New Delhi, 09 February 2026 — Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan visited PLASTINDIA 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, one of the world’s leading plastics exhibitions being held from February 5 to 10, 2026. During the visit, the Minister released the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025 and presented awards to winners of the Startup Search Initiative, underscoring the government’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and industry-led growth.
Showcasing India’s Growing Role in the Global Plastics Value Chain
Organised by the Plastindia Foundation, PLASTINDIA 2026 has brought together industry leaders, global buyers, innovators, and policymakers from India and abroad. The exhibition highlights India’s expanding footprint in the global plastics ecosystem and reflects the sector’s evolving priorities around technology adoption, sustainability, and value-added manufacturing.
The event serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, business partnerships, and policy dialogue, positioning India as an increasingly important hub in the global plastics value chain.
Plastic Industry Status Report 2025 Released
A key highlight of the Minister’s visit was the release of the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of the sector’s performance, including industry growth, export trends, and the transition towards sustainable practices.
According to Shri Ravish Kamath, President, Plastindia Foundation, the report offers valuable insights for stakeholders by mapping current market dynamics and outlining the industry’s progress towards sustainability and competitiveness.
Startup Search Initiative: Boosting Innovation-Led Sustainability
Shri Chirag Paswan also presented awards to the winners of the Startup Search Initiative, developed by the Plastindia Foundation in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). Under the theme “Bharat Next,” the initiative aims to promote innovation-driven, sustainable solutions in the plastics sector.
Out of over 150 applicants, 10 startups were shortlisted and awarded ₹2 lakh each, providing both recognition and financial support to scale their ideas. Shri Alok Tibrewala, Chairman, NEC PLASTINDIA 2026, noted that the initiative is designed to nurture entrepreneurship and accelerate the adoption of forward-looking, environmentally responsible technologies.
Minister’s Message: Sustainability Through Technology and Efficiency
Addressing industry stakeholders, Shri Chirag Paswan emphasised the need to minimise wastage and leverage technology to drive sustainability, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat. He appreciated the plastics industry for its collective efforts toward sustainable manufacturing while continuing to contribute to national growth and self-reliance.
The Minister highlighted that innovation, efficient resource use, and responsible production practices will be critical for the sector to remain globally competitive while meeting environmental goals.
Conclusion
The visit of Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan to PLASTINDIA 2026, the release of the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025, and the recognition of startups under the Startup Search Initiative together signal a clear push towards innovation-led, sustainable growth in India’s plastics sector. As the industry aligns itself with national development priorities and global sustainability standards, PLASTINDIA 2026 stands out as a key मंच (platform) for shaping the future direction of the sector.
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Source: PIB
