An European delegation consisting of representatives from eight industry clusters, spread across seven European countries, visited India in an effort to examine if their members could seek a business arrangement with their Indian counterparts

In what could be looked upon as an interesting development, subject to it succeeding sooner rather than later, eight delegates from Europe under the umbrella of Wintech (Worldwide Intercluster Initiative for New materials and processes focussed on clean Technologies) visited India to examine if a business arrangement between plastic manufacturers from Europe and India could be worked out. Choosing India over China through careful analysis, according to Bipin M Shah, President, Plastindia Foundation, the Wintech network links eight European leading world-class clusters belonging to chemical and materials sector, representing more than 2500 companies and research centres working in materials and clean technologies.

Speaking during an interactive session involving the eight European delegates - Cristina Monge Frontinan of Plastival (Spain), Dr Jorg Klein of Chemie-Cluster Bayern GmbH (Germany), Jurgen Dienstl of Clusterland Oberosterreich GmbH (Austria), Caroline Pin of Plastipolis (France), Rui Tocha of Portuguese Tooling Network (PoolNet), Laura Fusani of Proplast (Italy), Federica Lodato of Veneto Nanotech (Italy), and John Brady of North East of England Process Industry Cluster (UK), Mr Shah mentioned that the Indian plastic industry will grow 100% in another five to seven years. Drawing attention to Wintech choosing India over China on a very different note, Mr Shah pointed out the members of the clusters under Wintech are SMEs much like the members of PlastIndia, who are SMEs too.

Addressing the meet, Dr Jorg Klien mentioned that Wintech is a European Gateway to develop business and technology. "Technology that focuses on clean and green materials." Dr Klien drew attention to the fact that Wintech is made up of 2000 SMEs and 300 research centres and universities, and is spread across seven countries in eight clusters. Delving deeper, Dr Klein added that the aim of Wintech was to help achieve new and renewable materials, trade opportunities, recycling and re-use of materials, develop renewable energy systems, green transportation systems, high efficiency buildings, water and air management systems, and more. "We are therefore looking at business collaboration, investment opportunities, joint R&D efforts, extension of value chain, and business acceleration," he added. Drawing attention to Mr Shah's comment on Wintech selecting India over China through careful analysis, and on the basis of technology and other factors, Dr Klein said that Indian plastic manufacturers will have access to well connected European networks for JV opportunities, technology transfer and other new developments.

Outlining the plans of Wintech, which would include business and technology trips to Japan, Brazil, US and India in 2013, and signing of at least six agreements in 2014, Dr Klein spoke about the cluster he represents. "We are based at Bavaria," he said, "and would like to stress on nano technology, water & waste management, and bio materials." John Brady expressed that the cluster from UK he represents, would focus on biomaterials, polymers/plastics, and nano technology. "We are a