Interview with Mr. Ketan Shah Former Chairman, PLEXPOINDIA

These exclusive interviews by INDIA PLAST with Mr. Ketan Shah Former Chairman, PLEXPOINDIA (Advice from industry experts) focus on the role of IndiaPlast – Plastic Trade Show India and the impact of Plastics technology on business.

Mr. Ketan Shah discusses his views and gave valuable suggestion on the growth & Scope of Plastic Industry importance and its International market.
What is about growth of Plastic Industry?
Demand for plastic products would grow more than eight per cent over the medium term. The expected 8-10 per cent growth rate would boost the growth prospects of the plastic processing companies. The medium term expectation, however, is lower than 10 per cent annual growth posted by the plastic industry during the last two decades. Though plastic processors might face challenges in terms of increasing raw material prices in the medium term.

What is export potential in Plastic Industry?

There is a huge potential in the African countries where a lot of industrial growth is taking place. In 2011, India exported about USD 7.1 billion plastic and USD 150 million machinery accounting for 2.3 per cent of the total exports to countries like US, China, European Union and the Middle East and Africa. It is expected about 20 per cent growth in plastic products and 22 per cent in machinery exports in FY 20013-14. Even in the current economic scenario, the exports continue to be robust and the international demands remain upswing.

What is opinion about Plastics & Environment?

Plastic is good for environment, if used properly and does not cause damage to human being. On the contrary, some form of plastic is even implanted in the human body and at the same time, it do not cause water pollution. . However, the fact is that we do not know how to use plastic. The reality is that use of plastic is unavoidable. You will observe that from toothpaste to toilet seats, from keyboard to cellphones, automobiles and other electronic goods are made of plastic.

What are trends In Plastic Industry in India and globally?

A: India is a growing market for plastics and consumes about 11 million tons annually against a global consumption of 275 million tons per year and worldwide plastics & polymer consumption is growing at an average rate of 10 per cent and is expected to touch 16.5 million tons by 2016.

How would you see the collaboration of Plastic Industry and GOG by bringing out Indlaplast?

GOG has really taken a right decision. To organize any industrial exhibition, respective industry real needs support from Govt. & similarly Govt. need support from said Industry Association. So this is the perfect strategy & has to get a succeed for this event.

How would Gujarat contribute to the growth of Indian Plastic industry?

It is very well known fact that Gujarat is already on Path of remarkable progress since last couple of years. Now as Gujarat is taking a shape as an Auto Hub, obviously Plastic Industry is directly benefited. Growth of Plastic Industry is really increasing constantly.

Does Gujarat Govt act as catalyst in the growth of Plastic Industry? How?

Yes, of course. As I mentioned earlier presently many companies including automobile, pharma, food etc. are investing In Gujarat & coming up with large scale production facility in Gujarat. So by promoting industry In Gujarat, our demand of Plastic will be increased. This means GOG is a catalyst for plastic industry.