The Plastics Show NPE 2024: Global gathering for plastics innovation

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Plastics Industry Association

CUMSA

AMPCO METAL Deutschland GbmH

Renishaw plc

Produced by the Plastics Industry Association, NPE 2024 will be held 6-10 May 2024 in Orlando, Florida. This event is one of the largest and most anticipated in the plastics industry, attracting attendees and exhibitors from around the world.

NPE2024 will occupy the West and North/South buildings of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, USA, covering an impressive 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. The event is expected to attract over 55,000 attendees from more than 110 countries, representing a broad spectrum of the plastics industry. From C-suite executives to students, attendees will include professionals from sectors as diverse as automotive, construction, consumer products and more, underscoring the show's global importance and appeal.

With more than 2,000 companies, including 355 first-time exhibitors, NPE2024 will showcase a wide range of innovations across the plastics industry. Highlights include cutting-edge automated robotics, advances in 3D and 4D printing technologies, and the latest developments in industrial polymers and mould components.

Dedicated technology zones

In order to guarantee visitors a targeted visit to the trade fair, the event features six specialist Technology Zones, each dedicated to the latest advances in plastics:

• Bottle Zone: A focus on the latest in bottling technologies, from barrier innovations to blow moulding equipment.

• Recycling & Sustainability Zone: This zone will showcase new technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, increasing the use of recycled materials and promoting renewable resources.

• Materials Science Zone: Visitors can expect to explore new applications for additives, colourants, resins and polymers.

• Advanced Manufacturing Zone: This area will highlight key advances in medical materials and automotive safety.

• Moldmaking Zone: The future of mould design and manufacture will be on display, showcasing ground-breaking techniques and tools.

• Packaging Zone: This zone will showcase the latest in automation, printing and design for both flexible and rigid packaging.

Other programme highlights

In addition to the exhibition, NPE2024 will feature a comprehensive programme of more than 100 speaker presentations focused on innovation, sustainability and industry collaboration. New to this year's program is the Circularity Hub, which will provide insights into the plastics circular economy.

The Women in Plastics Breakfast, which will be held on Tuesday, May 7, from 7:30 am – 9:00 am ET, is one of many networking events at NPE2024 designed to connect industry veterans and young professionals. The organisers confirmed the participation of Kerrie Greenfelder, Engineering Director for Burns & McDonnell’s Water Division, as their speaker at the Women in Plastics Breakfast. Greenfelder’s session is entitled: “Sorry, I’m Not Sorry” (A Tale of Unapologetic Ambition). “The Women in Plastics Breakfast is an incredible opportunity to hear from strong female leaders. Kerrie’s story of empathy and ambition is an inspiration to our community, and we are honored and excited to unite generations of women in this industry,” said Ashley Hood-Morley, Vice President of Industry Engagement at Plastics.

The Plastics Industry Association also announced the participation of Michael Heinz, Chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation, as one of two keynote speakers. Heinz will address topics including challenges facing the industry, the importance of collaboration along the value chain, and the future of sustainability during his keynote session, “Our Plastics Journey: The Road to a Sustainable Future”. His participation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, at 8 a.m. in the Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center.

Focus on bioplastics and sustainability

The show will also serve as a central platform for over 45 bioplastics exhibitors, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the Americas. Leading companies will showcase advances in bioplastic polymers and additives, with an emphasis on sustainability solutions. The Sustainability Hub, introduced by Plastics' Vice President of Sustainability, Patrick Krieger, will feature action-oriented displays on renewable feedstocks and energy-efficient manufacturing, among other topics, to inspire attendees to adopt sustainable industry practices.

Global influence and exchange

As a premier global platform, NPE2024 fosters international dialogue and collaboration with exhibitors from 34 countries and more than 360 first-time exhibitors. In addition to fostering global relationships, the event promotes technological innovation, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the plastics industry.

As NPE2024 approaches, it stands as a vital event for learning, networking and discovering the latest technological innovations, reinforcing its role at the forefront of the global plastics industry. (ast)

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