...says Hiten Bheda, President, All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), while explaining the importance of plastics in India’s economic growth. 

 

What is the role played by AIPMA in fostering the growth of Indian plastics industry?

The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), founded in 1945, is the largest apex body of the plastic industry playing a proactive role in development of plastic sector in India. AIPMA is catalyst for growth of the plastic industry. AIPMA works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of plastic sector in India, partnering with industry and government through advisory and consultative processes. AIPMA is the mouthpiece of the industry for policy formulation by government and works through various initiatives to augment growth of the plastic industry in India. Extending its agenda beyond business, AIPMA has been making conscious efforts in channelising the entire industry under one umbrella and focus on promoting employment generation, skill development and enabling potential investors to invest in this sunrise industry. Recognised as the sole voice of the plastics industry across the country, the association reaches to more than 90% of the organised plastic industry. AIPMA is committed to support its members to increase competitiveness, enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and ensure growth. It does so with the aim to assisting the members become cost effective, technology driven, and ever responsive to customers' changing needs. 

 

What is the present status of Indian plastics industry? 

Indian plastic industry is poised to grow at double digit growth rate. The growth is driven by increase in per capita income resulting into higher disposable income. This is supported by aspiration of young generation for better lifestyle. The demand is driven mainly by consumer durable goods & packaging.

 

What are the key challenges before plastics industry?

The main challenge for plastic industry is the crisis of perception by the users. Whereas plastic serves the users, littering pollutes. So talk of banning the plastics would result in compromise on inconvenience, affordability, food safety and health safety, not to mention the long term impact of plastics is minimal compared to other options.

 

The industry is also concerned about the increase in finished products depriving India of opportunity to ‘Make in India’.

 

How has the implementation of GST affected the plastics industry?

Implementation of GST indeed created a temporary disruption, just like any other policy initiative. We at AIPMA, who bought various difficulties related to GST to the government’s notice, are thankful to the authorities who have addressed the matter. We have been proponent of GST from day one and believe that streamline GST would act as a catalyst for the growth of economy. 

 

What steps should the government take in order to give a boost to this industry?

Plastics are considered growth enabler almost for all manufacturing activities which can be realised by use of plastics in our day-to-day life. In almost all developed countries plastics are considered important pillar of economy and we have been requesting government to give plastics a core industry status for facilitating growth.

 

What are the emerging trends in plastics industry?

Plastics are most efficient component material and can be converted by relatively low capital investment in wide variety of products. The trend is towards the development of valuable products using efficient machines as well as innovative design.

 

Outlook for Indian plastics industry

Plastics today are economic necessity and are very important to serve the needs of India’s large population.