After three years, Plastivision is back. Visitors are making their way to the Bombay Exhibition Centre. As Manish Dedhia, president of AIPMA, said, “It is an emphatic comeback, which will bolster the momentum of the machinery segment and emphasise sustainable technologies and recycling initiatives.” Arvind Mehta, chairman of AIPMA, added, “The current edition is a catalyst poised to catapult the Indian plastics industry. On the sidelines, conferences and sessions offer valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of import substitution and exports."

On day one, WhatPackaging? team met TM Printers and Mukrika, both companies are print-focused packaging companies located in Mumbai which are committed to providing innovative solutions to customers' packaging challenges, particularly in the areas of in-mould labels, and other specialised labels, and shrink sleeves. Also, WhatPackaging? spent time at converting machinery, who specialise in plastic bag-making and pouch-making machines; as well as Wittmann Group, a company dedicated to fortifying its market standing as a leading manufacturer of injection molding machines and a provider of cutting-edge modular machine technology.

Later, WhatPackaging? team observed the manufacturing prowess at Windsor Machines, who specialise in injection-moulding, pipe extrusion, and blown film machineries. Windsor is recognised as one of the few global companies, and caters to the requirements of the plastic processing industry in 65 countries. This is backed by an installation base of 30,000 machines.

WhatPackaging? team also spent time at the stall of Vinodrai Engineerswho are located in Jalna. The group is a specialised manufacturer and global supplier of rotational moulding machines. A member of Vinodrai told us that the company is the largest producer of rotational moulding machines globally in terms of volume. This is because of a range of machines, including single station bi-axial, three-arm bi-axial, clamshell bi-axial, and duroline machines, which adds up to 35 models.

Later, WhatPackaging? team learnt that Technoshell Automations (a pioneer in hot foil stamping and one of the leaders in plastic tube packaging machines) has a range of solutions for foil decoration, plastic and laminate tubes, labeling, and robotic automation solutions. Also there is Technorobotic machine, a prominent manufacturer, exporter and supplier of an extensive assortment of printing machines, which are suitable for industrial applications. Plus there is Staubli, an international group that serves industrial sectors. Stäubli offers solutions through four divisions: electrical connectors, fluid connectors, robotics, and textile as well as specialisation in loading and mould clamping.

Meanwhile, the AIPMA knowledge sessions on day one will focus on plastics recycling, post-consumer recyclates, and biopolymer and compostable plastics. These sessions will be chaired by Hiten Bheda and Shailendra Singh of AIPMA. On 8 December, some of the important players of the Indian plastic industry Vagish Dixit of Alpla India, Ashok Menon of Sabic, Shishir Sinha of CIPET and Milind Chavan of Dow India will present. Also there Ravindra Gugale of Tata Autocomp, Babu Padmanabhan of Steer, and Isaac Emanuel of Covestro will come together at the panel. The conclave will address the changing scenario of plastic usage in automotive, performance enhancements through compounding plastics, and sustainable solutions with plastics. Innovations in the plastic industry involve incorporating smart technologies to enhance functionality and sustainability. In this regard, a panel will talk about the business opportunities, chaired by Raju Desai of Jyoti Plastics Works. It comprises Manoj Sundaram of Carl Zeiss, Michael Harwell of Henkel Adhesives Technologies, Sachin Unde of Sabic and Suresh V of Covestro.

The Plastivision show has dedicated pavilions for diversified segments comprising Indiamold, finished goods, medical plastics, infrastructure, automation and robotics, recycling, agriculture, and solar energy.