Plexconnect 2023, an export-focused international plastics exposition organized in Mumbai last month, has given fresh momentum to the sector. The event generated business inquiries valued at over $16.1 million, while deals of about $5.3 million were finalized, the organizers said. Several foreign delegations expressed their interest in continuing their business with India.
Organized by Plexconcil, Plexconnect 2023 saw more than 400 buyers from across 51 countries participating in the RBSM (reverse buyer-seller meets), while around 25 companies from Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh participated under the state pavilions. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises supported the participation of 60 exhibitors.
Hemant Minocha, chairman of Plexconcil, said the event would be a stepping stone for the country’s plastics exporters, most of whom are MSMEs. Plexconcil held meetings with country delegations from South Korea, Israel, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Cameroon, Azerbaijan, Nepal and Uzbekistan. And all of them evinced their interest in working more closely with Plexconcil to promote bilateral trade in plastics between India and their respective countries, Minocha said.
ECGC Ltd. (formerly known as Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd.), wholly owned by the Government of India, showcased its different credit risk insurance and related services for exports and export factoring facilities for the MSME sector.
Sribash Dasmohapatra, executive director, Plexconcil, said the expo was highly successful in connecting Indian exporters with international buyers. He said he was confident that the industry would take full advantage of the new FTA regime and the China+1 global business environment.
In all 4,161 B2B meetings were held during the RBSM and both buyers and exporters expressed satisfaction with their discussions. “We hope these will lead to increased business opportunities for our exporters,” he said.
Among the innovations, Dasmohapatra explained that Zaveri Engineers showcased its latest processing technology, Grain Polymerization. Developed by Shailesh and Shrenik Zaveri, the processing reduces machinery costs by 70-85%, tooling costs by 85-90% and electricity costs by 65-75%. It is used to create a vast range of hollow products from decorative to utility and in large diameters.
More than 10 major trade associations participated in Plexconnect, 2023. The PlastIndia Foundation, the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, the Organization of Plastic Processors of India, the Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturers Association, the Plastics Machinery Manufacturers Association of India, the Indian Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association, the All India Flat Tape Manufacturer Association, the Karnataka State Plastic Association, the Tamil Nadu Plastics Manufacturers’ Association, the Telangana and Andhra Plastic Manufacturers Association, the Indian Plastics Federation, Indian Plastics Institute, Indian Institute of Packaging, Chhattisgarh Plastic Nirmata Sangha, and the All India Human Hair Exporters Association had their stands at Plexconnect 2023.
The Plastics Export Promotion Council (Plexconcil) – which acts as a bridge between the Industry and the Government – was established by the ministry of commerce and industry on 15 July, 1955, as a non-profit organization. It is the apex body of the plastics industry in India and represents over 2,800 exporters who manufacture/export plastics products.
