Plastic Industry Welcomes Introduction of Rs10, Rs 20 Polymer Banknotes
Hyderabad, July 29 (TNT): The Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA) on Wednesday welcomed the Government of India’s decision to introduce ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes, describing it as a major step towards promoting sustainable plastics and advancing the circular economy.
In a release, the association said polymer banknotes, already in circulation in more than 40 countries including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam, offer greater durability, moisture resistance, enhanced security features and a longer lifespan than conventional paper currency.
According to industry experts, polymer notes last four to five times longer, reducing replacement costs, conserving natural resources and lowering the environmental footprint of currency production.
Welcoming the move, TAAPMA President Narendra Baldwa said the introduction of polymer currency marks a significant milestone for India’s plastics and polymer industry and demonstrates how scientifically designed and responsibly used plastics can contribute to sustainable development.
He said polymer technology has already transformed sectors such as healthcare, food safety, automobiles and aerospace, and that the move would also help change public perception about plastics by highlighting the importance of responsible use, recycling and circular economy practices.
HIPLEX 2026 Convener Meela Jayadev said the announcement reinforces the relevance of the upcoming HIPLEX 2026 exhibition, which will showcase innovations in plastics, recycling and circular manufacturing.
He said visitors would witness technologies that convert discarded plastics into high-value products, including demonstrations showing how 25 discarded PET bottles can be transformed into a wearable T-shirt, besides exhibits on plastic roads, railway sleepers, benches, outdoor furniture and houses made from recycled plastics.
Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President of the All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), said polymer banknotes reflect the growing role of advanced plastics in sustainable development, noting that they require fewer resources over their lifecycle because they remain in circulation much longer than paper notes.
TAAPMA said India’s plastics industry has evolved beyond conventional manufacturing and now plays an important role in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation, packaging, electronics and defence.
The association expressed hope that polymer currency would encourage greater awareness of advanced materials and promote scientific discussions on sustainable plastics.
The association also announced that HIPLEX 2026, India’s third-largest plastics industry exhibition, will be held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, from August 7 to 10, 2026.
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