Plastindia 2009 - a thumping success

PLASTINDIA 2009, the 7th International Plastics Exhibition & Conference organized by Plastindia Foundation, the apex body representing India's plastics industry has witnessed a thumping success: unprecedented in the annals of Plastindia Exhibition & Conference. The World's 2nd largest exhibition and conference brought together the who's who of the plastics industry on one platform resulting into exchange of expertise, technology know-how and innovations. The inauguration of PLASTINDIA 2009 at the hands of H.E. the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil is a high point for the Plastindia Exhibition, and is a supreme sign of recognition of the importance of this industry to the Indian economy. In her address, Smt. Pratibha Patil voiced out her support to the growth of the plastics industry and reassured that plastics waste if managed well is wealth'. She called for a combined effort amongst the industry, government and civic society to act responsibly and manage the issues related to plastics better. She further observed that rapid urbanization and growth in retail business in India will result in high growth performance for plastics sector. During the coming few years, Polymer consumption in India is likely to go up to 11 mln tons from the current level of around 5.8 mln tons as we expand our infrastructure." Addressing the gathering, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Chemicals, Fertilizers & Steel, mentioned that Indian plastics industry has come of age and has contributed significantly to the economic development of India through employment generation, infrastructure development, innovation etc. He also mentioned that he would look into effective waste management with the help of State and Civic bodies which will directly help the Indian plastics industry. Mr. Nikhil Meswani, Chairman, National Advisory Board, PLASTINDIA 2009, said that India will prove to be more resilient in fighting the global recession. He was also confident on the plastic industry because he analyzed that sectors like infrastructure, agriculture and retail will continue to grow, thereby enhancing the usage of plastics. He also mentioned that the plastics industry worldwide would go into a consolidation phase and Indian plastics industry would also need to seize such opportunities.

Mr. C.V. Jain presenting the Plastindia directory to H.E. the President of India , Smt. Pratibha Patil alongside Mr. Arvind Mehta, Mr. Hasmukh Patel, Mr. Sakseria and Mr. Hemant Mehta. Despite the slowdown and the present global economic scenario visitors have come from all across the world. PLASTINDIA 2009 has witnessed visitors from Latin American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, etc. The response from USA, UK and European countries has been phenomenal. It also witnessed a huge number of visitor participation from the African Continent. Participation from Far East and Middle East has also been very encouraging. The business generated at PLASTINDIA 2009 is around Rs. 1,000 Crore (US$200 mln) which is a great achievement in the present economic scenario. It was noteworthy that exhibitors from North Eastern states and Jammu & Kashmir participated in good numbers. This shows the depth and reach of the Indian plastics processing industry across the country.