New Delhi, Mar 2 (KNN) Plastic is both an opportunity as well as a challenge, which needs a special strategy and a behavioral change in the common man to sustainably use it for the advantage of the masses, said Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananth Kumar.

He said that Biodegradable plastic is the answer to this challenge, and announced from the podium the constitution of a task force headed by the Secretary, Chemicals & Petrochemicals which would design a national policy to deal with the issue of sustainable plastic waste management, after consultation with experts and public at large.

He said this while presenting the 7th National Awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals and Downstream Plastics Processing Industry (2016-17).

Ananthkumar said that the Chemicals & Petrochemicals and Plastics industry has grown around 12% this year, defying all claims of a slowdown in the economy post the demonetization drive.  Further, he expressed optimism while saying that in the next three years, this sector would achieve 15% growth.

In his address, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Mansukh Lal Mandaviya talked about Government of India’s Policy which envisions the development of value added, quality petrochemical products at globally competitive prices using eco-friendly processes and technologies as well as Innovation of newer application and products with focus on sustainable development.