New prospects for Indian films

The performance statistics of the plastic film industry in India were disclosed during a conference on flexible packaging organised by Elite Plus Business Services on 29-30 August in Mumbai, India. According to the statistics data, an increased demand for flexible packaging is expected, whose growth rate should be higher than stiff packaging, whose current demand accounts for nearly one million tons.
In detail, in 2012 BOPP film consumption reached 280 kt, while production was up to 325 kt. For the next few years the Indian Film Manufacturers Association expects a 15% increase. As for BOPET films, consumption reached 285 kt and production 350 kt, with an expected growth of about 12%. Consumption of CPP films was 24 kt; in this case too, a 15% growth is foreseen.
The main application area of plastics in India is represented by packaging which accounts for about 35% of the consumption of raw materials. Currently, the Indian demand for polymers is about 10 million tons but it could double by 2015 and then reach 40 million tons by 2021.