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Sustainable plastic manufacturing landscape: Pallav Doshi
Articles- Feb 21,25
The plastics industry is undergoing a paradigm shift as sustainability becomes central to its operations. Traditionally reliant on pure plastic materials, the industry now faces increasing pressure to minimise its environmental footprint, opines, Pallav Doshi, Managing Director, Essen Speciality Films Limited.
India's ambitious Make in India initiative has emerged as a powerful catalyst for the nation's industrial and economic growth. Among the key sectors benefiting from this drive is the plastic manufacturing industry, particularly the subset focusing on sustainable practices. With increasing global emphasis on environmental consciousness and resource efficiency, India has the potential to become a global hub for plastic manufacturing. As global markets emphasise environmentally compliant practices, India stands at the cusp of becoming a global leader in sustainable plastic manufacturing. However, this journey is fraught with challenges and opportunities that require a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach.
Sustainability: The New Imperative
The plastics industry is undergoing a paradigm shift as sustainability becomes central to its operations. Traditionally reliant on pure plastic materials, the industry now faces increasing pressure to minimise its environmental footprint. This shift is driven by multiple factors:
- Consumer awareness: Modern consumers are making informed choices, with growing preference for sustainable, high-quality products.
- Stringent regulatory norms: Governments worldwide are enacting laws to reduce plastic waste and encourage recycling, such as the European Union’s Single-Use
Plastics Directive.
- Corporate responsibility: Businesses are adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, making sustainability a core component of their strategies.
India's robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and advanced technologies position it to lead sustainable plastics manufacturing, provided it overcomes key challenges and seizes emerging opportunities.
Addressing core challenges
Despite its potential, the path to sustainable plastic manufacturing is fraught with several hurdles during the transition:
- Limited availability of recycled materials: The supply chain for recycled materials in India remains fragmented. Ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials is a significant hurdle, requiring investment in collection, segregation, and recycling infrastructure.
- Customisation complexity: Catering to specific customer demands increases operational challenges, requiring significant innovation and agility.
- High transition costs: Adopting sustainable practices often involves significant capital expenditure. Investments in advanced machinery, renewable energy sources, and research and development (R&D) for eco-friendly materials can be prohibitive, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that dominate the sector.
- Global compliance requirements: Indian manufacturers must meet stringent sustainability standards, such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and the ISO certifications for environmental management. Achieving these certifications requires substantial financial and operational strategies.
- Limited market awareness in India: Limited domestic awareness and price sensitivity hinder the demand for sustainability-focused products in India.
According to government data, India's export levels were stagnant at approximately $500 million until 2020. However, significant progress has been made in the past two years, with exports now reaching the $776 million mark. By leveraging Free Trade Agreements, adhering to high standards, and fostering government-industry collaboration, the plastic industry can unlock new markets, create jobs, and strengthen India’s global position.
Opportunities to revolutionise the industry
- Embracing the circular economy: Adopting a circular economy minimises waste and reuses resources. Closed-loop systems allow manufacturers to recycle plastic waste into new products, reducing dependency on virgin materials. They showcase this by using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials to balance sustainability and performance.
- Investing in renewable energy: The use of renewable energy in manufacturing processes is a critical step toward sustainability. Solar, wind, and biomass energy sources can reduce the industry’s carbon footprint while lowering long-term operational costs. Government subsidies and incentives under the Make in India initiative further support this transition.
- Developing innovative products: Sustainability-driven innovations create globally appealing products. Few Indian companies focus on items such as artificial plants, yoga mats, and home décor that meet environmental and aesthetic standards.
- Expanding into global markets: Sustainability enhances a brand’s appeal in international markets where eco-friendly products command premium pricing. Aligning with global certifications unlocks lucrative export opportunities for manufacturers.
- Collaborating with government initiatives: Programs such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides financial incentives to manufacturers adopting sustainable practices.
Additionally, policies promoting waste management and recycling create a supportive ecosystem for growth.
Strategic focus area
- Strengthening recycling infrastructure: Investments in modern recycling facilities, coupled with public-private partnerships, can improve the availability and quality of recycled materials. Integrating technology for waste segregation and collection can streamline operations.
- Fostering industry collaboration: Collaboration between manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and industry bodies can drive innovation and scale sustainable practices. Platforms for knowledge sharing and joint R&D initiatives are essential.
- Enhancing consumer awareness: Educating consumers about the environmental benefits of sustainable plastic products can create demand in domestic markets. Awareness campaigns, labeling initiatives, and partnerships with retailers can accelerate this shift.
- Promoting skill development: Establishing training programs focused on sustainable manufacturing technologies can bridge the skill gap. Collaborations with academic institutions and industry associations can play a pivotal role in building a skilled workforce.
- Leveraging technology: Adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT, AI, and data analytics, can optimise resource use, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency. Real-time monitoring systems can ensure compliance with quality and environmental standards.
Conclusion
India’s Make in India initiative presents an unparalleled opportunity for the plastic manufacturing industry to embrace sustainability and lead on the global stage. By addressing challenges through innovation, collaboration, and government support, the sector can turn obstacles into stepping stones. By aligning with Make in India and focusing on advanced, customer-driven manufacturing, ESFL is setting benchmarks in the industry. Through innovation and collaboration, the company embodies India's potential to become a global hub for responsible plastic manufacturing.
About the author:
Pallav Doshi serves as the Managing Director of Essen Speciality Films Limited, with cross-functional expertise in New Product Development and Manufacturing Operations, Pallav oversees diverse areas within Essen, including financial operations and innovation initiatives. Recently awarded the prestigious Entrepreneurs Award, Pallav Doshi is celebrated for his outstanding achievements and leadership as an icon for New Generation Entrepreneurs. Recognised for his remarkable spirit of entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and dedication to positive change in the business environment, Pallav’s commitment to encouraging innovation and empowering the team has been instrumental in Essen Speciality’s success.
Photo credit: Freepik
Indian Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Make in India
Pallav Doshi
Essen Speciality Films
plastic
plastic manufacturing
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