Page 9 - Plastics News September 2026

THE PRESIDENT SAYS

cling technologies. The successful organisation of GCPRS, including the CEO Round Table, further
provided a platform for industry leaders, recyclers, technology providers and policymakers to discuss
the transition towards a more organised and technologically advanced recycling ecosystem.

Building International Connections

AIPMA's efforts during the year were not confined to policy advocacy.

The successful organisation of the second PLASTIWORLD in Mumbai for B2B interactions together
with participation in overseas platforms, strengthened opportunities for Indian companies to connect
with global markets. The international engagements in markets such as Kenya, Sri Lanka and Russia
are part of the larger objective of taking Indian plastics finished products to the world.

At the domestic level, initiatives such as the Next-Gen 10X Growth Seminar and programmes on ex-
ports and global sourcing were aimed at encouraging the industry to think beyond conventional mar-
kets and prepare for the next phase of growth.

Responsible Growth

While growth and competitiveness remain essential, AIPMA also recognises the industry's responsibil-
ity towards society and the environment. Initiatives such as Operation Clean Sweep, recycling aware-
ness programmes in schools and support for community-level recycling initiatives reflect our belief
that the plastics industry must actively participate in creating awareness about responsible use, col-
lection and recycling of plastics.

The industry must communicate more effectively that plastics are valuable materials whose environ-
mental impact can be significantly reduced through responsible use, efficient collection, recycling and
circularity. We even approached Ministry of Education to include chapters on responsible disposal of
plastics in the NCERT books for primary classes. Civic sense must get inculcated in young minds so
they grow up as responsible citizens.

Looking Ahead
The past year has demonstrated that the Indian plastics industry is capable of overcoming difficult
circumstances when the industry and Government work together. The challenges before us remain
substantial—geopolitical uncertainty, raw material volatility, global trade barriers, environmental ex-
pectations and increasing international competition.

But the opportunities are equally significant. India has the domestic market, manufacturing capability,
entrepreneurship and technical talent to emerge as a major global hub for plastics and packaging. To
realise this potential, we must continue to invest in technology, scale, skills, quality, sustainability and
exports.

Our future growth cannot depend only on increasing domestic consumption. A significant part of the

September 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 9