GCPA2026
The automotive industry is entering a period of significant transformation, with electrification, lightweighting, and sustainability redefining vehicle design and manufacturing. At the centre of this transition is the growing role of plastics, which are enabling manufacturers to rethink vehicle architecture, improve component performance and develop more resource-efficient mobility solutions.
Against this backdrop, this year's ET Now Polymers Global Conference on Plastics in Automotive is centred on the theme 'Smart Materials, Sustainable Mobility'. Marking a decade, this conference will bring together industry experts, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, polymer manufacturers, machinery providers, to examine the evolving relationship between materials innovation and automotive manufacturing.
Amidst the growing adoption of electric vehicles, material requirements are becoming increasingly specialised. Lightweighting, heat management, electrical insulation and battery safety are emerging as crucial considerations for automotive manufacturers. At the same time, conventional vehicle applications continue to demand materials that offer durability and design flexibility.
This conference is expected to examine how advanced polymers, engineering plastics and innovative processing technologies can address these requirements. Discussions will also focus on manufacturing efficiency, material validation, localisation and the growing need for closer collaboration between OEMs and other stakeholders.
Circularity will remain another important area of industry interest. The integration of recycled polymers, improved material recovery and designing components for recyclability present opportunities as well as technical challenges. Addressing these will require coordinated efforts across material development, component design and manufacturing.
For OEMs, the conference offers an opportunity to exchange perspectives on material innovation, vehicle performance and future sourcing requirements. Component manufacturers can explore emerging technologies, strengthen industry connections and understand evolving customer expectations. Polymer producers and machinery providers can engage with automotive decision-makers, identify application opportunities and build potential partnerships. The platform also enables recyclers and sustainability stakeholders to engage with the automotive value chain on practical circularity solutions.
The conference will be supported by Milacron India Pvt Ltd as Presenting Partner, Covestro (India) Pvt Ltd as Platinum Partner, Yizumi Advanced Processing Technology Pvt Ltd and Trinseo India Trading Private Limited as Gold Partners, and ITIB Machinery India Corrugators as Silver Partner and Yudo Hot Runner India Pvt Ltd as the Supporting Partner.
This year, the conference aims to strengthen dialogue between the automotive and plastics industries, encouraging a more sustainable mobility ecosystem in India.
Make sure to click here for more details and register for the event! https://gcpauto.in/
