Plastindia 2012 launched in Mumbai

Plastindia 2012 - The 8th International Plastics Exhibition and Conference, to be held from 1-6 February 2012, was officially launched on 17 December 2010. The event took place at the ITC Maratha, Mumbai with great fanfare. Mr. M. Raman, Secretary, Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest. Mr. M.P. Taparia, Chairman, the Supreme Industries Group was the Guest of Honour. In his welcome address, Shri. Ashok Goel, President Plastindia Foundation emphasized the role of the Foundation in creating an international platform for members to come together and explore avenues of diversification and growth. He spoke in detail on 3 new projects undertaken by the Foundation viz : * Plastindia Academy of Knowledge & Management - a knowledge centre being set up in Vapi, Gujarat. Land for this purpose has been procured. Course content and tie-ups with various Universities are under consideration. Training for technocrats and management personnel will be the first step. * “Plasticulture” - an all out attempt of the plastic industry to a) showcase the use of plastics in agriculture and b) highlight how valuable resources like water and land can be utilized to optimum levels. For this purpose, 16 villages with 1400 marginalized farmers in Aurangabad have been adopted, where drip irrigation will be installed to better the lot of the farmers. A Travelling salesman model is also envisaged, which will be maintained by Plastindia that farmers can see for themselves the benefits of drip irrigation. It is also hoped that use of plastics in other areas for agriculture would develop as a natural sequence. * Recycling waste plastics - The Foundation is trying to put up a model recycling plant in New Delhi with the help of CIPET and the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers. The aim is not just recycling but also making an end product from the recycled waste. Mr. Rajkumar Lohia, Chairman, National Executive Committee, in charge of Plastindia 2012 outlined the continuous efforts being made to improve the facilities for exhibitors and their clients. He expressed confidence that exhibitors and their clients would have a memorable experience in Plastindia 2012. He requested members to book their space well in advance to ensure trouble free participation. The Chief Guest Mr. M Raman, in his address, mentioned that the Govt. is aware of the problems plaguing the industry, especially with environment issues. He also mentioned that the Govt. was proactively involved with the industry’s growth in areas like Health and Environment. He envisaged a tremendous increase in consumption of plastics leading to increased investments. Mr. S. Mitra, General Manager IOC Ltd spoke on the role of plastics in the petrochemical industry. Mr. M.P Taparia, Guest of Honour also spoke on the occasion. Mr. Bipin Shah, Vice-President, Plastindia Foundation, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The function concluded on line registrations and dinner.