Wide scope for industries based on re-cycling of plastics waste

The 2nd edition of the conference on Plastic Packaging – The Sustainable choice has been organized jointly by FICCI, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt. of India & Organisation of Plastics Processors of India in New Delhi . A Knowledge Paper on the theme of the conference prepared by FICCI & Tata Strategic Management Group was also released in the presence of large number of officials & Captains of the Plastic Industry, academicians, technocrats, policy makers, Civic Society etc.

Elaborating the important role of plastics industry in Indian economy, In his Inaugural address, Shri Samir Kumar Biswas, Joint Secretary from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Govt. of India advised for a holistic approach to the industry. He advised for growth of the sector in a very sustainable manner taking into account the environmental protocols.

It was noted that while the usage and benefits of plastics are manifold, it invariably gets branded as a polluting material. The polluting characteristics of plastic material are needed to be addressed in scientific manner. Plastics are chemically inert substances and they do not cause either environmental or health hazards. If plastics can be collected and disposed off or recycled as per laid down guidelines/rules then the issue of plastic waste can be suitably addressed. In fact there is wide scope for industries based on re-cycling of plastics waste.

Mr. Prabh Das, Chairman, FICCI National Petrochemical Committee , MD & CEO – HPCL – Mittal Energy Limited focussed on the important role that the recycling industry can play to make the sector sustainable. He advised for more focus to R&D efforts and innovations for growth of the sector. Mr. K. K Seksaria , President , Plastindia Foundation emphasize that the growth of the industry must come with greater realization of and increased attention to the safety, health and environmental standards. The industry in the coming decades has to promote sustainable development by investing in technologies that protects environment and stimulates growth while balancing economic needs and financial constraints.

Mr. Vinay Mathur, Deputy Secretary General, FICCI in his address elaborated the important role the plastics industry plays in facilitating national food security thru plasticulture and packaging. He also noted the challenges to the sector such as lack of infrastructure and skilled manpower, which are being overcome by the various policies such as setting up of plastics parks and skills program.

Mr. C. Bhaskar, President, OPPI & MD & CEO – XPRO India Ltd. focussed on the government’s Make In India campaign. He advised for the need of industry for technology upgradation to become more competitive and sought support for same. The industry also needs to think about building scale in order to realize economies of scale and has to focus on innovation he advised.