Over 150 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors expected to showcase and explore sustainable innovations in PU foam and plastics recycling.
MUMBAI, 18th, NOVEMBER, 2024 (TGN): Media Fusion and Crain Communications, two of the world’s leading event organizers, are proud to announce the co-located launch of two pivotal events-UTECH India Sustainable Polyurethane & Foam Expo (UTECH ISPUF) and the Plastics Recycling Show India (PRSI). Slated to take place from 4th to 6th December 2024 at Hall 4, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, these groundbreaking events aim to set a new benchmark for sustainability in the polyurethane, foam, and plastics recycling industries.
The UTECH ISPUF Expo is set to bring the world’s largest platform dedicated to PU and foam solutions to India, spotlighting sustainable advancements such as bio-polyols, innovative recycling machinery, and cutting-edge foam technologies. By focusing on sustainability, the event aligns seamlessly with India’s rising demand for eco-friendly materials, propelling the industry towards a projected market value of USD 5.18 billion (approx. INR 43,000 crores) by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.0%. The show also includes the Middle East’s leading mattress show – Sleep Expo in the form of a pavilion, where the focus will be on mattress recycling technologies, including machinery, textiles, yarn and much more. The event is sponsored by Duroflex Pvt. Ltd as the Mattress & Cushioning Partner.
Meanwhile, PRSI 2024 will debut the globally renowned Plastics Recycling Show brand in India. As the Indian plastics recycling market is expected to expand from 9.9 million tons in 2023 to 23.7 million tons by 2032 at a CAGR of 9.86%, the event aims to offer stakeholders critical insights into circular economy practices, advanced waste management technologies, and sustainable solutions essential for the industry’s future. The event is supported by SI Group, Pashupati Group, Ribotl, and Srichakra Polyplast.
Mr. Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion, said “Bringing UTECH and PRS shows together on a single platform highlights our commitment to supporting India’s sustainability objectives. The market’s growth trajectory is fueled by technological advancements, innovation, and the rising demand for energy- efficient solutions across multiple sectors. As the industry increasingly prioritizes environmental sustainability, these events will serve as a global stage to showcase groundbreaking innovations and foster collaborations that drive the industry towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.”
A three-day conference will run alongside the exhibition, featuring industry leaders discussing sustainable growth, technological advancements, and market trends. The events will host over 10,000 visitors and 150 key exhibitors, including prominent brands such as Chemie Products Private Limited, AS Enterprises, Duroflex Pvt. Ltd, Speb Adhesives, Jay Elastomers Pvt. Ltd., Meenakshi Polymers Pvt. Ltd., Dalmia Polypro, Dodhia Plastics, Plastics for Change, Leevams Inc., Starlinger & Co GmbH, NEPRA Resource Management, all showcasing their latest sustainable solutions.
Mr. Matthew Barber, Global Events Director, Crain Communications said, “We are elated to bring our globally renowned UTECH and Plastics Recycling Show brands to India, a market poised for transformative growth. This joint initiative reflects our vision of creating influential platforms that drive positive changes in the polyurethane, foam, and plastics recycling sectors. By co-locating these events, we aim to unlock synergies among stakeholders and tap into India’s vast potential. The country’s rapidly expanding automotive, construction, and consumer durables markets are drawing significant international interest fostering global partnerships and collaborations that will further accelerate the industry’s growth.”
The events have garnered robust support from industry associations such as the Association of PET Recyclers Bharat, Packaging Industry Association of India, Indian Plastics Institute, Builders Association of India and the Architects, Engineers, and Surveyors Association.
Mr. Shailendra Singh, Founder & CEO, Sustainmantra, said “Sustainability / Circularity is the singular stand-out global megatrend & as part of this trend, Waste Management is one of the largest emerging business opportunities in India, with a market size estimated at approx., Rs 1 Lakh crores. Growing consumer awareness: increased and tighter regulations, especially for plastic packaging waste, has brought the issue of plastic packaging pollution, squarely in the spotlight globally, whilst also highlighting the challenges in this field, particularly related to collection, sorting and recycling of plastic packaging. Plastic Waste management Regulations have provided a fiscal incentive to recyclers, however, more needs to be done in terms of subsidies for this sector, to enable cutting-edge technology and machinery to be deployed. Over the past 4-5 years several start-ups have emerged as well as incentivised established organisations to consider recycling as a business opportunity, as well as attracting some capital from impact investors. This is just the beginning and as this sector develops more capital will be needed and will be invested.”
Mr. Deepak V. Mehta, Founder & Managing Partner, Leevams, said “The Indian plastics recycling industry stands at a transformative juncture, driven by evolving regulations like the updated Plastic Waste Management (PWM) rules and EPR notifications. These changes have sparked significant advancements, particularly in the PET bottle recycling segment, where we anticipate 15-20 new plants to be operational by 2025 to meet the mandated 30% recycled PET (PET) content in products. This will align supply with the surging demand, ensuring a steady annual increase in recycled content.
However, challenges in polyolefin recycling persist, mainly due to the scarcity of quality feedstock and the complexities of waste segregation, particularly with multilayer packaging (MLP). The establishment of robust Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across India will be crucial to address these issues. Despite these challenges, the industry is currently growing at an estimated 15% and is set to accelerate post-2025, driven by increased participation from both domestic and international stakeholders. As dedicated exhibitions and conferences emerge, it’s clear that we are merely at the tip of the iceberg – the future of recycling in India is poised for exponential growth, creating immense opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”
With regard to the foam and PU industry, Mr. Anuraag Purie, AS Enterprises, said “The Indian foam and polyurethane industry is witnessing a robust growth trajectory, with projections indicating a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2032, reaching an estimated market size of USD 6.76 billion by 2032 up from USD 3.74 billion in 2023. This expansion is largely driven by increasing demand across sectors like automotive, construction, and consumer goods. In particular, the rising adoption of flexible polyurethane foam for applications such as bedding, furniture, and automotive seating underscores the industry’s focus on comfort, durability, and versatility. Additionally, government initiatives like the Production -Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the reduction in Basic Customs Duty from 7.5% to 5% on raw materials such as methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) are enhancing the industry’s growth potential by lowering input costs and encouraging higher production outputs. Sustainability remains at the forefront, with a strong push towards using eco- friendly materials and adopting energy-efficient manufacturing processes. This growing interest, coupled with supportive policies, positions the industry for substantial advancements in the years to come.”
