TaipeiPlas 2026 closes successfully, charting anew landscape for the plastics and rubber industry
Co-organised by TAITRA and the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), TaipeiPlas 2026 concluded on Sept. 19 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, Hall 1. The five-day show welcomed international buyers from 77 countries, with Japan, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand among the major markets. From circular materials and high-value applications to AI-powered manufacturing and system integration, TaipeiPlas highlighted the industry’s ongoing transformation in response to a changing global market.
Material innovation expands high-value applications
Circular materials and high-value applications were key highlights this year. Milliken presented technologies designed to reduce the carbon footprint of polypropylene products; Auspring incorporated recycled PET and materials derived from waste tyres into everyday products; while the Plastics Industry Development Center (PIDC), together with Thermolysis, demonstrated new applications for recycled carbon fibre.
Plastics and composites are increasingly expanding into aerospace, drones, robotics, defense, sports, and other specialised fields. Exhibits including next-generation hybrid rocket fuel grains and thermoplastic composite hydrogen tanks reflected the industry’s move toward customized, high-value, and cross-sector applications.
AI and automation move toward system integration
AI, digitalisation, and automation are becoming more deeply integrated into manufacturing. FCS showcased AI-enabled quality monitoring, Chen Hsong demonstrated production management through its iChenCloud platform, while Huarong applied AI vision technology to quality inspection.
Arburg debuted its new electric AllRounder Trend in Taiwan, while Tenso showcased its nearly seven-metre-tall Tel-3500SNC3P Cartesian robot for large injection moulding applications. Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) also extended its aerospace manufacturing expertise into digital AI applications and made further progress on potential cooperation during the show.
Global connections and industry exchange
TaipeiPlas facilitated 318 procurement meetings, connecting exhibitors directly with international buyers. Through the show’s matchmaking program, exhibitors met buyers with clear sourcing needs and cooperation potential from Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Egypt, Myanmar, and other markets. Some discussions are already moving toward further engagement and potential partnerships.
The two-day TaipeiPlas Forum attracted nearly 470 participants, covering circular materials, high-value applications in aerospace and robotics, AI-driven digital transformation, and next-generation talent. The TaipeiPlas Award featured 21 finalist entries from 17 exhibitors across materials, products, and machinery, highlighting developments in smart manufacturing, energy efficiency, and circular solutions.
Making its debut this year, the “Care About Tomorrow” Pavilion used everyday-life scenarios to illustrate the journey of plastics from use and recycling to regeneration.
The show also introduced a reusable cup rental program, joined by the organiser and 13 exhibitors. A total of 9,000 cups were loaned during the five-day show, helping reduce demand for single-use cups and potentially avoiding an estimated 550 kg CO₂e in emissions.
Expanding global reach
After five days of innovation and industry exchange, TaipeiPlas concluded with strong prospects, showcasing the resilience and transformation of Taiwan’s plastics and rubber industry amid a changing global market. Building on connections made at the show, TaipeiPlas will continue to link Taiwan’s industry with global markets and bring more Taiwanese technologies and innovations to the international stage.
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