Page 7 - Plastics News September 2018

T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T THE PRESIDENT
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Thoughts Recap

t has been an eventful year for me as a President of AIPMA. At the outset, I would like to welcome the
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this opportunity to share few thoughts on events and what lies ahead for the plastic processing industry.
India’s economy seems to be on a sound footing with GDP growth indicating trend for the future. Although,
global disruptions on trade, rising crude prices and depreciating Rupee are reasons to be concerned,
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most segments of the economy are on growth path, the eco system for the plastic processing sector has
undermined it’s growth. The scenario is unlikely to change until clarity and commitment on policy is
evident.
It was a year of disruption for India’s economy resulting from some bold measures taken by the Government
for course correction and for removal of ailing factors that has been hampering healthy growth of the
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actions on the part of the Government to address lacunas in the digital framework and rationalization
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across India.
As the dust was settling down on economic reforms, the industry was faced with new challenge of
abrupt banning of certain products considered to be environment unfriendly. A very surprising move by HITEN BHEDA
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enabler of almost all segments of the economy. The larger picture on the canvas is at best bleak as the
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twenty four states have declared some sort of ban on plastic products. The new investments in the sector
are put on hold and sense of insecurity prevails amongst entrepreneurs.
Government’s declaration to do away with single use plastics by year 2022 and response to address
plastic pollution seen around in the environment with new regime of controls and stringent compliance
requirements is leading towards a new normal. It will not be business as usual for the industry. The
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neither the authorities nor the industry has clarity on the framework which can be imposed to yield
results. Any haste in the direction would be self-defeating at best.
As a head of the apex trade body, I have been closely witnessing the scenario from perspective of policy
makers, media, fellow industry members and common man. The experience has been painful and
unsettling at best. One wonders if we are inching towards the objective of containing plastic pollution
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These misplaced concepts if implemented without appropriate consideration would have far reaching
economic repercussions on the industry and on the consumers without achieving intended objectives.
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emerged from within industry which needs to be debated to ensure that they are not biased and has
consideration for long term interest of the country, it’s social fabric and the industry. It would be most
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on their agenda of doing away with single use plastic.
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to climb the ladder of economic development. If it is not plastic, something else will be required for
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this question in one voice?
AIPMA has been proactive on the issue and is committed to creating social awareness on the issue. No magic
will solve the issue. It is time for policy makers to rise to the challenge and come up with rationalized
time line for implementation of plastic waste management. This in my opinion will be the way forward.
Lastly, I would like to thank the plastic fraternity, authorities, my colleagues and secretariat at AIPMA
for their unconditional support enabling me to take up the cause of the industry in the capacity of
President of AIPMA.

Hiten Bheda
president@aipma.net

7 September 2018 Plastics News