The four-day Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) got off to a robust start today at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, with Chief Guest Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers inaugurating the conference. Smt. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, attended the session as the Guest of Honor. Among other notable attendees were AIPMA President Shri Manish Dedhia, CPMA President Shri Kamal Nanavati, AIPMA Governing Council Chairman Shri Arvind Mehta, GCPRS 2024 Chairman Shri Hiten Bheda, Pranav Kumar (CPMA), Prof. (Dr.) Shishir Sinha (Plastindia Foundation), Shri Ravish Kamath (Plastindia).

In her inaugural address, Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma commended the efforts of the AIPMA and the CPMA for organizing a conclave on a topic of paramount relevance, at a time when only ten percent of the total plastic waste generated globally was recycled. She said “ be that as it may, and despite transitioning from a material of wonder to a victim of its own success, the plastic industry remains one of the leading contributors to the economy and in providing employment to millions globally”. She reminded stakeholders that a concerted and collaborative effort across various sectors is necessary.

Smt. Nivedita further told that the government, in a bid to curb plastic pollution, had introduced the Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016, which mandated extended producer responsibility, enforced stricter recycling package & banned specific single use plastic, and various amendments have also been made to the rules over the years to widen its ambit. She also stressed the role of CIPET and DCPC in staunchly implementing the rules.

Furthermore, she highlighted the critical part that the industry played in this sector. With environmental regulations tightening globally each day, she stressed the need to become a sustainable circular economy at the earliest.

Smt. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises also expressed the support of the Ministry of MSME for this cause, pointing out that a large number of enterprises from the plastic industry came under their department as well. She said that with the vision of doubling exports, and as part of their 100 days program, the Ministry has decided to set up a state of the art export center at Hyderabad. She also urged stakeholders to call on the benefits extended by the Ministry, adding that many more technology centers were under way.

AIPMA Governing Council Chairman Shri Arvind Mehta highlighted the support extended to the event by several ministries of the central government, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Swachh Bharat Mission, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME Ministry), and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

India's plastic recycling industry is rapidly growing, and is expected to reach $6.9 billion by 2033. Government initiatives and a robust existing recycling rate of approximately 60% highlight the country's commitment to managing plastic waste, adding that this conference will address critical issues in plastic waste management.

CPMA President Shri Kamal Nanavati, in his speech, emphasized that plastic waste management is a global issue requiring collaboration among all value chain participants and the government. He said that the GCPRS aims to provide a platform for dialogue and discussion to develop solutions and the Indian industry is actively working to improve plastic circularity and ensure the effective implementation of regulatory requirements through cooperation with the government.

Shri Arvind D. Mehta, Chairman of the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center (AMTEC), stated that they were preparing highly skilled and talented professionals for India’s rapidly advancing plastic industry. He added that their institution was established to provide exceptional manpower and skill enhancement for the plastic manufacturing sector, and that it was a matter of great pride that they achieved this. He said that this event will prove to be a milestone for those involved in this sector and organization of this conclave is expected to open new pathways in this direction.

The conclave, jointly organized by the All India Plastics Manufacturers' Association (AIPMA) and the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers' Association (CPMA), focuses on the rising use of plastic, its impact on the environment and also on the steps needed for solutions. Various businesses and experts from across the country will grace the conclave over the four days.

Aligned with India's zero waste goal, the GCPRS showcases innovative recycling technologies, sustainable options like biodegradable and compostable plastics, and efficient waste management solutions. The event serves as a platform for industry leaders, startups, and environmental experts to demonstrate their latest advancements and share insights on achieving sustainability in the plastic industry.

The conclave is particularly significant for businesses and companies involved in the plastic recycling industry, machinery manufacturers, plastic waste management businesses, biopolymer and compostable product manufacturers, raw material suppliers, startup entrepreneurs, and experts in testing and standards.

Alongside the exhibition on plastic waste recycling technology, the GCPRS will host a CEO-level roundtable on July 4. Panel discussions on July 5 and 6 will cover plastic waste recycling in industries such as automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

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