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11 September 2025 - 14:43
IranPlast 2025: A Confluence of Innovation, Investment, and Industrial Ambition in Iran’s Petrochemical Sector

TEHRAN — Against the backdrop of geopolitical pressures and economic headwinds, the 19th IranPlast International Exhibition unfurled in Tehran this week as a testament to Iran’s enduring ambition in the petrochemical arena. From September 8 to 11, the permanent international fairgrounds welcomed over 700 domestic companies alongside 67 foreign entrants spanning China, India, Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Turkey, creating a vibrant tableau of industry, technology, and commerce.

IranPlast 2025: A Confluence of Innovation, Investment, and Industrial Ambition in Iran’s Petrochemical Sector

More than a mere trade show, IranPlast has evolved into a crucible where innovation meets investment and where ambition meets opportunity. Executives and policymakers alike underscored the exhibition’s strategic significance—not merely as a showcase of Iran’s industrial prowess but as a springboard for global partnerships and value creation.

Packaging: Where Precision Meets Perception

Afshin Fakhr, CEO and board member of the Iran Packaging Institute, framed packaging not as a superficial accessory but as a decisive arbiter of market success. “Packaging is the silent ambassador of quality and reliability,” he remarked. Fakhr detailed the intricate calculus behind modern packaging—balancing economic efficiency, technical rigor, regulatory compliance, and cultural resonance. For exporters, he noted, this is not an academic exercise but a critical lever in elevating Iran’s petrochemical products in global markets.

Mold-Making and the Digital Imperative

Innovation in mold design emerged as a centerpiece of the exhibition. Naser Najarian, CEO of Viratek Bartar Pars, described a landscape increasingly dominated by digital twins, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and IoT-enabled smart molds. In this high-precision realm, a mold is more than metal; it is a nexus of engineering foresight and predictive analytics. “Innovation in mold design is not optional—it is a necessity,” Najarian asserted, noting that digital twins allow engineers to simulate stress, temperature, and flow dynamics before a single gram of plastic is injected.

Smart molds, equipped with sensors and autonomous controls, exemplify a new era of industrial intelligence: real-time monitoring, automated adjustments, and defect prevention converge to enhance efficiency, lower costs, and fortify quality control.

Bridging Borders and Cultivating Capital

IranPlast also underscored the international dimension of Iran’s petrochemical aspirations. Hassan Qattan, CEO of Oman-based Alotin Al-Arabiya Al-Motamayyiza, articulated his intent to forge investment partnerships with Iran’s plastics and polymer sectors, emphasizing both competitive pricing and product quality. Similarly, representatives from Russia and Iraq hailed the exhibition as fertile ground for cross-border trade.

Khosro Gasanbekov, head of the Russian Export Center in Iran, described the event as a tangible extension of broader diplomatic and trade agreements, while Ali Al-Azzam, president of Iraq’s Merchants Union, expressed satisfaction with Iranian plastics’ quality and value, projecting sustained regional commerce.

Downstream Development and Strategic Investment

Technical sessions illuminated the downstream potential of Iran’s polymer industry, from BOPP films to polyethylene additives. Shahram Eslami, R&D expert at Paya Polymer Dana, highlighted the sophistication of additive technologies in optimizing transparency, chemical resistance, and flexibility—properties that underpin both consumer safety and industrial utility. Over 200 specialized additive grades are in production, signaling the sector’s capacity for precision and customization.

Mohammad Reza Moteiri, CEO of the Special Economic Petrochemical Zone, outlined ambitious expansion plans, including the second phase of Mahshahr’s industrial hub, renewable energy integration, and water self-sufficiency initiatives. “IranPlast is not simply a showcase; it is a strategic instrument for attracting investment and cultivating a downstream ecosystem,” he said.

Polymers as a Pillar of Progress

Afshar Baziyar, CEO of Shestan Commercial Investment, emphasized the strategic importance of polymers in Iran’s industrial value chain. He underscored that advancing engineering polymers and tech-driven products not only enhances domestic profitability but also positions Iran more favorably within the global value chain, amplifying its economic footprint.

A Vision in Motion

Amid sanctions and logistical hurdles, IranPlast 2025 offered a vivid narrative of resilience and foresight. It is a marketplace, a laboratory of innovation, and a forum for international dialogue. As companies, policymakers, and investors converged, the exhibition illustrated a clear message: Iran’s petrochemical sector is not merely surviving; it is strategically evolving, cultivating technological sophistication, fostering partnerships, and extending its reach in an increasingly interconnected global market.

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