VDMA Circular Economy Conference in Mumbai provides technological impetus for plastics recycling
On 6th December 2023, the first Circular Economy Conference of VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery and VDMA India took place in Mumbai, one day prior to the opening of Plastivision, one of the major trade fairs for the plastics industry in India.
India aims to promote the circular economy. The need for action is great. India already has to deal with over 60’000’000t of waste every year. Plastic consumption is expected to increase by 7.4% annually to 26’400’000t by 2026. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) estimates that 40% of plastic waste is not recycled. Therefore, waste recycling has become a government issue. Regulations are being introduced and political initiatives have been launched, such as the Clean India Programme, which is expected to lead to greater investment in recycling technology. The waste management industry in India is on a growth trajectory, especially in the plastics sector.
The VDMA conference picks up on this trend. European machine manufacturers, member companies of the VDMA, presented their technology highlights along the process chain. From waste preparation and regranulation to the processing of regranulates in injection moulding or film extrusion. The aim is to use the right technology to produce regranulates of higher quality and thus high-quality plastic products. Over one hundred plastics processors, mainly from the packaging sector, but also recyclers, took part in the interactive discussion and B2B formats.
A successful circular economy requires intensive dialogue and cooperation across all process steps. Therefore, the VDMA also gave Indian brands, plastics processors and recyclers a platform to share their particular challenges, requirements and concerns with the attendees. The conference was supported by the Indian business service partner Elite Plus.
