The
Plastics Industry in Gujarat has made significant achievements
ever since it made a modest but promising beginning
by commencing production of Polystyrene about four decades
ago.
The
Plastic processing sector in India comprises of about
30,000 units of which Gujarat accounts for over 6,100
tiny, small and medium scale units thus contributing
to about one-fifth of the total number of units in the
country. They are involved in producing variety of items
through injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion
and calendaring. Further, vast potential lies for the
development of Plastic Processing Industry, as at present
the per capita consumption of Plastic is only 0.7 kg.
compared to the world average of 11 kg. The capacities
built in most segments of this industry coupled with
inherent capabilities have made us capable of servicing
the overseas markets.
The
country in general and Gujarat in particular possess
the necessary technical skills to produce high quality
plastic goods, required machinery, the efficient moulds
and dies. In view of the versatility of operations and
the low cost production, the State has been ideally
suited to serve as a sourcing base. The major international
companies from various segments of industry including
automobiles, electronics and communication, food processing
and packaging have set up their large manufacturing
plants in the country and helped to develop the market.
India is emerging as one of the fastest growing market
and is expected to grow by 12 to 15% in the coming years.
The
potential Gujarat market has motivated Gujarat entrepreneurs
to acquire technical expertise, achieve high quality
standards and build capacities in various facets of
the booming plastic industry. Phenomenal developments
in the plastic machinery sector coupled with matching
developments in the petrochemical sector, both of which
support the plastic processing sector, have facilitated
the plastic processors to build capacities to service
both the domestic market and the markets in the overseas.
The
availability of polymer raw materials has also played
a pivotal role in the growth of this sector of industry
and in addition to meeting the indigenous requirement
it is the net exporter of certain polymers besides the
finished goods. The export of plastic products has been
identified as thrust area and the State entrepreneurs
are gearing themselves to capture the market abroad
with greater dynamism and sincerity. The export of Plastic
and articles thereof has increased in last few years
at the rate of about 20% and year wise export is as
mentioned in the table hereunder: |
