1. Strategies and Opportunities for the Plastics Industry
OUTREACH: POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PLASTICS
A presentation by…
ARVIND M MEHTA
Chairman
Plastivision India Advisory Board. AIPMA
Executive Director
Council of International Plastics
Association Directors (CIPAD)
Past President: Plastindia Foundation
Past President: AIPMA
Miami, USA. 4-5 December 2012
Outreach: Positive Contributions of Plastics

2. • Plastics perceived as toxic - injurious to health & environment
• Thinner plastic bags are not recyclable
• Plastics deplete precious & scarce fossil fuel
• Traditional packaging materials are better alternatives to plastic bags
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3. There are misconceptions regarding:
• Health & safety
• Toxicity
• Disposal & waste management
• Environmental hazard
• Biodegradability
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4. Without Chemical Industry
Total Global Emissions
With Chemical Industry
In 2005, Total Global Emissions was 46 GtCO2e
GtCO2e
It could have been 51.2 Gt CO2e, but for the
savings by Chemical Industry
Savings by Chemical Industry 11%
2005
Among The Top 10 Green House Gas Emission Saving Sectors - 4 are Plastics
Insulation Materials Packaging Automobiles Piping
Source: McKinsey cLCA study for ICCA
Plastics save green house gas emissions and saves the earth from global warming
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5. Non-biodegradability property of plastics is termed as the major reason of waste
management problem
• Plastics are useful for its long life characteristics
• Biodegradable / compostable plastics have been developed but these are
required for specific applications where recycling is not possible or difficult
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6. • ICPE (Indian Centre for Plastics in Environment) set up on the recommendation
of a Task Force constituted by The Ministry of Environment and Forests-body
registered under Society Act on January 27, 1999
• Nodal agency recognized by the Government of India to handle all issues related
to Plastics and Environment in the country
Website: Indian Centre for Plastics in Environment http://icpe.in
Outreach: Positive Contributions of Plastics

7. Outreach: Positive Contributions of Plastics

8. • To encourage, promote and support upgradation of the PWM & plastic industry technologically
and environmentally
• To project Indian Plastic industry as environment conscious, socially responsible in all its acts, be it
manufacturing, marketing or recycling of plastic waste
• To inform, create awareness on the importance of the right way of disposing plastic waste
• To work closely with the Central, State and local administration in PWM on behalf of the plastic
industry
• Develop and encourage standards/ specifications / guidelines for plastic waste / recyclates for
applications
• Sponsor/ undertake R & D work in the area of plastics in general, and plastics waste management
in particular
• Develop and encourage codification system for assisting recycling in critical and non-critical
applications
• Collect, collate, publish and disseminate statistical data on on Plastic waste industry / Plastic
Industry
• Circulate information relating to Plastics Waste Industry -benefit of manufacturers, consumers and
regulatory bodies
• Establish / maintain contacts / liaison and exchange information with similar bodies
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9. • Technical and R & D Programs
• Standards & Specification
o ICPE has been instrumental in developing the packaging guidelines and also the BIS Recycling
Standards(IS 14534 / 14535) in the country. ICPE is also represented on the Bureau of Indian
Standards - Plastic Sectional Committee (PCD - 12)
• Technical Training & Workshop in the area of plastic materials & processing, plastics recycling and
plastic waste management
• Technical Publications for creating comprehensive technical awareness in the area of plastics &
environment
• Pilot Projects & demonstration projects across the country
o Compactor for crushing & bailing of waste plastic bottles, glasses & cups in area like railway
stations. One such compactor being operated at Churchgate, Mumbai
o Pilot incineration Project proposed for one of the metros in co-operation with local authorities
o A mini recycling project for multiplayer films / laminates / pouches / sachets is planned along
with one of the leading industrial research institute in Delhi
• Commissioning Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for various materials
Indian Plastics Industry – Responsible with Social Commitment
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10. Outreach: Positive Contributions of Plastics 10

11. Need of the hour is that all stakeholders come together to develop a
comprehensive long-term vision and strategy for plastics use without any
adverse impact on people and environment in a way compatible with market
forces and benefits the society at large
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12. Thank you
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