Plastics can be divided into conventional plastics and special plastics according to their uses. Conventional plastics include general-purpose and engineering plastics; special plastics are functional plastic materials. These are high-tech materials that use general-purpose and engineering plastics as a base, which are then filled, blended or reinforced for specific performance purposes or to improve flame retardancy, strength, impact resistance and toughness. Examples include magnetic permeability materials, medical polymers, photosensitive materials and pearlescent materials. 

Functional plastic materials have been widely used in various fields and have recently become more common in many South–East Asian countries and some developing countries in Latin America. Due to a lack of research and development in functional plastics in these countries and regions, most rely on imports from abroad. As a result, functional plastic products are expensive, and large-scale promotion and application are unsuccessful. 

Functional plastic materials are convenient because of their unique performance and advantages, but incorrect use will harm the environment. This project relies on technology to make up for the deficiencies of general-purpose plastics. It seeks to improve product performance, explore simple recycling options and analyse environmentally degradable performance for sustainable development. 

This project focuses on a series of research, development and processing technologies for functional plastic materials. It aims to improve their range of application and promote these technologies in developing countries. The ultimate goal is to improve the functional plastic industry to increase industrial output and workers’ incomes in developing countries. This project also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?(SDGs) that promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation. 

The project’s main partners are official institutions, private enterprises, universities and scientific research institutes in China, Indonesia and Malaysia. These include the Fujian Provincial Science and Technology Exchange Center with Foreign Countries; Fuzhou Fusu Science and Technology Research Institute; Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association; International Islamic University Malaysia; Dragonpak Industries (M) Sdn Bhd; PT. ABPS Technology Batam; Krida Wacana Christian University; PT. Stellarway Indonesia; and PT. Arya Wiraraja Plastikindo.  

Participating partners from China, Indonesia and Malaysia jointly analysed the problems that Malaysian and Indonesian companies encountered in production. Chinese technical personnel primarily addressed the problems and guided companies in the practical application of solutions. Issues included a pilot scale-up production test to produce functional plastic masterbatch for plastic film and the development of high-efficiency, energy-saving materials for cleaning screws. 

At the same time, the three parties established a joint research and development centre under the South-South cooperation framework. The main body was set up at the Fuzhou Fusu Science and Technology Research Institute in China, the research and development branch was at the College of Engineering at the International Islamic University Malaysia and the practice branches were in Dragonpak Industries (M) Sdn Bhd and PT. ABPS Technology Batam in Indonesia. An initiative to promote technology transfer was undertaken with the Formosa Plastic Group in Taiwan. South-South cooperation has been actively developed: 6?exhibitions were organized, 34?projects were displayed and promoted, and 12?seminars and on-site trainings were organized in Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia and across China. In addition, Chinese experts provided training for technicians and workers from companies in Malaysia and Indonesia. At least 205?trainees participated, more than half of whom were women. 

This model actively promotes continuous innovation in the functional plastic industry to achieve low power consumption and sustainable development. It also strongly encourages the practical application of achievements from scientific research in universities and research institutions, which is a mutually beneficial development model. 

The project is driven by the industrial demands of developing countries and is committed to solving the issues facing industrial development to assist them in meeting their development demands. Under the project, private sector participation in South-South cooperation has been promoted, which contributes to achieving the SDGs, particularly in areas such as technological development, research and innovation. The developing countries participating in the project worked together and learned from one another. They promoted the cross-country transfer of knowledge and technology to their mutual benefit. At the same time, women in developing countries have been actively encouraged to participate in project activities, thereby promoting women’s participation in social development, women’s empowerment and gender equality.  

The project was developed sustainably, as the Fuzhou Fusu Science and Technology Research Institute maintains contact and cooperative relations with partners in Malaysia and Indonesia. The partners continue to share cutting-edge information in the plastics industry, exchange technical personnel and new product development and strengthen cooperation in the research and development of new environmentally friendly plastics.  

The project could be replicated in developing countries that have market demand for functional plastic materials and companies that can test research results. It will be more beneficial if there are universities or research institutes with the research capabilities to cultivate talent for project development.