First VDMA Circular Economy Conference successfully held in Mumbai

The first Circular Economy Conference of VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery and VDMA India took place on December 6 in Mumbai, one day prior to the opening of Plastivision, one of the major trade fairs for the plastics industry in India.

Over one hundred plastics processors, mainly from the packaging sector but also recyclers, took part in the interactive discussion and B2B formats.

Invited European machine manufacturers and member companies of VDMA, include Arburg, AZO, Brückner Maschinenbau and Coperion, to name a few.

The first Circular Economy Conference of VDMA India was held in Mumbai.

The VDMA conference invited attendees to present their technology highlights along the process chain, from waste preparation and regranulation to processing of regranulates in injection molding or film extrusion.

To achieve circular economy in India, VDMA aims to offer a platform for Indian brands, plastics processors and recyclers to share their particular challenges, requirements and concerns, as well as to promote the use of right technology to produce regranulates of higher quality and thus high-quality plastic products.

India: Collection and recycling rates remain low

With over 60 million tons of waste every year, India needs to promote and take action in achieving circular economy. Plastic consumption is expected to increase by 7.4% annually to 26.4 million tons by 2026.

Yet, the collection and recycling rates remain low in India. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) estimates that 40% of plastic waste is not recycled.

Regulations are introduced and political initiatives were launched, such as the Clean India Programme, which is expected to lead to greater investment in recycling technology. Waste management industry in India is also on a growth trajectory, especially in the plastics sector.