Progressive Punjab Investment Summit 2026, exploring new opportunities in plastics and specialty chemicals sector

Punjab Investment: During the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit 2026, the Punjab Government highlighted its strong commitment towards sustainable industrial growth, innovation and encouraging global investment in emerging sectors such as plastics and specialty chemicals.

Chemical products are an integral part of modern life.

Addressing the session, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security, Women and Child Development said that plastic and chemical products have become an integral part of modern life, supporting many sectors including healthcare, education, household use and industry. He said that these products have played an important role in reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency in daily life.

Dr. Baljeet Kaur further said that increasing investment in plastics and chemicals sector will create employment opportunities for the youth on a large scale and will also strengthen the social and economic development of the people.

Environmental protection for future generations

Emphasizing on responsible usage, the Minister appealed to the industries and research experts to focus on sustainable production systems, modern recycling technologies and eco-friendly alternatives, so as to ensure industrial progress as well as environmental protection for future generations.

shed light on industrial potential

Highlighting the industrial potential of the state, Dr. Baljeet Kaur said that Punjab has huge investment potential in specialty chemicals, plastic recycling and conversion of plastic waste into high value exportable products. He inspired industrialists and innovators to develop environment-friendly solutions by combining scientific research with the new consciousness and Jugadu thinking of Punjab.

Industrial hubs in cities like Mohali

He said that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to strengthening the industrial infrastructure and developing industrial hubs in cities like Ludhiana and Mohali, thereby creating a conducive environment for research, innovation and sustainable production.

Strict adherence to environmental standards

Priyank Bharti, IAS, Secretary, Science, Technology and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Conservation, Punjab said that strong industrial clusters, export-oriented units and progressive policies are making Punjab an important hub of plastics and chemicals manufacturing. He said that the Punjab Government is encouraging investment in specialty chemicals, eco-friendly materials and sustainable plastic solutions while strictly adhering to environmental standards.

93 percent of the total production is exported

Sagar Koshik, Head (Global Corporate and Industry Affairs), UPL Limited highlighted the huge growth potential of the chemicals sector. He said that currently India’s share in global chemicals production is about 3–3.5 percent, which can increase to 12-13 percent in the coming years. He also said that 93 per cent of UPL’s total production is for export while 7 per cent is for the domestic market, which shows global opportunities for Indian manufacturing.

Strong collaboration between industry, academic institutions

Abhi Bansal, Managing Director, Saraswati Agro Chemicals Pvt Ltd said that Punjab has huge potential for transformation from simple chemicals to high value specialty chemicals. He stressed the need for strong collaboration between industry, educational institutions and the government to develop advanced products and technologies to give Punjab a stronger position globally.

Ability to support innovation

Professor Anoop Verma, Head, Department of Energy and Environment, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology highlighted Punjab’s strong academic infrastructure and potential to support innovation in the specialty chemicals sector. He said that close collaboration between research institutions and industry can accelerate the process of technological development and commercialization, thereby making Punjab an important center of advanced chemicals manufacturing and innovation.