The 17th edition of ArabPlast, West Asia’s premier trade exhibition for plastics and petrochemicals, opened in Dubai with India emerging as a key player in sustainable manufacturing solutions. The three-day event has attracted over 750 exhibitors across 12 international pavilions, showcasing innovations in plastics, recycling, petrochemicals, packaging, and rubber industries.
India’s delegation, comprising 125 companies led by the Plastic Export Promotion Council of India (PLEXCONCIL), marks a 70% increase from the previous edition, underscoring the country’s expanding role in the global plastics sector. This robust participation aligns with India’s intensified focus on sustainable practices and circular economy initiatives, bolstered by stringent Plastic Waste Management Rules and restrictions on single-use plastics.
Vikram Bhaduria, Chairman of PLEXCONCIL, highlighted the growth potential in Indo-UAE trade relations, with Indian plastic exports to the UAE currently valued at $620 million. “With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in place, there’s an opportunity to expand into a $9 billion market,” Bhaduria said, emphasizing India’s relatively modest 1.5% contribution to the global plastic industry.
In 2023, the West Asian region imported plastics worth $30 billion, of which India accounted for just $1.5 billion. The UAE, as India’s third-largest plastics export destination, serves as a strategic hub, offering advanced logistics infrastructure for seamless access to European and African markets.
This year’s ArabPlast places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, with Indian companies showcasing innovative solutions in biodegradable plastics and advanced recycling technologies. The event also highlights the significance of the GCC petrochemical sector, which generates over $100 billion in annual revenues.
The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated by Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, underscoring the country’s commitment to global collaboration in sustainable manufacturing.
ArabPlast 2025 continues through January 9, solidifying Dubai’s status as a global hub for industrial innovation and sustainable development. The exhibition serves as a platform for stakeholders to explore new technologies, forge partnerships, and advance environmentally responsible manufacturing practices in the region.
