Get into the Zone: Flexible Vinyl
The Flexible Vinyl Zone showcases the latest trends in vinyl across industries, including the medical, automotive, construction, packaging and consumer products industries.

NPE2018 Breaks Records for Exhibit Space Requested, Sold
NPE2018 has already broken its own records for space requested and sold to exhibitors, and PLASTICS is looking to set more records drawing closer to the May event.

Get into the Zone: Business and Finance
NPE2018’s Business and Finance Zone showcases the business side of manufacturing, including representatives from insurance, publishing, monitoring technology, finance and more.

Recycling/Scrap Reclaim at NPE2018: Technology Focuses on Boosting Regrind Consistency, Pellet Quality
There will be no shortage of new technology and highlights of the latest trends in recycling and sustainability at NPE2018.

Get into the Zone: International Pavilions
Eighteen international pavilions spread out around the show floors bring plastics manufacturing professionals together from around the globe for NPE2018.

Get into the Zone: Material Science
The Material Science Zone is “innovation alley” for attendees at NPE2018, showcasing material science innovations in durability, cost-efficiency and more.

Don't Miss The Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit
The 2018 Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit (Tuesday, May 8 – Thursday, May 10) is co-located with the expanded Re|focus Zone. New this year: The Sustainability Lounge.

The Then and Now of NPE
Matt Naitove, executive editor of Plastics Technology, shares the experiences and insights he’s gained from attending 15 NPEs since 1973. 

Get into the Zone: Medical Parts Processing
  The Medical Parts Processing Zone is a new specialized exhibit area at NPE2018, driven by the fast-growing field of medical devices. “There are a lot of single-use medical devices being made from plastic right now,” says NPE2018 Chairman Glenn Anderson. “Think of devices like syringes and inhalers. Given the aging population, medical device manufacturing is expected to rise 3% each year until 2023.”  

Get into the Zone: 3D/4D Printing
Expect to see exhibitors representing three countries and a range of industries, from automotive to healthcare and everything in between, all putting on display the wide variety of uses for 3D/4D printing in today’s rapidly digitalizing world. Here visitors will see the technologies enabling many companies to produce prototypes, mold components, and even finished parts directly from digital files.

Get into the Zone: Moldmaking
  One of the largest zones at NPE2018, the Moldmaking Zone features the latest technology in mold making and brings together professionals from across the field of manufacturing. According to Glenn Anderson, Chairman of NPE2018 and v.p., Strategic Account Development for Milacron, attendees and exhibitors should expect to see a little of everything in this zone.  

Examining the Big Themes at NPE2018
Check out the publication that was poly-bagged with this issue to get a big picture view of what’s coming up at the giant show in May. Here’s a preview.

Immediate Expensing Set to Boost Buyers at NPE2018: The Plastics Show
The full and immediate capital expensing provision, enacted in the U.S. late last year, allows American companies to write off 100 percent of the cost of capital equipment purchases made between September 27, 2017 and January 1, 2023. Much of the cutting-edge technology on display at NPE qualifies as capital equipment, meaning this provision could greatly influence buying decisions on the trade show floor.

Get into the Zone: Re|focus
At NPE2018, the new Re|focus Zone displays the latest trends in sustainable solutions and green manufacturing. Something new to look for in the Re|focus Zone is the Sustainability Lounge, a space to learn about PLASTICS and how companies can get involved in the sustainable initiatives they offer. 

Getting to Orlando, Where to Stay for NPE2018
Orlando is a premier destination not just for its sunny skies and friendly mouse, but also because it’s just so darn easy to travel into. Hosting dozens of airlines, convenient ground transportation and fabulous hotels, getting to and staying at NPE2018 couldn’t be simpler.

Get into the Zone: Processors
The Processors Zone returns for NPE2018 to showcase what’s new and noteworthy this year in the world of plastics processing. “The Processors Zone is the place to go to find applications, processes, and technologies that turn raw materials into plastic parts,” according to Glenn Anderson, NPE2018 Chairman and v.p., Strategic Account Development for Milacron.

Fun Facts About NPE2018
How many football fields worth of exhibit space will NPE2018 have? Here’s some interesting information about this year’s show!