Brasilplast is hoping a name change to Feiplastic will better reflect its evolution into a global plastics event. Show organizer Reed Exhibitions Alcantara Machado said the new name will be in place for the 2013 edition of the biennial São Paulo event, which will take place next year from May 20-24 at the Anhembi Center.

In addition to the name change, organizers plan to expand the exhibition area from 78,000 sq m to 85,000 sq m. Reed Exhibitions Alcantara Machado expects next year's event to draw 1400 domestic and international exhibitors and 70,000 visitors, with investments for Feiplastic 2013 amounting to BRL 5 million (euro 2 million/$2.45 million). The 2011 edition of Brasilplast drew 1390 exhibitors, with 504 coming from outside Brazil. Total attendance was reported to be above 65,000.

Feiplastic is supported by the Brazilian plastics association Abiplast, the Brazilian macinery suppliers association ABIMAQ, and the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (ABIQUIM). Abiplast President José Ricardo Roriz explained the changes to the fair at a July launch event. "Brazil is becoming stronger and stronger in Latin America, opening doors to other markets, and Feiplastic is here to satisfy this new reality."

The plastics industry is the third biggest industrial employer in Brazil, employing 190,000 people in the state of São Paulo alone, making the industry the second largest employer at the end of 2011. Nationally, the industry supports 380,000 direct jobs.

Anhembi