PLASTINDIA 2026 SET TO BECOME THE WORLD’S LARGEST PLASTICS SHOWCASE

More than 2,000 exhibitors and delegates from 80 countries will converge in New Delhi as Plastindia 2026 prepares for its biggest edition yet

Plastindia 2026 is gearing up for an unprecedented global presence, with over 2,000 exhibitors and participation from 80 countries, making it the world’s largest standalone plastics exhibition. Scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 5–10 February 2026, the 12th edition promises to be a landmark event for one of India’s fastest-growing industries.

At an eastern region roadshow, Alok Tibrewala, Chairman of the Plastindia 2026 National Executive Council, emphasised the event’s scale and distinctiveness.According to him, “Plastindia 2026 will be the world’s largest standalone plastics show. Other global shows combine rubber and chemicals, but ours will be entirely dedicated to plastics.”

Aligned with the theme ‘Bharat Next’, the exhibition is expected to attract more than six lakh visitors, offering a platform that blends innovation, sustainability, investment, and emerging technologies shaping the future of plastics in India.

Three Strategic Initiatives to Transform the Sector

This year’s edition will introduce three major initiatives aimed at accelerating growth and responsible development in the plastics ecosystem:

Zero Waste Exhibition: Ambitiously positioned to become the world’s first exhibition to generate zero landfill waste, ensuring that all of the estimated 400–500 tonnes of waste is fully recycled or repurposed.

Startup Search: A collaboration with IIM to connect innovators with investors, offering a launchpad for breakthroughs in materials, recycling, automation, and sustainability.

Invest India Mechanism: Designed to mobilise ₹1 lakh crore in new investments in plastic processing, strengthening domestic manufacturing and job creation.

Indian Plastics Federation President Amit Agarwal highlighted the initiative’s potential to match entrepreneurs with industrial partners, creating a powerful innovation network.

Revitalising Plastics: Investment, Employment and Growth

The conversations between Plastindia Foundation and the Indian Plastics Federation focused on the exhibition’s role in driving investment, employment, and technology adoption. With the Indian plastics industry growing at 12–13% annually, stakeholders believe the sector is at a turning point.

Plastindia Foundation President Ravish Kamath noted that India currently consumes around 40 million tonnes of polymers annually. Public sector giants such as IOCL and BPCL are set to expand capacity by 8 million tonnes over the next two years, reinforcing India’s position as a global plastics manufacturing hub.

The sector already employs over 50 lakh people, with rising consumption expected to create significant job growth. Plastic exports, valued at USD 12 billion, are projected to double or even triple within the next three years due to strong domestic raw material capabilities and entrepreneurial momentum.

West Bengal: A Rising Plastics Hub

As part of its promotional campaign, Plastindia is conducting roadshows across six key states. West Bengal, the third-largest plastics processing region after Gujarat and Maharashtra, contributes nearly 7–8% of India’s total output. The Invest India mechanism will bring together 10–12 state governments for high-level discussions on policy support, incentives, and employment generation.

Kamath added, “India is on an unstoppable trajectory. The Indian plastics market is projected to reach USD 50 billion by 2026, and West Bengal’s new wave of investment reflects this momentum.”

With its bold initiatives, expansive international participation, and a renewed commitment to sustainability, Plastindia 2026 is set to redefine the future of plastics — not just for India, but for the world.