Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, visited the ongoing PLASTINDIA 2026, one of the world’s leading plastics exhibitions, being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 5–10, 2026.

During his visit, the Union Minister released the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025 and presented awards to the winners of the Startup Search Initiative, developed by the Plastindia Foundation in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP).

Addressing industry stakeholders, Shri Chirag Paswan emphasised the need to minimise wastage and leverage technology to drive sustainability in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat. He appreciated the plastics industry for its collective efforts towards sustainable manufacturing while contributing to national growth and self-reliance.

PLASTINDIA 2026, organised by the Plastindia Foundation, has brought together industry leaders, global buyers, innovators, and policymakers from India and abroad, highlighting India’s growing role in the global plastics value chain. Shri Ravish Kamath, President, Plastindia Foundation, said the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025 offers key insights into the industry’s growth, exports, and sustainability transition, while Shri Alok Tibrewala, Chairman, NEC PLASTINDIA 2026, noted that the Startup Search Initiative supports innovation-led, sustainable solutions, with 10 startups shortlisted from over 150 applicants and awarded ₹2 lakh each under the theme “Bharat Next.”