How do you export plastic products?
Global Export Strategy for Plastic Products such as Packaging Materials, Industrial Parts, and Household Goods
Market Overview
The global plastic market is approximately $700 billion, with steady demand in packaging, automotive, construction, and electronics sectors. South Korea, as a petrochemical powerhouse, is competitive from raw materials to finished products, and there has been a recent surge in demand for eco-friendly/bio plastics.
Key Export Markets
💡 In simple terms: "Packaging materials are exported globally, while industrial materials are strong in manufacturing countries!" 📌 Key Markets: • China - The world's largest plastic consumer, industrial and packaging • USA - Demand for high-quality engineering plastics • EU - Strict environmental regulations, preference for recycled/bioplastics • Southeast Asia - Increasing demand alongside manufacturing growth • Middle East - Demand for construction/infrastructure projects 🔑 Key Point: Compliance with environmental regulations for each market (EU REACH, US EPA) is essential!
Mandatory Certification
📋 Key Certifications for Plastic Exports: 【Environmental/Safety Regulations】 • EU REACH - Registration of Chemicals (over 1 ton per year) • RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances (for electronic products) • FDA Approval - Food Contact Plastics in the USA 【Quality Certifications】 • ISO 9001 - Quality Management System • ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System • UL Certification - US Safety Certification (for electronic/electrical products) 【Eco-Friendly Certifications】 • OK Compost - Biodegradable Certification • DIN CERTCO - Bioplastics Certification • Recycling Mark (varies by country) 💡 Tip: Make sure to verify FDA/EU FCM regulations for food-grade plastics!
Buyer Type
🎯 Key Buyers in Plastics: 【Packaging Companies】 • Demand for food/beverage packaging materials • Cosmetic containers (linked to K-beauty) • Pharmaceutical packaging 【Manufacturers (B2B)】 • Automotive parts suppliers - lightweight components • Electronics manufacturers - cases, parts • Construction companies - pipes, window materials 【Distributors/Traders】 • Raw material trading companies • Specialized plastic importers • Buyers of recycled plastics 【New Markets】 • Buyers specializing in bioplastics • Eco-friendly packaging startups
Major Exhibitions
🌍 Major Exhibitions in the Plastics Industry: 【Global TOP Exhibitions】 • K Fair (Düsseldorf, Germany, October, every 3 years) - The world's largest plastics/rubber exhibition - Next event: 2025 • Chinaplas (China, April) - The largest plastics exhibition in Asia - Alternating between Shanghai and Guangzhou • NPE (USA, May, every 3 years) - The largest plastics exhibition in North America 【Regional Exhibitions】 • Plastimagen (Mexico, November) • Arabplast (UAE, January) • Plastindia (India, February) • KOPLAS (South Korea, March)
Buyer Type
Packaging Manufacturer
Food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers
Automotive/Electronic Parts Company
Manufacturing lightweight components, cases, connectors, etc.
Plastic Distributor/Trader
Specialized importer/distributor of raw materials and finished products
Mandatory Certification
Major Exhibitions
| common.tableHeaders.tradeShowName | common.tableHeaders.location | common.tableHeaders.period |
|---|---|---|
| K Fair | Düsseldorf, Germany | October (every 3 years) |
| Chinaplas | Shanghai/Guangzhou, China | April |
| KOPLAS | Korean Cat | March |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is REACH registration mandatory for exporting plastics to the EU?
A. Exporting more than 1 ton of chemical substances (including plastic raw materials) to the EU annually requires REACH registration. However, finished plastic products may not be subject to registration, so please verify the product type.
Q. What is the outlook for eco-friendly plastic exports?
A. The EU's regulations on single-use plastics and the ESG trends in various countries are driving a surge in demand for bioplastics and recycled plastics. The market for biodegradable materials such as PLA and PHA, as well as PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastics, is promising.