IPF welcomes petrochem policy

The fact that the latest national policy on petrochemicals admits that an increase in consumption of plastics has a multiplier effect on the GDP has gone well with Indian Plastics Federation (IPF).

Commenting on the policy released in September, K K Seksaria, president, IPF, said: The policy has acknowledged that plastics are environment friendly, recyclable and also conserves natural reserves & resources."

The policy has also proposed an incentive for urban local bodies that would contribute significantly towards plastics waste management and recycling, he added.

Currently, the per capita consumption of plastics in India stands at 4.5 kilograms when compared with the global average of 25 kgs. The policy aims to take it up to 12 kgs by 2010 together with creating additional employment for 3.6 million people.

A Poly-Park has been set up by the IPF at Howrah to creates opportunities for small and medium industries. This apart, IPF is also in the process of setting up a center of excellence at Howrah for training manpower required for the plastics industry. The centre will contribute in terms of research and development activities for the technological upgradation of the industry.