The UTECH India Sustainable Polyurethane & Foam Expo (UTECH ISPUF) and the Plastics Recycling Show India (PRSI) debuted in Mumbai, marking a significant step towards sustainability in polyurethane, foam, and plastics recycling.
Organized by Media Fusion and Crain Communications, these co-located events aim to revolutionize these industries with cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly practices.
India’s Growing Market Potential
India’s plastics recycling market is set to grow from 9.9 million tons in 2023 to 23.7 million tons by 2032, with a CAGR of 9.86%. Simultaneously, the polyurethane foam market, valued at USD 3.74 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 6.76 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.30%.
These trends underscore the importance of platforms like UTECH ISPUF and PRSI in driving innovation and fostering sustainable growth.
Distinguished Dignitaries Inaugurate the Event
The inauguration saw participation from prominent industry leaders. Key figures for UTECH ISPUF included:
- Jaiprakash Bhatia, Chairman, Builder’s Association of India
- Sanjay Gupta, President, Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association
- Mahesh Bangad, Chairman, Architects, Engineers & Surveyors Association PRSI welcomed:
- Ton Emans, President, Plastic Recyclers Europe
- Garima Mishra, Chief Advisor – South East Asia, Alliance to End Plastic Waste
- Suresh Varadarajan, Managing Director, SI Group India Pvt. Ltd.
- Spotlight on Mattress Recycling
The event featured the Sleep Expo India Pavilion, focusing on advanced mattress recycling technologies. Sponsored by Duroflex Pvt. Ltd., the pavilion showcased innovations in machinery, textiles, and yarn while promoting a circular economy approach.
Transforming the Plastics Recycling Landscape
India’s PET recycling industry, represented by the Association of PET Recyclers Bharat, is the world’s largest, with an annual recycling capacity of 5 lakh tons.
Over the last three years, the sector attracted ₹10,000 crores in investments, spurred by policies such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, mandating 30% recycled content in packaging by 2025.
Innovations in Polyurethane
Industry leaders highlighted the vast potential of polyurethane (PU) across sectors. Mohammad Z Altaf, Country Head, Recaz Chemicals, emphasized their commitment to sustainable innovation, leveraging a 40% market share and a state-of-the-art R&D center in Hyderabad.
Furniture Industry Growth
The Indian furniture industry, valued at $25-26 billion, is on track to double to over $50 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6-6.5%.
According to Hufeza Samplewala, President of the Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Traders, PU foam is becoming a cornerstone for sustainable furniture manufacturing.
Challenges and Opportunities in Footwear
India’s $18 billion footwear market aims to grow to $26 billion by 2030. This is according to Sanjay Gupta, President of the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association.
Sustainability is a key focus, with 30% of materials recycled, and efforts are underway to increase this percentage.
Recycling Leadership and Waste Picker Inclusion
Hasiru Dala Innovations was co-founded by Shekhar Prabhakar. Since 2015, it has empowered waste pickers. The organization has also diverted over 100,000 tons of municipal waste from landfills.
The organization highlights waste pickers as crucial yet marginalized contributors to the recycling sector.
A Platform for Industry Collaboration
Brands such as Chemie Products, Duroflex, Jay Elastomers, and Srichakra Polyplast showcased sustainable solutions at the event. With significant support from industry associations, UTECH ISPUF and PRSI created a collaborative environment. This environment aims to drive innovation and foster partnerships.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
The combined efforts of UTECH ISPUF and PRSI underscore India’s commitment to sustainability.
According to Matthew Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications, India has a plastic recycling rate of 60%. This figure significantly surpasses the global average of 9%. It highlights India’s leadership in circular economy practices.
As per the press release, these events signal India’s potential to lead global sustainability efforts through innovation, collaboration, and policy support.
