Plastic manufacturing industry should aim to increase their turnover to Rs. 10 lakh crore from the present level of Rs. 3 lakh crore in the next 5 years, says Minister for Commerce & Industry, Textiles and Consumer Affairs & Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal while reviewing the functioning of the plastic industry in the country. 

He said that huge potential exists to increase the manufacturing of plastic machinery in India and reduce dependence on imports.

Goyal said, "The plastic industry is one of the biggest generators of employment in the country. It should now also aim to double the employment as well in five years time with the expected increase in turnover."

Speaking on quality, Goyal said, "Dependence on using second hand machinery is not the way forward. A less than good quality machinery would only produce substandard products. In order to compete globally, world class machinery needs to be used for all kinds of production."

He said that the BIS would set up labs wherever needed to ensure best possible testing of plastic materials.

Goyal commented, "We all need to ensure that MSMEs get assured supply of raw material to compete and grow. Maximum support from all stakeholders needs to be given to MSMEs as they generate huge employment and support millions of livelihoods." He asked the industry to commit to create capacities to produce the best in India and this would add muscle to India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission as well.

The meeting was attended by heads of various industry and trade bodies of  petrochemical & plastic sector like All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), FICCI, CII, Organization of Plastics Processors of India (OPPI), Process Plant and Machinery Association of India (PPMAI), PLEXCONCIL, and Material Recycling Association of India besides senior officers of the Government of India from the concerned Ministries.