The 2nd International Construction Chemicals Conclave was recently held in Bangalore. The conclave was organized by FICCI jointly with the Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt of India. The virtual “who’s of who” of the entire construction chemicals industry in the country was present during the event. Boasting delegates from around the world, the conference was nevertheless highly representative of the Indian construction industry, with approximately 95 per cent of attendees hailing from the sub-continent. Kryton Buildmat Co. Pvt. Ltd. was an Associate Sponsor of the 2nd International Construction Chemicals Conclave. Kryton Buildmat Co. Pvt. Ltd. is a subsidiary of The Kryton Group of Companies, Canada.
Giving his views on the conclave Mr. Akhil Kakkar, General Manager, Kryton Buildmat, said “Over the two-day event, one thing became clear: the construction chemicals industry is growing exponentially in India, and tremendous opportunity awaits those who can navigate the complicated challenges we face.” Mr. Kakkar went on to add that with 14.5 per cent year-on-year growth, the construction chemicals industry in India outpaces the growth of the national cement industry by five per cent, and yet the construction chemicals industry is worth much less than it should be. If, in the building of structures in India, construction chemicals were used together with cement in the same ratios as they are in developed countries such as the United States, it is estimated the construction chemicals industry in India would be worth 9,000 crores annually rather than 1,800 crores.
According to Mr. Kakkar, one of the biggest challenges facing India’s construction chemicals industry today is lack of awareness across the sector. The point was bought out by Mr. R. Mukudan, Co-Chairman of the National Chemicals Committee, FICCI, during the conclave, when he pointed out that a staggering 85 per cent of industry players are not fully aware of the benefits of construction chemicals. Crystalline waterproofing admixtures, for example, can reduce jobsite waste, speed up construction processes and eliminate the reliance on traditional waterproofing products that are tough on the environment.
Another huge challenge, according to Mr.Kakkar ”is how, as an industry, we can align construction chemicals with sustainable development. “ Although there are green products on the market, such as Kryton‘s Krystol Internal Membrane, surprisingly few companies have developed sustainable options for infrastructure and construction projects. Many speakers tackled this idea by exploring the conference’s theme, “Durable Construction Using Construction Chemicals,” with the concepts of recyclable concrete and ‘cradle to cradle construction’ generating the most buzz.
While the construction chemical industry in India also faces challenges that require more long-term solutions, including a shortage of natural resources and pollution, there are many that, as an industry, we can unite to overcome. Giving his views on the future pattern that the industry needs to follow Mr. Kakkar was of the opinion that durability through the use of sustainable products, generating awareness of the benefits of construction chemicals, and educating a new generation of skilled tradesmen in the use of construction chemicals will ensure the rapid growth, and help the construction chemicals industry in India remain durable and sustainable well into the future.
