Utech India and Plastics Recycling Show highlight innovation and collaboration

Organised by international trade-show organisers, Media Fusion and Crain Communications, these co-located events focus on advancing sustainability in polyurethane, foam, and plastics recycling. 

With India's plastics recycling market projected to grow from 9.9-million tonnes in 2023 to 23.7-million tonnes by 2032, at a CAGR of 9.86%, the events aim to drive innovation and establish new benchmarks for eco-friendly practices in these industries. Additionally, India polyurethane foam market size valued at USD 3.74-billion in 2023, is projected to reach at USD 6.76-billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.30% during 2024-2032.

The event also features a pavilion showcasing the Middle East's leading trade show on mattress manufacturing, Sleep Expo India Pavilion, focused on mattress recycling technologies such as machinery, textiles, and yarn. 

Bhadresh Dodhia, director, Association of PET Recyclers (BHARAT), said, “India’s PET recycling industry, represented by the All India Plastic Recycling Association (APR), stands as the world's largest capacity recycler, with an impressive annual recycling capability of five-lakh tonnes. Over the last three years, the sector has attracted Rs 10,000 crores in investments, spurred by progressive government policies such as mandating 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2025 under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.”

He added, “India, recognised globally for its recycling efficiency, currently recycles 95% of its PET bottle waste, a feat achieved over the last decade. However, the industry is evolving from downcycling into a circular economy model, with food-grade approved ARPET granules now being used to manufacture 100% recycled bottles. With support from 50 lakh rag pickers — the backbone of the industry — and cutting-edge technology, India is set to lead the global recycling market, contributing significantly to a sustainable future.”

Mohammad Z Altaf, country head, Recaz Chemicals, said, “At Recaz Chemicals, we're committed to driving innovation in the polyurethane industry. With over 30 years of expertise, we're proud to have established a strong presence in India, holding a 40% market share. Our R&D centre in Hyderabad is dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions, including sustainable and eco-friendly products. As we continue to expand our operations, our goal is to make our products made in India, aligning with the country's vision of self-reliance. We're excited about the future and look forward to contributing to the growth of the Indian polyurethane industry."

Hufeza Samplewala, president, Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Traders, said, “The furniture industry in India, valued at USD 25 to 26-billion, is witnessing remarkable growth, with projections indicating it will nearly double to over $50 billion by 2030, driven by a consistent CAGR of 6-6.5%. This sector is experiencing significant momentum, bolstered by government initiatives such as the development of furniture hubs under the Make in India campaign. These hubs aim to reduce dependency on imports, particularly from countries like China, and promote domestic manufacturing.

A notable shift includes Indian manufacturers expanding their footprint in export markets, including the US and Africa. The exhibition highlights PU foam, a critical raw material for seating systems, which is now increasingly produced locally, reducing reliance on imports. Furthermore, sustainable practices are gaining traction, with innovations in engineered and WPC boards — recycled, eco-friendly alternatives — becoming key components in furniture production. Efforts to standardise the industry are also underway, with the Bureau of Indian Standards introducing comprehensive furniture standards across categories, aiming to elevate quality benchmarks and reduce imports. Addressing challenges such as the high GST rate of 18% and further boosting MSME contributions are critical steps for unlocking the sector's potential.”

Mahesh Bangad, chairman, Architects, Engineers & Surveyors Association, said, “Polyurethane (PU) stands as a versatile yet underutilised material in India’s construction and design industries. Currently, only 5-7% of the population is aware of its applications, leaving a staggering 93% growth potential untapped. Globally, PU has revolutionised industries with its resilience, thermal insulation properties, and adaptability in products ranging from rigid construction materials to flexible furniture solutions. However, challenges like flammability, application costs, and limited innovation have hindered its widespread adoption in India. With greater emphasis on experimentation, recyclability, and integration into sustainable practices, PU can become a key contributor to achieving net-zero goals and transforming sectors like interior design, construction, and packaging."

Sanjay Gupta, president, Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association, said, “The Indian footwear market is currently valued at $18 billion, with a target to grow this market to USD 26-billion by 2030. The overall leather sector in India is valued at USD 30-billion, with a target to grow to $50 billion. Currently, USD 6-billion worth of footwear is exported, while USD 12-billion is sold in the domestic market. The growth in the international market is not as much as in the domestic market. The industry faces challenges such as raw material import, including leather and synthetic materials, and competition from cheaper imports, particularly from China. However, the government is proactive in supporting the industry, with initiatives such as providing grants for machinery and participating in exhibitions. The industry is also moving towards sustainability, with a focus on recycling and eco-friendly materials, and currently, around 30% of materials used in the industry are recycled, with a target to increase this percentage in the future.”

Jayant Khadilkar, managing director, Jay Elastomers, said, “The polyurethane industry is vast, with various segments such as foam, coatings, sealants, adhesives, elastomers, artificial leather, and binders, all experiencing significant growth. The increasing number of steel plants and demand for specialized polyurethane materials are driving this growth. The Indian market is evolving, with customers valuing quality over cheap pricing, which makes it more sustainable. To foster further growth, government support in reforming the duty structure and offering tax concessions for locally manufactured materials would be beneficial, enabling the industry to thrive while remaining competitive.”

Shekhar Prabhakar, co-founder & CEO, Hasiru Dala Innovations, said, “Waste pickers are the backbone of the Indian waste management sector, yet they remain the most marginalised of the urban poor. In Karnataka alone, there are approximately 4.62 lakh waste pickers, who face unpredictable incomes and unacceptable living conditions. Despite their crucial role in recycling, they are often overlooked. Through inclusive circularity, Hasiru Dala Innovations provides waste pickers with access to markets, clean waste, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, the organization has diverted over 100,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste away from landfills, empowered 27 waste pickers as entrepreneurs, and provided supplemental income to over 1,000 waste pickers.”

Taher Patrawala, managing director, Media Fusion, said, “The private sector and startups are driving innovation in sustainability, adopting circular economy models that minimise waste and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Sustainability remains at the forefront, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Along with government’s supportive policies, these efforts are transforming the industry. The combined platforms of Utech and PRS, highlight the immense potential of recycling in India. As innovation and collaboration accelerate, the future of recycling promises exponential growth, driving sustainable practices and creating new opportunities across the industry.”

Matthew Barber, global events director, Crain Communications, said, “Recycling has become a global focal point for sustainable development, with India positioned uniquely due to its strong commitment to advancing circular economy practices. Reports suggest that India’s current plastic recycling rate stands at approximately 60%, significantly higher than the global average of 9%, and even surpassing several developed nations. Co-located events like UTECH and PRS underline India’s growing influence in driving global innovation. These events offer a vital platform for fostering partnerships, bridging local initiatives with international expertise, and paving the way for transformative advancements in recycling, material science, and eco-conscious manufacturing.”

The events hosted prominent brands such as Chemie Products, AS Enterprises, Duroflex Pvt, Speb Adhesives, Jay Elastomers, Meenakshi Polymers, Dalmia Polypro, Dodhia Plastics, Plastics for Change, Leevams, Starlinger & Co GmbH, NEPRA Resource Management, Srichakra Polyplast, Ribotl all showcasing their latest sustainable solutions. 

Day one featured a dynamic series of presentations and discussions focused on cutting-edge advancements in the polyurethane and plastics recycling industries. The polyurethane sessions covered global market trends with a focus on Asia and sustainability, PU recycling feasibility, eco-friendly polyurethane solutions, sustainable production in India, and innovations in polyurethane polyol systems. Specific applications were explored, including PU in construction and bio-polyols for rigid applications, along with a fireside chat spotlighting energy efficiency and sustainability in cold storage.

Simultaneously, PRSI Day one hosted panels on the plastic recycling market, addressing the current landscape, regulations, challenges, and actions needed to build a circular plastics framework. Discussions also took a closer look at India's collection and sorting infrastructure, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.