Extrusion International 6-2017

30 Extrusion International 6/2017 IPF JAPAN 2017 IPF Japan 2017: Focus on Industry 4.0, Automation and Composite Materials We discussed the challenges of plastics industry and the goals pursued by the fair with Mr. Minoru Shibata, the Secretary General of the International Plastic Fair Associa- tion. In 2017 IPF reached its ninth edition. How has the event progressed since 1994? As usual, we occupy the same venue, Makuhari Messe. And traditionally most exhibitors are from Japan. But the difference lies in the nationality of foreign participants. Previously many oversea exhibitors come from Europe: Italy, Germany, Austria. Nowadays less European compa- nies arrive to showcase here. Some of them have come to exhibit through their Japanese agents. At the same time there are more companies from China, Korea and Taiwan. Especially Taiwanese are active in the Japanese market. Besides, we witness more oversea visitors for the recent years. From 24 to 28 October 2017, Makuhari Messe in Chiba hosted IPF Japan 2017, International Plastic Fair. Held every 3 years, it was the 9th issue of the event organized by the International Plastic Fair Association. In 2017 it gathered 778 companies and attracted more than 40.000 visitors. IPF Japan 2017 Opening ceremony Mr. Minoru Shibata, Secretary General of the International Plastic Fair Association