Conference on potential of plastic industry held

A conference on potential of plastics industry in North India was organised by FICCI jointly with the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals,Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Neelkamal Darbari,Joint Secretary (Petrochemicals). Dept. of Chemicals and Petrochemicals while speaking on the occasion said that use of plastic especially in agriculture has helped farmers increase crop production,improve food quality as also in more efficient usage of water resources.

Harendra K Rajora,vice-president,HPCL,highlighted the fact that plastic industry which he said has a turnover of above Rs 90,000 crore and employs above 3.5 million persons,is a vibrant segment of industry. Per capita consumption of plastics is only about 7-8 kgs in India compared to about 95 kgs in USA and about 65 kgs in Europe and world average of above 26 kgs.

The conference also tried to dispel misconceptions regarding the polluting characteristic of plastic It was noted that while the usage and benefits of plastics are manifold,it invariably gets branded as a polluting material. Speakers at the conference highlighted the point that plastics are chemically inert substances and they do not cause either environmental or health hazards.

Speaking on the issue of plastic waste management the conference pointed out that if plastics can be collected and disposed off or recycled as per laid down guidelines then the issue of plastic waste can be suitably addressed. It stressed on the wide scope for industries based on re-cycling of plastics waste. Karan Avtar Singh,principal secretary (Industries),Punjab government and Rajan Kohli,advisor FICCI,also spoke on the occasion.