Plastic technology, as it is widely known, is a branch of technology that constitutes processing, design, development, and manufacture of plastic products. Also referred to as plastic engineering, plastic technology educates one on how to apply the basic principles of engineering in order to produce plastic products by assisting and guiding engineers and other professionals. Also, research, innovation, and launching of new products form a part of the job of a plastic technologist. The ever-growing use of plastic has increased the scope of plastic technology, with increasing demand for plastic technologists and engineers. With over 50 different varieties of plastic produced across India, one can estimate the growth prospects of pursuing a plastic engineering course. Umpteen job opportunities can be looked upon in both public and private sectors.
Course Details
To become a plastic engineer, one needs to be an expert in physics and chemistry, apart from being industrious and imaginative. Plastic engineering is offered at undergraduate, post graduate, and diploma levels. To seek admission in BE/B.Tech program in plastic engineering, one must have passed 10+2 examination in science stream, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, and qualified in the engineering entrance written examination. On the other hand, candidates with a BE/B.Tech degree or diploma in chemical engineering, plastic-rubber technology, mechanical engineering, or textile engineering can obtain admission in M.Tech program in plastic technology. Nevertheless, the M.Tech program can also be pursued after completing M.Sc course in Physics or Chemistry. Candidates who have qualified the GATE exam are preferred over other aspiring candidates while securing admission in M.Tech courses. While the BE/B.Tech programs in plastic technology run for four years, M.Tech/ME courses vary from 1½ to 2 years in duration. Besides the degree courses, various long-term and short-term diploma and PG diploma courses in plastic technology are conducted by institutes at graduate and post graduate levels, ranging from 10 months to 4 years. To take up research work, one needs to hold a Master’s or PhD degree.
Career Prospects
It took 100 years; but plastic has finally overshadowed other materials to become the “all purpose” material. Right from domestic items to automobile parts to packaging, plastic is in its booming stage. With this, the plastic industry has generated infinite job opportunities in almost all sectors of the economy. A plastic technologist can find job openings in public sector organizations, such Oil India Limited, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Petroleum Conservation Research Association of India, and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Further, employment is also offered by petrochemical engineering plants, polymer companies, and private companies dealing in the production and marketing of plastic commodities. What’s more, big industrial houses in India that have set up research laboratories for developing new products and plants for producing new materials also require plastic technologists.
Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
India boasts of a number of prestigious and esteemed institutions offering courses in plastic engineering. The leading institutions include: Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Chennai and Lucknow; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi; Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Anna University, Chennai; LD College of Engineering, Ahmedabad; North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon; Indian Plastic Institute (IPI), Mumbai; Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur; Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad; Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur; Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi; Nirma Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad; Delhi College of Engineering, New Delhi; University College of Science & Technology, Calcutta University, Kolkata; and SSE College of Engineering & Technology, Akola, Maharashtra.
Remuneration
Enormous job opportunities are available for both fresh pass-outs and experienced professionals in plastic technology/engineering. As a fresher, a plastic technologist can be paid a salary of Rs. 8,000 - 10,000 per month in the public sector. The pay package is higher in the private sector, around Rs. 9000 - 12,000 per month. With an experience of 2-3 years, a skilled plastic technologist can easily be offered a monthly remuneration of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000. On the other hand, graduates with an M.Tech degree can expect a job offer of Rs. 15,000 - 20,000 per month at the initial stage.
