Talking to: Avinash Joshi Joint Secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India.

Excerpts from an interview to Bhushan Mhapralkar.

What role is the plastics industry playing in India?

Plastics industry is playing a vital role in India. The petrochemicals industry is indeed playing a vital role. It has undergone a big transformation even though India is at a low level of plastics consumption.

What could be done to increase the consumption of plastics?

There is a need to increase investment in R&D for good returns in the long run. There are local issues faced by the plastics industry. However, looking beyond, the industry needs to increase quality standards. There is a need to invest in technology and boost R&D capability. There is also a need to change the image of plastics progressively.

How important is it to invest in technology and boost R&D?

It is important to invest in technology and boost R&D for a sustained growth. We are erecting two plastic parks, at Paradeep in Odisha, and in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Paradeep is a Rs 100 crore-plus project. It is being done as a special purpose vehicle, and Rs 40 crore will come from the Government of India. Being set up near IOC refinery, the Paradeep
plastic park will have the requisite infrastructure, and facilitate investments by micros, small and large units. Apart from these two parks we are also looking at erecting plastic parks in Tamil Nadu and Assam. The plastics parks will provide several benefits in terms of infrastructure.

Plastics suffer from a negative image. What could be done to change this?

Plastics are playing a vital role in auto, medical equipment, agriculture, and various other fields. It is the plastic bags that are leading to a negative image of plastics. They account for a very small percentage of the total use
of plastics. There is a need for more recycling. Currently 50 per cent of plastic is recycled. There is a need to do more towards recycling low value goods. As I said earlier, there’s a need to invest in R&D. Under Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), we will be setting up more centres. This will help in the availability to skilled manpower. We are also working on a scheme that will touch SMEs, will aid in technology upgradation.

Plastics are

playing a vital role in various fields. It is the plastic bags that are leading to a negative image of plastics. They account for a very small percentage of the total use of plastics”