Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated Plastindia 2026, India’s largest plastic exhibition, with a strong focus on sustainability and industry growth. Gupta urged the plastic industry to innovate and work towards recycling 100% of plastic waste, with sustainability at the core of future growth.
Highlighting Delhi’s daily plastic waste challenge, she called for stronger recycling systems, circular economy practices, and eco-friendly material innovations. She also appreciated the industry’s efforts, especially Plastindia 2026 being organised as a zero-waste exhibition, calling it a strong example of responsible manufacturing.
Gupta noted that India’s plastic industry, valued at USD 44 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 64 billion by 2030, and stressed that growth must align with sustainability goals. She also welcomed the India–EU FTA and the US tariff deal, saying they will boost exports and benefit MSMEs.
Calling for deeper collaboration, Gupta invited industry support to make Delhi a hub for plastic processing and recycling through innovation and advanced technologies.
The 6-day Plastindia 2026, India’s largest plastics exhibition, is being organised by the Plastindia Foundation, the apex body representing leading associations, organisations and institutions of the Indian plastics industry at Bharat Mandapam.
Plastindia 2026, the leading international plastics exhibition and India’s first-ever 100% zero-waste expo will be hosting over 2,000 exhibitors and expects to attract more than 6 lakh footfall from India and across the world, showcasing the scale, strength and global competitiveness of the Indian plastics industry.
“Plastindia 2026 will be hosting a series of high-impact initiatives designed to strengthen policy dialogue, global trade and sustainability. These include a CEO Conclave, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers, and a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) that will facilitate structured one-to-one meetings between Indian exhibitors and international buyers, accelerating exports and long-term business collaborations,” said Ravish Kamath, president, Plastindia Foundation.
“India’s plastics industry is witnessing strong and sustained growth. The market, currently valued at USD 26.5 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 44.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11%. Plastics exports are expected to double from USD 10 billion in 2025 to USD 20 billion by 2027, reaffirming India’s expanding role in the global plastics value chain,” said Kamath.
He added that this growth is being driven by infrastructure development and rising consumer demand across packaging, automotive, construction, electronics and healthcare sectors.
“Plastindia 2026 will host a CEO Conclave, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to enable strategic dialogue, along with a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) that will facilitate structured one-to-one interactions between Indian exhibitors and international buyers, accelerating exports and long-term collaborations,” he added.
Speaking on the sustainability and experiential vision of the exhibition, Alok Tibrewala, chairman, National Executive Committee, Plastindia 2026, underlined the event’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“What truly sets Plastindia 2026 apart is its determined commitment to be a Zero-Waste exhibition – a bold first for India’s plastics industry. Inspired by our prime minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, this edition will implement circular economy practices, large-scale recycling initiatives and sustainability-driven operations across the entire exhibition,” said Tibrewala.
Tibrewala also highlighted several first-of-its-kind initiatives planned for the event. “Plastindia 2026 will feature a 20,000 sq. ft. Open Air Museum – a unique experiential initiative showcasing the positive and responsible role of plastics through large sculptures, interactive installations and themed zones. In addition, the Startup Search Initiative, developed in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), will provide a powerful platform for emerging innovators.” He noted 10 short listed start-ups from 150 applications are being rewarded with 2 lakh rupee cash price and a complimentary booth at Plastindia 2026.”
“With the support of ministers and policymakers, Plastindia 2026 will not only be one of the largest exhibitions ever hosted at Bharat Mandapam, but also one of the most forward-thinking. Our focus is on delivering a world-class experience while placing sustainability, innovation and responsibility at the heart of the event,” Tibrewala said.
