- During the event, the whole plastics recycling and PU and foam community investigated sustainable developments in plastics recycling and PU foam.
- The conferences’ discussions focused on sustainability in foam, polyurethane, andPlastics Recycling with an emphasis on Industry Advancements India’s polyurethane foam market is expected to develop at a 6.30% CAGR.
- while the country’s plastics recycling industry is expected to grow at a robust 9.86% CAGR, propelling future innovation.
Mumbai, the Plastics Recycling Show India (PRSI) and the UTECH India Sustainable Polyurethane & Foam Expo (UTECH ISPUF) made their debuts at Hall 4 of the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. These co-located events, which are organised by Media Fusion and Crain Communications, worldwide trade-show planners, are centred on promoting sustainability in the recycling of polyurethane, foam, and plastics. The events are intended to spur innovation and set new standards for environmentally friendly practices in various sectors, since the plastics recycling industry in India is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.86% from 9.9 million tonnes in 2023 to 23.7 million tonnes by 2032. Furthermore, the polyurethane foam market in India, which was estimated to be worth USD 3.74 billion in 2023, is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.30% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 6.76 billion.
With notable dignitaries attending, the event’s opening was a lavish affair. Mr. Jaiprakash Bhatia, Chairman of the Builder’s Association of India; Mr. Sanjay Gupta, President of the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association; Mr. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman of the Architects, Engineers & Surveyors Association; Mr. Gaurav Sachdeva, Director of Chemie Products; Mr. Anuraag Purie, Owner of AS Enterprises; Mr. Jinen Jain, Managing Director of Prakash Textiles Mills; Mr. Prashant Jain, Mr. Hufeza Samplewala, President of the Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Traders, and Libra Mattress’s Director of Marketing.
In addition to other well-known individuals dedicated to sustainability and innovation in recycling and packaging, the plastics recycling show featured notable dignitaries such as Mr. Tonne Emans, President of Plastic Recyclers Europe; Mr. Shailendra Singh, Director General, Association of PET Recyclers – Bharat; Ms. Garima Mishra, Chief Advisor – South East Asia, Alliance to End Plastic Waste; Mr. Prabhakar Milavarapu, CMO, Sri Chakra; Mr. Ankit Jain, Director, Ribotl; and Mr. Suresh Varadarajan, Managing Director, SI Group India Pvt Ltd.
The Sleep Expo India Pavilion, the premier mattress manufacturing trade fair in the Middle East, will also be on display at the event. It will highlight technology for recycling mattresses, including yarn, textiles, and machines. The pavilion, which is sponsored by Duroflex Pvt. Ltd. as the Mattress & Cushioning Partner, provides insightful information about waste management technologies, circular economy practices, and sustainable solutions that are essential to the future of the industry.
“With an impressive yearly recycling capacity of 5 lakh tonnes, India’s PET recycling industry, represented by the All India Plastic Recycling Association (APR), stands as the world’s largest capacity recycler,” stated Mr. Bhadresh Dodhia, Director, Association of PET Recyclers (BHARAT). Encouraged by progressive government initiatives, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules’ requirement that plastic packaging contain 30% recycled material by 2025, the industry has drawn ₹10,000 crores in investments over the past three years.
Over the past ten years, India, which is well-known across the world for its recycling effectiveness, has managed to recycle 95% of its PET bottle trash. But the industry is moving away from downcycling and towards a circular economy model; 100% recycled bottles are now made using food-grade, authorised ARPET granules. India is poised to dominate the global recycling market and make a substantial contribution to a sustainable future with the help of 50 lakh rag pickers, who are the industry’s backbone, and state-of-the-art equipment.
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 center 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.”
Mr. Hufeza Samplewala, President, Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Traders, said “The furniture industry in India, valued at $25-26 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 U.S. 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 standardize 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.”
Mr. Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects, Engineers & Surveyors Association, said “Polyurethane (PU) stands as a versatile yet underutilized 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 revolutionized 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.”
Mr. 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 $26 billion by 2030. The overall leather sector in India is valued at $30 billion, with a target to grow to $50 billion. Currently, $6 billion worth of footwear is exported, while $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.”
Mr. Jayant Khadilkar, Managing Director, Jay Elastomers Pvt. Ltd, 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.”
Srichakra Polyplast, Ribotl all showcasing their latest sustainable solutions.
Mr. 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 marginalized 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.
Day 1 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 1 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.
Day 2 at UTECH ISPUF and PRSI promises a continuation of engaging discussions and innovative insights. The UTECH sessions will delve into advancing sustainability in PU foam manufacturing, highlighting process development and optimization through simulation. Other topics include transforming old PU foam into materials with potential for wastewater decontamination, and exploring ways to increase the recyclability of polyurethane flexible foam in the Indian subcontinent region.
PRSI Day 2 will feature a panel discussion on navigating circularity hurdles and evaluating whether EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is driving impactful changes in plastics packaging. Other sessions will address trading challenges in an era of shifting regulatory frameworks and explore finance and investment strategies, tackling issues while fostering collaboration to unlock the true value of plastics recycling.
About Crain Communications: Crain Communications is a privately held media company that produces trusted and relevant news across digital platforms, publications, lead generation, research and data products, digital platforms, custom publishing, and events with uncompromising integrity.
About Media Fusion: Media Fusion is a leading multinational publication, events and trade shows company. Since its inception in 2007, the company has grown to include 4 publications – with several conferences and awards – and 1410 trade shows in its portfolio.