The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals of the Government of India is actively implementing the Plastic Parks Scheme under the more general auspices of the New Scheme of Petrochemicals, marking a significant step toward bolstering the ecosystem of plastics manufacturing and promoting environmentally sustainable growth.
This program, which aims to increase investment, improve exports, and create jobs, is becoming a key component in the consolidation of the fragmented but promising Indian plastic processing sector. A Plastic Park is a dedicated industrial zone, specifically tailored for plastic-related businesses.
With modern infrastructure, common facilities, and waste management solutions, these parks aim to attract private players, streamline operations, and promote innovation across the sector. The government supports this initiative with a grant-in-aid of up to 50% of the project cost, capped at ₹40 crore per park.
A Decade of Progress: Numbers Tell the Story
Since the scheme’s inception, 10 Plastic Parks have been approved across various Indian states. Some of the key parks include those in Tamot (Madhya Pradesh), Jagatsinghpur (Odisha), Tinsukia (Assam), and Tiruvallur (Tamil Nadu). Collectively, these parks have received hundreds of crores in investment and government funding. For example, the park in Tiruvallur boasts a project cost of ₹216.92 crore, the highest among all, with ₹22 crore already disbursed.
These parks are being developed under the guidance of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by state governments or industrial development corporations. From plot allocations at competitive rates to tax incentives and industrial awareness programs, states are going the extra mile to ensure the success and occupancy of these parks.
Green Growth at the Core
While industrial growth remains a key objective, environmental sustainability is deeply embedded in the scheme. Many parks are equipped with effluent treatment plants, waste management systems, and plastic recycling units. Recycling sheds and in-house facilities further ensure compliance with eco-friendly standards.
India is also actively working under international frameworks such as UNEP, WTO, and ISO, aligning its practices with global standards. The government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms mandate reuse, recycling, and the inclusion of recycled content in packaging, bolstering India’s efforts toward a circular economy.
Backed by Innovation and Skilling
Supporting this initiative is a network of 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across premier institutions like IITs, CSIR labs, and CIPETs, focusing on areas such as sustainable polymers, bio-engineered systems, and advanced materials. These CoEs are driving research and innovation while addressing real-time industrial challenges.
Parallelly, the Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology (CIPET) is leading India’s efforts in workforce development, offering specialized training programs and courses in plastics processing to meet the growing skill demands of the industry.
India’s Global Plastics Footprint
Plastic Parks According to World Bank data, India now ranks 12th globally in plastics exports, with a sharp jump from USD 8.2 million in 2014 to USD 27 million in 2022. The Plastic Parks scheme is credited as a major contributor to this growth trajectory, transforming India into a reliable player in the global plastics market.
The Road Ahead
As India continues to climb the ladder in global plastics trade, the Plastic Parks scheme is set to play a pivotal role. With more parks in the pipeline, including the recently approved ones in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Ganjimutt (Karnataka), the government is committed to making India not just a hub for plastic production, but a model for sustainable industrial development.
In essence, the Plastic Parks initiative represents a unique confluence of economic growth, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation — shaping the future of the Indian plastics industry one park at a time.