ORGANISED BY INDIAN PLASTICS FEDERATION, INDPLAS'18 – 8th INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION ON PLASTICS WAS HELD FROM NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 3, 2018 AT ECO PARK GROUND, KOLKATA, INDIA.

The exhibition was formally inaugurated on 1st December 2018. Dr. Amit Mitra, Hon'ble Minister of Finance, Commerce & Industry, Government of West Bengal. Heads of many associations, members of the Managing Committee of Plastindia Foundation and many dignitaries were present during the inauguration function and visited the exhibition. The exhibition was held on an area of 50,000 sq mtr. There were 420 exhibitors occupying 8500 sq mtr area. 102 foreign exhibitors from China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong participated ,some with live running of machinery as well. A 40 member delegation from Shenzhen Polymer Industry Association, China came to visit the exhibition on 28th November. They were very impressed with the exhibition and the potential in Eastern India and assured for future co-operation with IPF and participate in large number in Indplas'18.

The exhibition was supported by Ministry of Chemical & Fertilisers, DCPC, Govt. of India, WBIDC, ASSOCHAM, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Plastindia Foundation and all major plastics association of India.

The exhibition covered all aspects of plastic industry viz. polymer manufacturers like Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd., GAIL (India) Ltd, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd, Supreme Petrochemicals Ltd and machinery manufacturers like Windsor, Lohia Starlinger, Rajoo Engineers, Mamata Group , Kabra Extrusiontechnik and many others participated with live demonstration of their machines. Mould & Dies, Additive and masterbatch manufacturers, reprocessing machinery manufacturers and ancilliaries were present in the exhibition. Large number of finished products manufacturers also showcased their products in the exhibition.

The National Committee of Plasticulture Applications In Horticulture (NCPAH) displayed the latest use of plastics in Horticulture and Agriculture with live demonstration.

A theme pavilion " ALL IS PLASTICS" was constructed by IPF, showcasing the use of plastics in day to day life from cradle to grave. Finished products of plastics in packaging, toys, Health care, automobile, agriculture , household , safety appliances , other industrial plastics products etc were displayed with a question at exit gate of theme pavilion mentioning " Can we live without Plastics", which left the visitor to think on the positivity of plastics.

The Industry now is excited to accept the challenge thrown by the Hon'ble Minister to double its processing capacity in Bengal from 10 lakh ton per annum to 20 lakh ton per annum in next 3 years. An investment of Rs 300 crores was announced by the industry at the inaugural ceremony on 1st December, 2018 itself with an expectation of further investment of 2500 crores in the next 3 years. Investment of this magnitude and increase in processing capacity in our state will open up new opportunities to gainfully employ more than 2,00,000 people in next 3 - 5 years. The exhibitors were more than satisfied with the business prospects and it has been informed by the exhibitors that orders and leads for capital equipments worth 1,000 crores was placed with the exhibitors. The Reverse Buyer Seller Meet which was attended by 50 international buyers from 16 countries was a grand success and the exhibitors have on spot closed export orders worth Rs. 50 crores with an expectation to have much more business on a continuous basis. This shows Bengal as a positive buying destination of plastic products.

The exhibition witnessed around 85000 footfall of business visitors from all over India and especially from Eastern and North Eastern States. Visitors from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and other parts of the world also attended in large numbers.

Students from different schools were invited to see the exhibition. The students were very impressed to see the NCPAH booth and the theme pavilion. Complimentary transportation and food was provided to the students.

Awards in various categories viz. best designed stalls, most innovative finished product displayed, best overseas stall of China and Taiwan and other country best machinery stall etc. were given to the exhibitors in the award Nite function held on the evening of 29th November to recognize the exhibitors efforts. The Award Nite was accompanied with an entertainment programme.

A Gala Nite programme was held on the evening of 1st December 2018 inside the Eco Park complex for the exhibitors with an entertainment programme, which everyone appreciated.

The exhibition concluded on 3rd December 2018. Feedback received from exhibitors and visitors has been extremely encouraging. We are confident that, with the success of this exhibition there will be boost in the development of Plastics Industry in Eastern India and large investment will be made in this filed.

The organizers are thankful to all the exhibitors, visitors, vendors for the success of Indplas'18.