Mumbai Beckons Regional Plastics Industry With Solar Solutions

The plastics industry is increasingly looking at using solar energy to improve efficiency in processing and boost product competitiveness.

An international exhibition, which is under way in Mumbai, India, currently, is hosting a dedicated section for solar energy to create awareness about optimum use of solar power in the plastics industry.

Plastivision India 2013, one of the largest such events in India and among the top 10 plastic trade shows in the world, began on December 12 and will continue until December 16.

Among the solutions that are being exhibited at Plastivision India 2013 include pumps, compressors and moulding machines that can be operated using solar energy. Plastivision India is held once in every three years by All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), the oldest and the largest apex body of the plastic industry in India.

“With the UAE and the rest of the region laying a lot of stress on renewable and solar energy, the plastics and packaging industry will be keen to explore the special section on solar energy solutions at Plastivision India 2013. Proximity to Mumbai will help regional players visit the event without much hassle,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, which, in association with AIPMA, organises the biennial international plastics exhibition and conference Plastivision Arabia in Sharjah.

Mr. Midfa was the Guest of Honour at the opening of the 9th Plastivision India 2013.

“Plastic processing units require consistent energy for manufacturing of plastics. The solar pavilion has been introduced in Plastivision India 2013 with the objective of making all stakeholders aware of the productive use of solar energy,” said Mr. Ashok Mukherjee, Chairman, Solar Energy Pavilion at Plastivision India 2013.

Variation in supply and power cuts also causes tremendous waste in terms of money and energy to the plastics industry. The units once shut down require intensive heat to restart. Use of solar energy enhances the core processing of plastics, resulting in increase in efficiency, he said.

The solar pavilion at the show is also displaying a plane that can fly a full day and a night on solar power without using a drop of fossil fuel. The Solar Impulse is the only such plane in the world that can fly 24 hours with a pilot on board.

Expo Centre Sharjah tied up AIPMA to launch Plastivision Arabia in 2012, which featured 150 exhibitors, with nearly half of the participation coming from India and the remaining from 18 other countries. It attracted 7,000 visitors from 66 countries and also received extensive media coverage and had the distinction of seeing most live machines on display sold.

The second Plastivision Arabia is set to be held from April 7 to 10, 2014, at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Dec 15, 2013

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