The rising demand for plastics in the GCC and increasing product diversification are encouraging the regional manufacturing industry to ramp up production capacity.
According to the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), plastics production capacity in the GCC grew 6 per cent to 25.5 million tonnes in 2014 and is projected to increase 25 per cent to 33.8 million tonnes by 2020.
The manufacturers are also gearing up to see a significant rise in their product portfolio to cover sectors such as aviation, transport and food packaging.
The 3rd Plastivision Arabia 2016 will provide regional manufactures instant access to new machinery, technologies and materials, and insights into improving production and personnel efficiencies and reducing costs.
Expo Centre Sharjah, in association with the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, is organising the upcoming exhibition and conference scheduled for February 22 to 25 in 2016.
“The regional plastics industry is in the midst of sustained growth focusing mainly on quality, efficiency and environmental concerns. The industry will have to rely on technical innovations to produce a more diverse product range and achieve sustainable growth,” said Rituraj Gupta, president, All India Plastic Manufacturers Association.
“Plastivision Arabia has firmly established itself as the best regional sourcing point with its past two editions. The next edition is sure to open up more channels for machinery makers and suppliers to tap this high-growth market,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
Domestic demand for plastics is growing fast in the GCC. Per capita consumption is estimated at 39 kg in the region, 33 per cent higher than the world average.
Experts point out that at the core of the industry’s growth is a growing population, rising construction projects and bigger penetration of pre-packed foods, prompting the region’s plastics producers to look at acquiring new machinery and technology to keep pace with demand.
A rising number of manufacturing units is also generating demand for materials and machinery. In 1990, the number of plastics factories in the GCC stood at 326. In 2007 the figure was 1,223 and by 2012-13, it rose to 7,000.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also major exporters of plastics.
“Expo Centre Sharjah will continue its partnership with the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, the oldest and the largest apex body of the plastic industry in India, for the upcoming Plastivision Arabia. Apart from sharing their expertise, this will facilitate the participation of plastic processing machinery manufacturers from India,” said Al Midfa.
Plastivision Arabia 2016 will be held along with Arabia Mold, which takes place in association with Demat, organiser of EuroMold, the world’s leading fair for mould-making and tooling, design and application development.
The 2nd Print Pack Arabia, jointly organised by Expo Centre Sharjah and the Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (Ipama), will also be held concurrently.
