The Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals is implementing the Plastic Parks Scheme under the New Scheme of Petrochemicals.

About Plastic Parks Scheme

• Plastic Parks Scheme is a sub scheme under the New Scheme of Petrochemicals.
• Nadal Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

• Objective: Set up need-based Plastic Parks with world-class infrastructure and shared facilities to consolidate the downstream plastic processing industry.
• Government Grant: Up to 50% of the project cost, subject to a maximum of ₹40 crore per project.
• Focus Area: Promoting investment, increasing production and exports, generating employment, and ensuring sustainable development through waste management and recycling.

What is a Plastic Park?

• An industrial zone dedicated to plastic-related businesses and industries.
• Aims to consolidate and synergize industry capacities, enhance investments, boost exports, create jobs, and support environmental sustainability.
• Proposal and Approval: State governments submit preliminary proposals with location and financial details. Upon in-principle approval by the Scheme Steering Committee, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is submitted for final clearance.
• Implementation: Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) or State Industrial Development Corporations undertake project execution and park development.
• Approved Parks: 10 Plastic Parks have been approved across various states.
• Common Facilities Provided at the Park
  • Effluent treatment plants
  • Solid/hazardous waste management systems
  • Plastic recycling sheds
  • Incinerators
• Promotion of Private Sector Participation:
  • Competitive plot rates
  • Tax incentives
  • Industry awareness programs

Status of Indian Plastic Sector

• India is ranked 12th globally in plastic exports (World Bank, 2022).
• Exports grew from $8.2 billion (2014) to $27 billion (2022).

Other Government Initiatives to Promote Plastic Industry

• Centres of Excellence (CoEs): 13 Centres of Excellence established to foster R&D in polymers and plastics.
• Skilling Initiatives: Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology (CIPET) offers short- and long-term courses for plastics processing and technology to meet industry requirements.

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives of Government

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandates reuse, recycling targets, and use of recycled content in plastic packaging.
• Single-Use Plastic Ban: Reduces plastic waste generation.
• Hazardous Waste Management Rules: Ensure safe disposal and promote resource recovery.
• Circular Economy Promotion:
  • Encourages recycling, biodegradable alternatives.
  • Supports exhibitions and discussions on waste management technologies.
• International Collaboration: Participation in WTO, UNEP, ISO to align with global sustainability standards.

Challenges in the Plastic Industry

• Regulatory Hurdles: Frequent policy changes, compliance burdens, and evolving global environmental norms create uncertainty for investors and industries.
• Raw Material Volatility: Fluctuations in the availability and cost of petrochemical feedstocks impact production planning and competitiveness.
• Technological Gaps: Limited adoption of advanced processing technologies and recycling innovations hampers efficiency and global competitiveness.
• Environmental Concerns: Managing plastic waste sustainably and meeting stringent environmental standards remains a persistent challenge.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Inadequate waste management systems and recycling facilities limit the industry’s circular economy potential.

Way Forward

• Policy Stability and Clarity: Streamline regulations, ensure long-term policy predictability, and incentivize compliance to build investor confidence.
• Focus on R&D and Innovation: Strengthen collaboration between industry and research institutions to promote technological upgrades, especially in recycling and biodegradable plastics.
• Sustainable Practices: Expand initiatives like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), promote eco-friendly alternatives, and enhance recycling infrastructure.
• Skilling and Capacity Building: Broaden training initiatives through institutions like CIPET to equip the workforce with modern manufacturing and sustainability skills.

Conclusion

• The Plastic Parks Scheme is a critical initiative driving India’s growth in the plastic sector while ensuring environmental sustainability.
• By fostering cluster-based development, boosting private sector participation, and supporting innovation, the scheme is helping India climb the global ranks in plastic production and exports.
• Future focus: Maintaining sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven growth in the plastic industry.