Page 7 - Plastics News March 2019

THE PRESIDENT
THE PRESIDENT SAYS SAYS

Upcoming Avenues

ndian Plastic industry witnessed one more Plastic Exhibition INDIAPLAST for the first time,
Iorganised by Plastic Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI) during February
28th 2019 to March 4th 2019 at Greater Noida. A vast display of live machinery, overseas
supplier’s presence and serious business visitors made the show a big success. PMMAI efforts
put forth to make the show a big success is appreciated.

Plastic industry is going through reforms stage. Consumption of Plastics especially packaging
is being regulated through various rules and regulations. National Green Tribunal is more
stringent towards greener and safer products. Industry must be ready for all these changes.
But how far the infrastructure support these changes in shorter time span is the major
question. Preparation of the rules is an easy task in comparison with implementation of
the same. There are many factors to be considered while implementing any rules.
PVC pipes are widely used products in India and across the globe. Lead stabilisers are being
used in manufacture of PVC pipes for their thermal stability. Processing of the Pipes without MEELA JAYADEV
stabilisers is next to impossible. Developed countries restricted the use of Lead stabilisers
in PVC pipes and instead of Lead stabilisers they are using other stabilisers. Phasing out of
the Lead stabilisers took over a decade in developed countries.
Leaching of lead from PVC pipes is not proved so far, and is a big debatable question.
I don’t want to comment anything on this particular subject. As a manufacturer of PVC
pipe, we welcome the move taken by the Government to phase out the Lead stabilisers
from PVC pipes. However the practical problems in implementing the regulation need to
be considered and the time lines must be increased, so that the desired results can be
achieved without any difficulty.

The production facilities for Stabilisers and PVC Pipes need to be upgraded or completely
replaced with the new equipment to convert from Lead Stabiliser to non-lead stabiliser.
As a Pipe producer, we foresee difficulties in sourcing the machinery and equipment,
infrastructure facilities etc., to meet the timelines. Further with increased demand for the
machinery and equipment, the capital cost will go up substantially, resulting in shutting down
small and medium players. Already the SME sector is facing lot of problems due to various
factors. An additional investment, restricted timelines will kill the PVC Pipe SME Sector.

A detailed study, analysis and its cascading effects in implementation of removal of Lead
stabilisers from PVC Pipes is required in consultation with PVC pipe industry. AIPMA and CPMA
together in consultation with PVC Resin manufacturers and major PVC Pipe processors is
working on the issue. CPMA has engaged the best counsel to submit the industry difficulties,
timelines and other matters to National Green Tribunal. Now the time has come to unite
all PVC pipe manufacturers to face this difficult situations and support the CPMA and AIPMA
for the benefit of PVC Pipe industry.

Meela Jayadev
president@aipma.net

7 March 2019 Plastics News