Global plastics industry converges at Plastivision Arabia & ArabiaMold

Strong demand from end-use segments such as packaging, construction and food and beverage has placed the regional plastics industry in a high-growth mode, generating tremendous buzz for the inaugural Plastivision Arabia and ArabiaMold shows which opened on May 14 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

A key driver of the plastics industry, the packaging sector in the UAE is valued at $1.84 billion in 2011, registering a growth 4.27%,  according to Global Industry Analysts. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.68% to reach $2.3 billion in 2016.

The second largest consumer of plastics, the construction sector in the UAE will see nearly $15 billion worth of contracts awarded in 2012, an increase of 26% from last year, with the total value of current projects standing at $2.2 trillion, according to Ventures Middle East. Annual consumer expenditure on food, another key end-user segment, reached $23.3 billion in the UAE in 2011 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.12% to touch $33.7 billion in 2016.

The resurgence in these fundamental growth drivers and the excitement it has created in the industry were clearly visible at the launch of Plastivision Arabia and the concurrent show ArabiaMold, which were opened by H. E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salim Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The opening was attended by H.E. M.K. Lokesh, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah; Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, President, All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA); senior executives from Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AIPMA, DEMAT, Expo Centre Sharjah, government officials and trade representatives.

“To be honest, the response we have received for Plastivision Arabia and ArabiaMold is quite overwhelming. Despite being a launch edition, the number of exhibitors and pre-registered visitors is on the higher side even for an established trade fair. I believe our association with AIPMA and DEMAT, the expanding economy and the overall positive business climate have helped in generating so much interest in the regional and global plastics industry,” said Mr. Al Midfa.

Scheduled to take place from 14 – 17 May, the shows cover an exhibition area of 10,000 square metres featuring 150 exhibitors from 20 countries. They also have one of the highest figures in terms of visitor pre-registration – more than 2,000. 

“GCC states are focusing on value addition, from oil economy to polymers and plastic products; and India is willing to support this transition with its industry – the manpower, machines and molds. We see opportunity for GCC and India, where we can co-operate with each other and supplement each other,” said Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, President, AIPMA, the co-organiser of Plastivision Arabia.

The $25 billion Indian plastics industry has the largest number of exhibitors – nearly half of the total participation, while the rest are from China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE and the UK. 

The biggest group participation at the show is organized by UNIDO ICAMT, the International Centre for the Advancement of Manufacturing Technology (ICAMT), an International Technology Center of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The shows are offering a comprehensive sourcing point for key segments such as plastic processing, injection molding, thermoforming, packaging, industrial users, construction, infrastructure, automobile and telecommunication, among others. While Plastivision Arabia is featuring leading raw material producers, primary processing and auxiliary equipment suppliers from the region as well as across the world, ArabiaMold, co-organAir Jordan IV 4 Retro Snake Skin