As urbanization accelerates and infrastructure projects multiply, the demand for construction chemicals is set to soar, presenting a lucrative opportunity for industry players. The market, therefore, is poised for significant growth, driven by urbanization, technological advancements, and the push for sustainable practices. 

Leading stakeholders recently discussed the challenges and opportunities for the construction chemicals industry at the 4th edition of NextGen Chemical and Petrochemical Summit 2024 organized by the Indian Chemical News in Mumbai on July 11-12, 2024.   

The sixth session at the Summit, ‘Construction Chemicals: The Rising Opportunity’ was moderated by Pravin Prashant, Executive Editor, Indian Chemical News.

Rahul Tikoo, MD & CEO, Optime Specialities underlined the huge scope for construction chemicals in the backdrop of big ticket investments by the government to ramp up infrastructure. “The massive infrastructure overhaul across Indian metropolitan cities means a huge scope for the advanced construction chemicals and it will spur a huge demand in the future. While the recent accidents at a few airports are unfortunate, we need to take cognizance of it and start using the right technologies and build awareness about good construction materials. Again, the residential side of the market is also humongous. There is a need for building an elementary level of awareness about construction chemicals and waterproofing chemicals at the ground level to bridge the gaps. There is going to be a massive focus on sustainability and it will have a huge influence on the market in the future.  There is a push already in South Asia and it will happen soon in India,” said Tikoo. 

Rajive Shah, Managing Director, Sauradip Chemical industries spoke about the huge opportunities within construction chemicals market from both domestic as well as export perspective. “For local market, with the government focusing big time on infrastructure, it is clear that the next decade belongs to it. There is a huge opportunity for construction chemicals due to rapid urbanization happening and also construction activities in residential, commercial and industrial projects. On the export side, Indian companies are quality conscious and cost effective. So I believe that markets in the Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and parts of Europe will be serviced from India. The fields such as concrete admixtures, adhesives, sealants, waterproofing additives and floor coatings have huge growth potential. The key trends in India and globally are sustainability, digitization and consolidation. For long term growth, we have to do a lot of brand building and it pays back. In the short-term, we have to focus on ensuring regulatory compliance. Similarly, bio-based and recyclable materials that are energy efficient would help in cost saving and environmentally sustainable too,” said Shah. 

Amol Anand Patil, Business Development Manager, Target Market Concrete, Sika India feels that the basic training and awareness among masons about selection of products could help in a great deal to solve customers’ issues. “The biggest issue is that we don’t train our manpower properly. Our masons and carpenters are devoid of scientific knowledge. Work is passed on as an ancestral legacy or as an art and not based on the latest technological know how. There is no doubt about their workmanship and skills but it is about the knowledge of proper products and their right application. For example, before going for waterproofing, good concreting is essential. The selection of products and their usage will depend on circumstances and based on the need. Therefore, before the selection of the system comes the chemistry part. Understanding the problem first and then devising a solution is necessary. For repairing of the potholes, there are many technologies available such as rapid hardening cast, precast concrete and pre-pack mortar. For the bonding of two surfaces, one existing and other to be added, specification should be intact before the selection for products,” said Patil.

Mahesh Bhanushali, Managing Director, Mcon Rasayan India calls for the preventive action and adoption of latest technologies during construction. “The waterproofing is not curative but a preventive measure. When you are planning to do the waterproofing, you are saving your structure well ahead of time. We have to be careful when selecting a pre-product system as it has to be precise and laborious. Whenever we are going for waterproofing, we can’t just have anyone but educated applicators. In terms of the latest technologies, the adoption will happen gradually but the mindset of the builders is also changing and they are conscious of their reputation. Hence, the construction industry is using aluminium shuttering and foam work. Yet with new technologies, there are new challenges and we have to come up with new solutions. With aluminium shuttering in use, the PC admixture and bonding agents came into the picture. The technologies will help in expanding the horizons and even bigger growth of the market. By addressing challenges such as awareness, and leveraging future trends, the industry can unlock tremendous opportunities,” said Bhanushali. 

The Summit was supported by DCM Shriram Chemicals as principal partner, Somaiya Vidyavihar University as academia partner, Cadmatic as platinum partner and Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh as state partner.

Gold partners for NextGen Chemicals & Petrochemicals were Epsilon Carbon, Forbes Marshall, Gharda Chemicals, Indofil Industries, Ingenero, IPCO, Jaaji Technologies, Moglix, PIP, Port of Antwerp - Bruges, RIECO and Re Sustainability. Associate Partners are: HPCL and Nuberg EPC.

Supporting partners included Aarayaa Advisory Services, Archroma, India Glycols and Tata Steel Special Economic Zone and industry association partners are: ACFI, AMAI, CropLife India, Gujarat Chemical Association and PMFAI.