TaipeiPlas 2026: circular materials, AI and automation
TaipeiPlas 2026 attracted buyers from 77 countries. Key topics included circular materials, high-value plastics applications, digitalization, artificial intelligence and the integration of production systems.
Jointly organized by Taitra and the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (Tami), TaipeiPlas 2026 concluded on September 19 at Hall 1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. The five-day event welcomed international buyers from 77 countries. Japan, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand were among the main markets represented. The program and exhibition focused on the transformation taking place in the plastics and rubber industry in response to changing global market conditions. The solutions on display covered circular materials, high-value applications, artificial intelligence-assisted manufacturing and systems integration. Direct business meetings, an industry forum and presentations of solutions related to energy efficiency and the circular economy also formed an important part of the event.
Material innovation and specialized applications
Circular materials and high-value applications were among the main themes of the trade fair. Milliken presented technologies developed to reduce the carbon footprint of polypropylene products. Auspring incorporated recycled PET and materials derived from waste tires into everyday products. Meanwhile, the Plastics Industry Development Center (Pidc), together with Thermolysis, demonstrated new applications for recycled carbon fiber.
Plastics and composites are increasingly used in aerospace, drones, robotics, defense, sports and other specialized fields. Exhibits included fuel grains for next-generation hybrid rocket engines and thermoplastic composite hydrogen tanks. These solutions indicated the development of customized, cross-sector applications that deliver high added value.
AI and automation in integrated manufacturing
Artificial intelligence, digitalization and automation are being integrated ever more closely into manufacturing processes. FCS showcased AI-assisted quality monitoring, Chen Hsong presented production management using the iChen Cloud platform, and Huarong applied AI vision technology to quality inspection.
Arburg presented its new electric Allrounder Trend injection molding machine in Taiwan for the first time. Tenso showcased the TEL-3500SNC3P Cartesian robot, which stands nearly seven meters tall and is designed for large-scale injection molding applications. Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) extended its aerospace manufacturing expertise into digital artificial intelligence applications. During the trade fair, the company also made further progress in discussions concerning potential cooperation.
International contacts and knowledge exchange
TaipeiPlas hosted 318 procurement meetings, enabling exhibitors to establish direct contact with international buyers. Through the matchmaking program, exhibitors met representatives of markets with clearly defined sourcing requirements and cooperation potential, including Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Egypt and Myanmar. Some discussions are already continuing and may lead to cooperation.
The two-day TaipeiPlas Forum attracted nearly 470 participants. Its program covered circular materials, high-value applications in aerospace and robotics, AI-driven digital transformation and the development of next-generation talent. A total of 21 entries from 17 exhibitors reached the final of the TaipeiPlas Award in the materials, products and machinery categories. The projects addressed areas including smart manufacturing, energy efficiency and circular solutions.
Measures to reduce resource consumption
Making its debut at this edition, the "Care About Tomorrow" pavilion used everyday-life scenarios to illustrate the journey of plastics from use and recycling to regeneration. A reusable cup rental program was also introduced, with participation from the organizer and 13 exhibitors. A total of 9,000 cups were loaned over five days. According to the organizers, this reduced demand for single-use cups and potentially avoided emissions estimated at 550 kg of CO2 equivalent.
The five-day TaipeiPlas 2026 trade fair provided a venue for innovation presentations and industry exchange, reflecting the transformation of Taiwan's plastics and rubber industry amid a changing global market. The organizers plan to continue connecting Taiwanese companies with international markets and presenting domestic technologies and innovations internationally.
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