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Apr 12, 2024

RX Tradex Collaborates with 7 Partners to Organise Thailand's First Showcase of Bio

Don't Miss the "Sustainovation Showcase" at "Manufacturing Expo 2023" from June 21st to 24th at BITEC PUBLISHED : 12 Jun 2023 at 11:55 RX Tradex has partnered with academic institutions and business

Don't Miss the "Sustainovation Showcase" at "Manufacturing Expo 2023" from June 21st to 24th at BITEC

PUBLISHED : 12 Jun 2023 at 11:55

RX Tradex has partnered with academic institutions and business owners in the plastic, printing, and surface coating industries to organise a showcase of innovative production methods.

The showcase will demonstrate an end-to-end bio-plastic goods production line, featuring an intelligent plastic injection moulding machine from Austria and cassava-based materials. This collaborative initiative aims to address sustainable waste accumulation. The special zone, called the "Sustainovation Showcase," will be featured at "Manufacturing Expo 2023," the most comprehensive machinery and technology trade exhibition for manufacturing and supporting industries in the ASEAN region. The event is scheduled to take place from June 21st to 24th, 2023, at BITEC Bangna.

Ms. Sirirat Sungvichai, Exhibition Management Director of RX Tradex (formerly Reed Tradex), stated that RX Tradex has partnered with seven organisations, including Engel Machinery

(Thailand), Motan (Thailand), Matsui (Asia), the Mitr phol Group, Thai Tool and Die Industry Association (TDIA), the College of Industrial Technology King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, and Thailand Electroplating Industrial Network Association (TEPNET). These partnerships will enable the showcasing of plastic product injection using bio-based materials and a high-quality injection moulding machine from Europe. The demonstration of this process will take place at the Sustainovation Showcase zone during Manufacturing Expo 2023, which is the most comprehensive machinery and technology trade exhibition for manufacturing and supporting industries in the ASEAN region.

"The Sustainovation Showcase is a significant highlight of Manufacturing Expo as it presents a comprehensive sustainable plastics production line. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a continuous workflow, starting from the production process of plastic products using an all-electric injection moulding machine. These products will be made from cassava-based plastic pellets and undergo surface preparation before they are ready to be used. Each stage of the production process is environmentally friendly, and the resulting products are biodegradable, posing no harm to the environment," said Sirirat.

Associate Professor Dr. Chedthawut Poompipatpong, Associate Dean for Research & Innovation Promotion at the College of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, emphasised the significance of the plastic components manufacturing industry in the country. This industry plays a vital role in supporting sectors such as automotive component production, packaging production, medical device components, and various communication equipment components. Thailand is recognised as a leader in plastic component production in the region, and there has been rapid growth in the mould and plastic injection industries in recent years. The country has benefited from technology transfer from countries including Austria, China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Looking ahead, the trend of producing plastic components using a blend of natural materials, known as bioplastics, is gaining momentum due to the need to address waste issues, enhance waste management, and create value from agricultural crops.

Mr. Aram Tongurai, Managing Director of Engel Machinery (Thailand) Co., Ltd., described the featured machine in this year's showcase as an all-electric plastic injection moulding machine. Specifically, it is the ENGEL e-mac all-electric machine, which is compact in size and suitable for standard injection moulding

applications with a minimum cycle time of 6 seconds. Its flexibility and compactness enable the incorporation of various additional options and the production of a wide range of products. The ENGEL e-mac is also well-suited for use in clean rooms, helping to save space within the factory. Its all-electric drive concept ensures high energy efficiency and precise movements, resulting in greater energy savings compared to conventional machines. Mr. Tongurai highlighted the considerations specific to the use of bio-based plastic pellets in this showcase, as they differ from recycled or partially recycled plastics. Bio-based plastic pellets are a new material derived from a single source, ensuring consistent pellet quality. They can seamlessly adapt to traditional production processes with minimal modifications. However, there are complexities involved, such as determining the appropriate temperature and addressing potential impacts of material moisture, which can restrict the injection process compared to using new plastic pellets. Therefore, utilising all-electric machines like the ENGEL e-mac enables precise control over the production process. Furthermore, the machine provides extensive data on the injection process, including viscosity differences compared to reference viscosity. This data simplifies material injection adjustments by clearly identifying areas that require modifications.

"In essence, the process of injecting bio-based plastic pellets follows similar principles and procedures as virgin plastic pellets. However, specific adjustments and settings are required due to the narrower injection window for bio-based plastic injection compared to virgin plastics. Both types necessitate considerations such as shot weight, cycle time, productivity, mould properties, and material characteristics, including different injection temperatures. Therefore, injection machines need to offer flexibility and precision to achieve consistent and reliable production. For instance, the ENGEL e-mac all-electric machine provides high precision and energy efficiency while adapting to customer requirements. Technologies like ENGEL iQ weight control assist manufacturers in alleviating concerns about injection adjustments by intelligently compensating for process variations, resulting in consistent product weight."

Mr. Chalermpol Hoonpongsimanont, Executive Vice President of the New Business Group at Mitr Phol Group, highlighted the commitment of Mitr Phol Biotech Co., Ltd., one of the companies within the group's "Bio-based" division, to drive innovation and create a sustainable environmental future. The company aims to revolutionise the plastics industry by developing and implementing innovative technologies that add value to agricultural products such as sugarcane and cassava, which are key economic crops in

Thailand. The goal is to produce biodegradable products that contribute to environmental preservation. Mr. Hoonpongsimanont expressed confidence in the growth potential of the plastics industry while emphasising the importance of environmental care. By leveraging bio-based plastics derived from agricultural products, plastic packaging manufacturers can seamlessly substitute conventional plastic pellets without the need to modify their machinery and moulds. This presents a new alternative for the plastics industry to meet consumer trends and make a positive impact on environmental crises and carbon emissions.

Professor Dr. Yuttanant Boonyongmaneerat, President of the Thailand Electroplating Industrial Network Association (TEPNET), outlined the association's mission to drive technological advancements and enhance the capabilities of the metal plating and coating industry in Thailand for both domestic and international markets. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector, academia, research institutions, government agencies, and international networks. TEPNET is committed to supporting entrepreneurs through initiatives such as human resource development, environmental management, and technological advancements. Professor Dr. Boonyongmaneerat expressed enthusiasm for supporting the Sustainovation Showcase,

which aims to disseminate knowledge and exchange ideas about cutting-edge technology in environmentally friendly material production. TEPNET will present new forms of plating and coating technology, such as plating bio-plastics and 3D printing, and offer consulting services to entrepreneurs in the surface plating and materials field. The association hopes that this support will create opportunities, foster networking, and enhance the competitiveness of entrepreneurs.

Sirirat reiterated the significance of the Sustainovation Showcase, being the first of its kind in Thailand to demonstrate the entire process of producing bio-based plastics, from feeding bio-based raw materials into the injection moulding machine to obtaining finished products ready for use. The collaboration between stakeholders, including Mitr Phol Group for bio-based raw materials, Engel Machinery (Thailand) for injection moulding technology from Austria, Motan (Thailand) for supporting injection equipment, Thai Tool and Die Industry Association (TDIA) for consultation on suitable moulds, Thailand Electroplating Industrial Network Association (TEPNET) for consultation on plating and coating, and King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok for consultation and mould experimentation, ensures compatibility with different bio-based materials.

"After six months of preparation, RX Tradex would like to express gratitude to all partner organisations who have made this showcase possible. We believe that attendees will gain valuable knowledge and inspiration that can be applied to their own production of bio-based plastic products." The Sustainovation Showcase is part of Manufacturing Expo 2023, scheduled to take place from June 21st to 24th, 2023, at BITEC Bangna (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre). Those interested in attending the event can find additional information and pre-register at www.manufacturing-expo.com. Participants will also have the opportunity to win commemorative souvenirs.

For further inquiries, please contact the RX Tradex Contact Center at 0 2686 7222 or email [email protected].