A knowledge and strategy paper on ‘Sustainable Infrastructure with Plastics’ has been released at the national conference organised by FICCI jointly with Department of C&PC, and Organization of Plastics Processors of India (OPP) at the FICCI headquarters in New Delhi. The Knowledge Paper states indicates that the plastics processing industry has grown at a CAGR of 10 per cent in volume terms from 8.3 MMTPA in FY10 to 13.4 MMTPA in FY15 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5 per cent from FY15 to FY20 to reach 22 MMTPA. In value terms, the plastic processing industry has grown at a CAGR of 11 per cent from Rs 35,000 crore in FY05 to Rs 100,000 crore in FY15. The current low levels of per capita consumption (11 kg), increased growth in end use industries, higher penetration of plastics in various existing applications and ever growing range of new applications could further propel the growth of plastics in India. The Indian plastic industry is making significant contribution to the economic development and growth of various key sectors in the country which includes automotives, construction, electronics, healthcare, textiles, and FMCG. The developments in the plastic machinery sector are coupled with developments in the petrochemicals sector, both of which support the plastic processing sector. This has facilitated plastic processors to build capacities for the service of both the domestic market and the overseas markets. Today, the plastics processing sector comprises over 30,000 units involved in producing a variety of items, gaining notable importance in different spheres of activity with per capita consumption increasing. The plastic processing industry has the potential to contribute in bringing foreign investments and thus propelling India’s vision of becoming a manufacturing hub. The paper notes that in the last decade, several new applications of plastic products have emerged in several sectors, boosting the industry further. For example, long fibre reinforced thermoplastics for the automotive industry, fibres that can trap infrared radiations, packaging that can increase the shelf life of products etc., have created demand for plastics which were in their nascent stage in India.
