According to the National Petrochemical Company, Hassan Abbaszadeh highlighted the significance of the 19th IranPlast International Exhibition, stating: "IranPlast is one of the country’s most important specialized exhibitions in the petrochemical industry, with a policymaking approach that strengthens and empowers the downstream value chain."

He described IranPlast as a valuable opportunity to showcase the diverse capabilities of downstream industries, enhance collaboration among production chain stakeholders, transfer knowledge and expertise, and promote value-added concepts domestically. "The exhibition fosters synergy among producers, investors, and petrochemical industry players, significantly contributing to the development of domestic and international markets," he added.

Abbaszadeh emphasized that replacing raw material exports with finished products is a key goal of the exhibition. "In recent years, we have seen increased participation from downstream companies, leading to improved product quality and diversity, with many entering global markets," he noted.

When asked whether IranPlast is merely a showcase or also serves as a policymaking driver, Abbaszadeh said: "IranPlast is one of the few specialized exhibitions in the country that goes beyond product displays, facilitating experience exchange, mutual learning, and investment. It is a real platform to demonstrate Iran’s petrochemical industry’s technical and production capabilities, featuring a complete supply-to-production chain with raw materials, polymer products, and specialized machinery."

He stressed the importance of industrial machinery and equipment in developing Iran’s plastics and polymer industry. "Technological advancement in this sector relies heavily on advanced machinery and up-to-date technical expertise. IranPlast plays a crucial role by connecting equipment manufacturers with industrial consumers, enabling technology transfer and productivity growth." 

Focus on expanding value chain and exports 

The NPC CEO stated that Iran’s polymer production capacity has reached about 9 million tons per year. "Last year, about 8.5 million tons were utilized, with 5 million tons consumed domestically and 3 million tons exported," he said.

Abbaszadeh noted: "If these 3 million tons of raw materials were processed domestically in downstream industries, they could generate three times their current export value for the national economy. Achieving this is a key mission of IranPlast."

He added that the exhibition promotes the domestic value chain, supporting job-creating industries that produce finished goods and boost non-oil exports, rather than relying on raw material sales.

Domestic production of advanced technological goods 

Abbaszadeh pointed to the qualitative and quantitative growth of downstream industries at the event. "In the early years of IranPlast, the focus was mainly on basic products, but now companies showcase advanced technological products in automotive, construction, and even high-tech industries."

He said many of these companies have entered advanced global markets, demonstrating Iran’s export potential for finished goods. "This reflects the maturity of downstream industries and the sustainable development of the petrochemical sector."

Abbaszadeh stressed that IranPlast is an effective platform for transitioning from raw material exports to finished goods. "Exhibiting companies learn from each other, with broad participation across raw materials, machinery, semi-finished and finished goods, and technical services. This interaction has led to real contracts and cooperation agreements during the event."

He emphasized that visitors discover new business opportunities by observing these companies’ capabilities. "IranPlast is not just an exhibition—it’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and forming new partnerships in the petrochemical value chain."

The 19th IranPlast International Exhibition will be held from Sept. 8–11, 2025, at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds.