Chemical Challenge

The Indian construction chemicals industry must circumvent certain roadblocks before it can cash in on the opportunities lying in wait. The 2nd International Construction Chemicals Conclave was held recently in Bengaluru. The conference was organised jointly by FICCI and the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt of India. Kryton Buildmat Co Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the Kryton Group of Companies in Canada, was the Associate Sponsor for the conference. Key concerns The two-day event highlighted the fact that the construction chemicals industry is growing exponentially in India and tremendous opportunity awaits those who can navigate the complicated challenges involved. With 14.5 per cent year-on-year growth, the industry outpaces the growth of the cement industry by five per cent; however, it is worth much less than it should be. Had construction chemicals been used along with cement in building our structures in the same ratios as they are in developed countries like the US, the industry would have been worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore vis-à-vis the current Rs 1,800 crore annually; indeed, this is the biggest challenge the Indian industry is facing today. Also, according to R Mukudan, Co-Chairman, National Chemicals Committee, FICCI, a staggering 85 per cent of industry players are not fully aware of the benefits of construction chemicals. Another major challenge is how the industry can align construction chemicals with sustainable development. Not that there are no green products on the market. Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane is a case in point, but few companies have developed sustainable options for infrastructure and construction projects. Several speakers addressed this problem through the theme of the conference: Durable Construction Using Construction Chemicals, and concepts like recyclable concrete and 'cradle-to-cradle construction’ generated the maximum buzz.The event concluded on the note that while challenges faced by the construction chemicals industry require more long-term solutions, measures such as using sustainable products, generating awareness about the benefits of construction chemicals and educating tradesmen in their use would go a long way in helping overcome these. (Communication by the management of the company)