- PLASTINDIA Foundation outlines ‘Bharat Next’ roadmap targeting a $50-billion plastics industry by 2026
- Harsh Sanghavi highlights Gujarat’s 40% share in India’s plastics sector, strong ports and raw material access
- State pitched as ideal destination for integrated plastic parks with policy assurance and investment safety
- Industry leaders underline Gujarat’ petrochemical strength and global export readiness
- PLASTINDIA 2026 at Bharat Mandapam set to host 2,000+ exhibitors and over six lakh visitors
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 17
Pitching Gujarat as India’s most investment-ready plastics hub, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Wednesday invited leading players of the plastics industry to establish integrated industrial parks in the state, assuring complete government support, policy stability and long-term returns, while inaugurating the PLASTINDIA 2026 roadshow in Ahmedabad.
The PlastIndia Foundation on Wednesday held a high-impact roadshow for PLASTINDIA 2026 in Ahmedabad, bringing together key stakeholders from Gujarat’s plastics and manufacturing ecosystem to chart the sector’s future growth and global ambitions. The event also unveiled the ‘Bharat Next’ roadmap, which aims to scale India’s plastics industry to $50 billion by 2026.
Organised ahead of PLASTINDIA 2026, scheduled at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 5 to 10, the roadshow was held in partnership with the Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturers’ Association. Discussions centred on Gujarat’s pivotal role in India’s plastics value chain, backed by its integrated petrochemical base, robust manufacturing clusters and export-oriented infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Chief Guest, underlined that Gujarat is uniquely positioned to anchor the next phase of growth for the plastics industry.
“PLASTINDIA 2026 marks an important milestone, not only in terms of scale and participation, but also in its emphasis on responsibility and sustainability. Exhibitions are often measured by numbers, but it is encouraging to see a strong focus on recycling and other planned initiatives during the event,” Sanghavi said.
Highlighting the economic and employment significance of the sector, he added, “The plastics industry market is nearly Rs. 4 lakh crore and provides employment to lakhs of people. It is among the few sectors witnessing sustained growth, with significant opportunities. Gujarat offers a conducive environment for such growth, with assured policy support, investment safety, and long-term returns. The state provides access to raw materials, strong port connectivity, and industry-friendly policies. With Gujarat accounting for over 40% share of the plastics sector, I encourage industry players to consider integrated industrial parks in the state, where the government will extend all necessary support.”
Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary, Industry and Mines Department, attended the event as Guest of Honour, alongside senior policymakers and industry leaders.
India’s plastics sector has seen steady expansion over the past decade, growing from about $15 billion in 2010 to over $37 billion in 2023, with exports currently valued at around $10 billion and projected to touch $15 billion by 2026. Against this backdrop, the roadshow positioned PLASTINDIA 2026 as a critical global convergence point for manufacturers, processors, technology providers and buyers.
Ravish Kamath, President, PlastIndia Foundation, said, “The Indian economy is on course to reach $30 trillion by 2047. The plastics sector will be a primary engine of this growth. Gujarat, with its highly developed petrochemical infrastructure and processing capabilities in hubs like Rajkot, Halol, and Vapi, is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this expansion. PLASTINDIA 2026 is the gateway for Gujarat’s manufacturers to secure global contracts and technology partnerships.”
Echoing the global opportunity, Alok Tibrewala, Chairman, National Executive Council, PlastIndia Foundation, said, “The global supply chain is realigning, and the world is looking at India for reliable, high-quality manufacturing. With 2000+ exhibitors and over 6 lakh visitors, PLASTINDIA 2026 offers the scale to demonstrate that Indian manufacturers are ready to meet global demand. For Gujarat’s industrialists, it is the place to be to transition from local dominance to global leadership.”
The roadshow also spotlighted emerging demand in packaging, consumer products, infrastructure and recycling, with sustainability and circular economy practices identified as fast-growing focus areas—segments where Gujarat already commands a significant share of national capacity.
PLASTINDIA 2026 is expected to bring together global participants across the entire plastics value chain, featuring machinery, raw materials, finished products and advanced processing solutions, alongside knowledge sessions aimed at boosting trade, investment and collaboration.
