Polymer Industry Encouraged to Reduce Import Dependency Through National Innovation Event
The Indonesia Polymer Award (IPA) 2026 has been launched to encourage the birth of polymer material innovations capable of reducing the industry’s dependence on imported raw materials. The event is also expected to accelerate the downstream commercialisation of research results so they can be applied in the national manufacturing sector.
Portfolio Director of PT Pamerindo Indonesia, Meysia Stephannie, stated that material innovation has become a crucial necessity amidst rising raw material costs and global supply chain dynamics that affect industrial competitiveness.
“The polymer industry plays a vital role in supporting various strategic sectors, from manufacturing, automotive, and electronics to packaging. Amidst global challenges related to raw material costs and sustainability, material innovation is a key factor in maintaining the competitiveness of Indonesian industry. Through the Indonesia Polymer Award 2026, we aim to strengthen collaboration between the research world and industry so that innovation can have a real impact on the development of national industry,” Meysia said in a statement on Wednesday (1/7/2026).
The Indonesia Polymer Award 2026 is organised by the Indonesian Polymer Association (HPI) together with Pamerindo Indonesia as part of the Plastic Material & Chemical Indonesia and Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2026 exhibitions, which will take place next November.
The event brings together researchers, academics, industry players, start-ups, and regulators to promote the application of polymer innovations that support industrial efficiency, a circular economy, and the strengthening of the national manufacturing ecosystem.
Based on a study by LPEM FEB UI titled ‘National Plastic Crisis Amidst Global Shocks’ published in April 2026, the prices of several major resins have risen throughout this year. The price of polypropylene (PP) rose by 23.8 per cent, polyethylene (PE) increased by 16.3 per cent, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rose by 11 per cent compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that Indonesia’s imports of plastics and plastic goods reached 1.65 million tonnes with a value of approximately Rp44.11 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. This condition is seen as highlighting the importance of developing local material innovations and increasing recycling capacity to strengthen the resilience of the industrial supply chain.
Chairman of the Indonesian Polymer Association, Chalid, said that polymer innovation has now become a strategic necessity for industry, not just a research agenda.
“Indonesia has great potential through its human resources, research capacity, and industrial experience in the polymer field. The next challenge is to accelerate downstream commercialisation so that innovative results can be applied and provide added value to the industry. Collaboration between academics, researchers, industry, the community, and the government is key to bridging market needs with technological development that supports efficiency, a circular economy, and national industrial independence,” Chalid stated.
In addition to the awards event, IPA 2026 will also feature webinars and roadshows as collaborative spaces for industry players, academics, researchers, and regulators to discuss the development of sustainable materials, the circular economy, and polymer technology transformation.
Judging will be conducted by a panel consisting of polymer experts, industry practitioners, regulators, and sustainability experts, considering aspects of technology implementation, resource efficiency, and contributions to sustainability. The Indonesia Polymer Award 2026 awards night is scheduled to take place on 19 November 2026.