The specialty chemicals and high-performance materials sectors are redefining the boundaries of innovation, bringing transformative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As these industries continue to evolve, their commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and cutting-edge science ensures that they will remain pivotal in shaping the future.  

In this context, the leading experts from petrochemical industry shared the latest trends at the fourth session of fourth edition of PetroChem Summit 2024 titled ‘New Products, Innovations in Specialty Chemicals and High-Performance Materials’ organized by the Indian Chemical News in New Delhi on December 18, 2024. 

The session was moderated by Prashant Vasisht, Sr. VP and Co-Group Head - Corporate Ratings, ICRA Ltd. Sharing the latest trends, Vasisht informed, “Specialty chemicals is a very interesting field and there is a lot of interest because of two reasons. One is that the investments are not as high as the large petrochemicals where a single plant is worth tens of thousands of crores.

Secondly, there is a lot of space where you can compete with China and at least not being driven out of business. We are seeing compressed margins for the typical commodity products of the petrochemical cycle. Industry paradigms are shifting due to the latest technologies such as green chemistry, nanotechnologies, and biotechnologies. 

Companies are looking at reducing the greenhouse gases and we are looking at growing adoption of EVs, solar panels and other sustainable options such as biodegradable plastics, and high-performance polymers.” 

Dr K. Nagaiah, Chief Scientist, CSIR - Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad said, “Most of the specialty chemicals are difficult to manufacture as the intellectual property and patent costs are involved. Indian government must regulate the licensing costs and encourage R&D with incentives for the industry. We must develop more additives, surfactant and other products in India to reduce the dependency on China. 

“We must develop bio-based chemicals and indigenous manufacturing of raw materials so that we can develop cost competitiveness. There are MNCs that are outsourcing the manufacturing in India and then marketing it to us only. Indian industry and academia need to collaborate to develop options in India. The support from state governments is needed for such an exercise. We have good skills and manpower and that is why we are getting a lot of projects from other countries. The education in chemistry is no longer attractive among the students and that needs to change.  

“We need good colleges for teaching programs, second is infrastructure and state support are needed. State and central governments must collaborate. The government has to also encourage the talent development. Another thing is infrastructure that needs to be built. Focus on technology is great but traditional means of chemistry cannot be ignored. While Artificial Intelligence is important, but it is not a solution for drug discovery. Rather developing an ecosystem is necessary as it is lacking and requires a collective effort from stakeholders including organic chemists, pharmacologists, toxicologists and analysts." 

Alakesh Ghosh, Manager - Technical Marketing, HMEL said, "A lot of developments have happened in polyolefin segment. For example, the polyolefin products have been modified over a period of time. Earlier the chemical was packed in 200-liter barrels as per the market requirement. People have shifted from tin container to L-shaped plastic drum.  Earlier it used to be soft and with lower strength. For better strength, the bigger molecule has been produced and for that the technology has been modified as earliest it used to be produced from single loop process and now it is being produced through advanced technology. 

“Second example us that in households, we generally use plastic materials which is made of random polypropylene that doesn’t have strength. To overcome that ferimzone technology can produce high strength polypropylene. 

“Similarly in case of HDP product a lot of changes were done to the molecular structure.  Another example is water management. For better water conservation, earlier PE 100 pipe was used and now PE 112 pipe is being used. Going forward, PE 117 pipe is under development.  A lot of futuristic products are being developed. In terms of futuristic materials, catalysts and additives play a key role in high performance polymers or any material. Unfortunately, not all are good for human health, and we have to use them judiciously. Polypropylene is being manufactured using the phthalate catalyst. 

“In terms of global trends, there is a focus on shifting to non-phthalate catalysts and are other alternatives being used at our facility we are moving towards phthalate free catalysts which are much safer for use in food items. Another example is of the medical device that were earlier being sterilized by the ethylene oxide sterilization process. 

“Now the sterilization of medical packaging has shifted to gamma sterilization. A lot of new generation catalysts and additives are being developed so as to promote the toxicity free products." 

Dr Gurmeet Singh, Deputy General Manager - Petrochemical & Polymer, IOCL said, “Most of the industry has announced their net zero goals and companies are focused on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. And lately all the companies will have the option of Scope 3 as well. For achieving the same, we have to look for carbon sources beyond fossil fuels be it crude oil being imported currently. From R&D perspective, companies are looking at options to move beyond old carbon and exploring bio-based molecules or Co2. 

“For example, we are constructing a 3G plant at our Panipat refinery where we are looking at producing ethanol from CO2 which is another feedstock for our next generation fuel. Such technologies are being developed across the spectrum. There are many projects at lab scale. Before starting a new project, we ask ourselves about sustainability of the product and whether it will hold promise after a decade. Such promising projects are going on not just at IOCL but at other organizations as well. 

“There are many organizations that are working on recycling of waste materials. IOCL is already into mechanical recycling that involves the gathering of waste including polyolefins, polypropylene and polyethylene and then after segregation we are making pellets for end-users. 

“Next is chemical recycling that involves recycling of end of the life plastic material that cannot be remolded, to chemicals. We are trying to convert the waste containing polymers into feedstock. As it is a carbon economy, we are trying to source the carbon in a sustainable way, it will help us in meeting net zero targets and Scope 3 emission targets. Once companies like IOCL get involved, the things get more streamlined and producers as well as segregators become a part of the value chain, ensuring quality product for end-users as well. We are working from commercial perspective as well as R&D and integration of the value chain perspectives." 

The PetroChem Summit 2024 themed ‘Identifying New Opportunities For Value Creation’ was supported by the industry associations including Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI) and Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers' Association (CPMA). The Platinum Sponsor was Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Gold Sponsor, Tubacex Group.