Plastics: A Well-developing Industry, Features - Personality

Prof. C. S. Purushothaman
Director SIES School of Packaging,
Packaging Technology Centre,
Navi Mumbai

Packaging is an integral part of our lives. Among the materials used in packaging, plastics form a crucial component and is replacing other materials because of its unique properties. Some of the advantages of plastics include durability, strength, low cost, water and chemicals resistance, welding properties, lesser energy and heavy chemicals requirements in manufacture.

The Indian plastic industry has shown significant potential and is prospering. This potential will surely actuate entrepreneurs to invest in this industry. This growth also propels other associated industries to grow side by side.

In India, the plastic processing industry consists of over 30,000 units which are producing a wide range of plastic products through the process of injection moulding, then blow moulding, extrusion and finally calendaring.

The Government of India is trying to set-up the economic reforms to elevate and boost the plastic industry by joint venturing and foreign investments.

The per capita consumption of plastic products in India is growing and is moving towards 8% GDP growth. In fact, growth of the plastic industry has become the barometer of economic growth of a country. The key drivers being knowledge, ecology and competitiveness. In case of the plastic industry, all the three are well developing.

Ecology has been thrown out of proportions and plastics have been wrongly picturised as non eco-friendly. What we need to understand here is that improper use of any material would lead to issues, and plastics is no exception to it. If the wisdom does not prevail in its usage and application, what can plastic do? Also, latest advancements include development of biodegradable varieties of plastics. So it is prudent to blame ourselves rather than plastics.

Long Live Plastics!

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