trade platforms is increasingly prominent. As a hub for face-to-face technical exchange and business matchmaking, CHINAPLAS effectively breaks information barriers, builds industry consensus, and strengthens collaborative innovation. It provides Chinese enterprises with channels to connectwithoverseasmarkets and adapt to regional needs, while offering foreign companies a window into China’s manufacturing strength and innovation capabilities. With decades of accumulated influence, CHINAPLAS has become the global meeting place for the plastics and rubber industries, continuously attracting exhibitors and buyers worldwide. Adsale Exhibi on Services www.chinaplasonline.com