Telangana Aims to Become Leading Hub for Polymer Industry

Telangana Eyes Polymer Industry Boom, Promises Supportive Policies

Telangana Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu has called for collaborative efforts to position the state as a leading hub for plastics and polymer manufacturing. Speaking at the inauguration of HIPLEX 2026, a major plastics expo, he highlighted the sector's potential to replicate Telangana's success in IT, electronics, defence, and pharmaceuticals. "Our doors are always open for constructive dialogue. We are committed to creating an environment where industry can grow with confidence," he assured stakeholders.

Polymer Sector's Economic Impact

The Minister underscored the significant role of the plastics and polymer industry in India's economy, describing it as a "silent engine." Nationwide, the sector provides direct employment to approximately 50 lakh people and indirect employment to over one crore. In Telangana alone, nearly two lakh families depend on this ecosystem for their livelihood.

The two Telugu states—Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—currently consume about 1.3 million tonnes of polymers annually, a figure projected to exceed 2 million tonnes by 2030. This growth trajectory underscores the need for robust infrastructure and policy support to meet rising demand.

Opportunities and Government Backing

Mr. Sridhar Babu identified several emerging opportunities in the sector, including plastic processing, polymer compounding, packaging technologies, recycling, bio-based polymers, and EV components. Telangana, he noted, offers a business-friendly environment with reliable power, a skilled workforce, and progressive industrial policies. "The State Government believes industry and government are partners in development," he said, inviting industry associations to submit detailed representations for policy interventions.

Industry's Appeal for Dedicated Infrastructure

Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President of the All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), urged the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to establish a dedicated Plastics Park with world-class infrastructure. He also called for a 250-acre recycling cluster with a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to support sustainable practices. Investments in water management, packaging, and medical plastics were highlighted as critical needs for the sector's growth.

HIPLEX 2026: A Platform for Innovation

The four-day HIPLEX 2026 exhibition, organized by the Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA), features over 550 exhibitors showcasing advancements in the plastics and polymer industry. The event aims to foster innovation and collaboration among stakeholders.

Why It Matters

Telangana's push to expand its polymer industry aligns with its broader strategy to diversify its industrial base. By leveraging its existing strengths in infrastructure and policy, the state aims to attract investments, create jobs, and drive economic growth in a sector poised for significant expansion.

Source: The Hindu