BROXO Introduces Brand Update Across Water Treatment Markets
 

BROXO salt is produced from high-purity vacuum salt extracted from underground salt caverns in the Netherlands and Denmark. In the Netherlands, the salt is compacted into briquettes and tablets, as well as specialized grades for water softening applications. With a sodium chloride purity of 99.9% and extremely low calcium and magnesium content, BROXO is among the highest quality salts available on the market.
 

The salt plays a critical role in regenerating ion exchange resins in water softening systems, effectively removing calcium and magnesium from water. By preventing limescale formation, BROXO helps protect pipes, heating systems, dishwashers, and industrial installations. In industrial environments, effective water softening reduces energy consumption, minimizes maintenance requirements, and safeguards operational efficiency.
 

The brand refresh focuses on strengthening BROXO’s core identity, reinforcing the recognizable brand assets, colors, and visual language that customers have trusted for decades. The updated look reflects both BROXO’s heritage and its forward-looking approach to the global market.
 

“BROXO has been a leader in its segment for over 100 years. This refresh is about returning to our core strengths: quality, reliability, and consistency while modernizing how we present ourselves to the market,” says Nico Basson, Segment Marketing Manager Water & Retail Products. “We are building on a strong foundation and preparing the brand for continued growth.”
 

Today, BROXO continues to serve a wide range of customers, including restaurants, hotels, commercial facilities, and industrial operators that rely on high-performance water softening systems.
 

About

BROXO is a brand of Salt Specialties which is a part of Groupe Salins, one of the largest salt producers in Europe. The French group has existed for more than 160 years and currently employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide.
 

For more information, please contact:

Nico Basson

broxo@salins.com

Segment Marketing Manager – Water & Retail Products

www.broxosalt.com

Paracoat Products Limited, a pioneer in NVH solutions, presents its agro-material reinforced polypropylene composite masterbatch granules at Plast India Expo 2026
 

Plastic waste has emerged as one of the most pressing global environmental challenges, with India at the forefront of this crisis. The country currently generates an alarming 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually - accounting for nearly 20 percent of the world’s total plastic pollution. This mounting problem not only threatens ecosystems but also places immense pressure on India’s waste management systems and climate commitments.
 

Paracoat addresses this challenge with composite granules developed using agro waste generated from jute, bamboo, wheat and rice cultivation enabling up to 50% reduction in plastic consumption. By converting agro-waste into valuable raw material, the company is helping India tackle two critical challenges: reducing reliance on fossil fuels and preventing the burning of agricultural residues, a major contributor to air pollution. The innovation delivers 24% lower CO₂ emissions compared to virgin plastics, aligning with India’s climate action goals and commitment to sustainable industrial growth. Engineered for seamless integration with injection and extrusion technologies, the granules can be blended effortlessly with existing polymer formulations. Manufacturers gain the flexibility to customize bio-filler loading while maintaining superior mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and productivity.
 

Mr. Rajesh Poddar, CEO at Paracoat Products Ltd. said, “At Paracoat Products, we believe the future of plastics must be defined by harmony between ecological balance and technological innovation. By harnessing agricultural residues as bio-fillers in our thermoplastic composites, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainable manufacturing. This initiative not only cuts carbon emissions but also directly supports India’s vision for a circular economy while tackling the pressing issue of air pollution caused by burning agro-waste.”
 

Paracoat is embedding this sustainability breakthrough into its own product portfolio, with applications across parcel shelves, door trims, cladding covers, and other automotive and industrial components. By integrating agro-material composites into its products, Paracoat demonstrates how Indian industry can lead by example in advancing the government’s vision of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” while fostering innovation-driven growth.
 

With this launch, Paracoat Products Limited reinforces its role as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. The company’s participation at Plast India Expo 2026 will highlight how industry-led initiatives can accelerate India’s transition toward eco-efficient manufacturing, reduce plastic dependency, and create value from agricultural residues in line with national priorities.

About Paracoat
Founded in 1989, Paracoat Products Limited is a leading Tier-1 supplier specializing in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) management solutions for the global automotive industry. The company partners with leading OEMs worldwide to deliver world-class NVH, thermal and interior solutions that enhance vehicle performance, comfort and durability. With strategically located manufacturing facilities across India and Thailand, supported by a state-of-the-art R&D centre in Gurugram, PCP is well-equipped to address the evolving needs of the automotive sector.
 

Driven by continuous innovation and technological advancement, PCP focuses on delivering customer-centric, tailored solutions. The company’s commitment to quality and operational excellence is reflected in its certifications, including IATF 16949 and ISO 45001. As a responsible corporate entity, PCP is deeply committed to sustainability, adopting energy-efficient processes and developing environmentally friendly products to reduce its ecological footprint while adhering to the highest industry standards.

Starlinger recycling line at Chemco Group’s food-grade rPET facility in Sanand, Gujarat

The facility is designed to recycle over 1 billion post-consumer PET bottles annually, converting them back into high-quality, food-grade recycled PET (rPET) suitable for direct food and beverage packaging applications. With this commissioning, Chemco significantly strengthens India’s domestic capability to replace virgin plastic with certified recycled material while maintaining stringent quality and safety standards.

Located in the industrial hub of Sanand, the plant has been developed to meet global regulatory expectations. The recycled PET produced at the facility is US FDA and EFSA approved, and fully compliant with FSSAI requirements for food-contact applications in India. In addition, the operations adhere to all applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) governing plastic recycling and recycled PET materials, reinforcing Chemco’s commitment to regulatory excellence and product integrity.

“This facility represents a strategic shift in how Chemco approaches sustainability,” said Mr. Vaibhav Saraogi, Managing Director, Chemco Group. “Rather than treating recycling as an external dependency, we have built a fully integrated bottle-to-bottle ecosystem that gives our customers confidence in supply security, traceability, and compliance. This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in the future of responsible packaging.”

The commissioning of this plant comes at a time when global brands and regulators are intensifying their focus on recycled content, carbon reduction, and circularity. By establishing in-house recycling capabilities, Chemco enables its brand partners to meet recycled-content mandates, extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations, and sustainability commitments without compromising on performance or food safety.

The Sanand facility has been developed as a closed-loop operation, ensuring complete control across the recycling value chain. This integrated approach enhances traceability, reduces dependency on external suppliers, and lowers the environmental impact associated with long logistics routes. The scale of operations also allows Chemco to deliver consistent quality and volumes required by large beverage, FMCG, and food brands.

Beyond environmental impact, the project delivers meaningful industrial and regional benefits. The facility generates skilled employment, strengthens Gujarat’s position as a manufacturing and sustainability hub, and contributes to India’s broader objectives of waste reduction, resource efficiency, and circular manufacturing.

Chemco Group brings over three decades of experience in PET packaging to this initiative, supplying rigid and flexible packaging solutions to leading domestic and international brands. The addition of large-scale rPET recycling further consolidates Chemco’s position as a long-term partner for companies seeking credible, compliant, and scalable sustainable packaging solutions.

As demand for food-grade recycled materials continues to rise across global markets, Chemco plans to leverage this platform to support higher recycled-content applications and future capacity expansions. The company’s approach remains firmly focused on combining industrial scale with regulatory discipline and environmental responsibility.

With the commissioning of its Sanand rPET facility, Chemco Group takes a decisive step forward in closing the loop on PET packaging, transforming waste into a valuable resource and reinforcing its role as a leader in India’s circular plastics ecosystem.

For more information about Chemco Group, please visit www.chemcogroup.com

About Chemco Group

Chemco Group is an international manufacturing group with over four decades of operating history across plastics and polymer-based products. The Group operates manufacturing facilities across India and the Gulf region, serving leading domestic and global brands. Chemco’s diversified portfolio includes rigid and flexible packaging, technical textiles, medical devices, and baby care products. With strong capabilities in PET packaging and sustainable solutions, including food-grade recycled PET, the Group is focused on regulatory compliance, quality manufacturing, circularity, and long-term value creation.

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Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading packaged drinking water company under its flagship sustainability initiative Bottles for Change, has partnered with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to roll out a holistic plastic waste management project across the city.

Bisleri and MBMC unveil a first-of-its-kind Plastic Recovery and Sustainability Experiential Centre in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra

This initiative includes a dedicated Plastic Recovery centre & a Sustainability Inspiration Centre that is a unique Plastic Recycling Museum. Together, the two facilities will help raise awareness and sensitize people on responsible plastic disposal, while enabling an efficient system for the collection and recycling of plastic waste from hotels, restaurants, corporates, institutions, and housing societies. 

The Plastic Recovery Centre is a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) set up to strengthen the city’s recycling infrastructure and ecosystem. Equipped with a conveyor belt, baling machine, and other essential machinery provided by Bisleri, the centre will streamline collection, segregation, and processing of plastic waste for recycling.

This marks a significant step toward the shared vision of achieving “Zero Plastic to Landfill” and building a cleaner, greener Mira Bhayandar.

The newly developed Plastic Recycling Museum, known as the Sustainability Inspiration Centre is a first-of-its-kind for the region. Built entirely from recycled materials, the museum offers an experiential learning environment for children and citizens. Its main attraction, “Binny the Bird”, a striking installation created using 2,000 recycled plastic bottles. The museum also features interactive exhibits showcasing the journey of plastic from waste to valuable products. Additionally 70 public benches built entirely from recycled bottle caps will be installed across the city, serving as lasting symbols of community driven recycling and responsible environmental practices.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “At Bisleri, our commitment to sustainability is about creating systems that inspire action. Our collaboration with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation is a significant milestone in strengthening community participation and advancing circular economy at the city level. With the Plastic Recovery facility & the Sustainability Inspiration Centre, along with public benches made from recycled caps, we aim to pave responsible pathways for plastic usage and disposal. Together, we are working toward a future where every citizen becomes an active partner in achieving a cleaner, greener Mira Bhayandar.”

Shri Radhabinod Sharma, IAS- Municipal Commissioner & Administrator, MBMC, added, “Effective plastic waste management is a key focus area for the Municipal Corporation. The Plastic Recovery & Sustainability Inspiration Centre supports our efforts to build a more organized and responsible system for the city. The centre, along with the Recycling Museum, will help improve awareness about segregation and recycling among citizens, especially students. We value this partnership with Bisleri International, as it strengthens our ongoing initiatives and helps Mira Bhayandar move toward a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.”

The event was also graced by K Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, Dr Sachin Bangar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Dr Sambhaji Panpatte, Additional Commissioner and Assistant Municipal Commissioners: Yogesh Gunijan and Priyanka Bhosale.

Together, these efforts represent a pioneering step toward building a robust circular economy model, one that inspires, educates, and empowers citizens to manage waste effectively. This collaboration underscores Bisleri’s long-standing commitment to promoting responsible plastic use, recycling, and community participation. 

Asian Chemicals Forum 2025 - 2nd Edition Conclave
 

Jointly organized by the Regulatory Representatives and Managers Association (RRMA) and the Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF), with Global Product Compliance (GPC) as the principal sponsor, will bring together a global confluence of government regulators, industry leaders, NGOs, and academics. The forum is dedicated to fostering in-depth dialogues on chemical safety management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices across Asia and beyond. As the principal sponsor, it will gather a global confluence of government regulators, industry leaders, NGOs, and academics. The forum is dedicated to fostering in-depth dialogue on chemical safety management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices across Asia and beyond.
 

A Forum for Action, Not Just Dialogue

Building on the success of its inaugural 2023 event, ACF 2025 will provide a unique forum for in-depth exchange on chemical safety management, compliance, and sustainability practices. With global regulations evolving rapidly, the conference is designed to help businesses, regulators, and stakeholders anticipate change and drive responsible growth within the industry. ACF 2025 will address the most pressing issues facing the chemical industry through carefully selected themes.
 

Key themes

• Global Regulatory Impacts on the Asian Market

• Challenges and Opportunities for the Chemicals Sector

• GHS Developments and Their Implications on the Asian Market

• Global Framework on Chemicals Targets and Indicators

Event Highlights

Delegates will benefit from a dynamic two-day program, featuring

• Keynote speeches from international experts at UNEP, OECD, and ECHA.

• Expert-led panel discussions with government policymakers and business leaders tackling major industry challenges.

• CEO Roundtable on building sustainable chemical portfolios.

• Compliance Expo Asia 2025 is an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations in compliance services and sustainability solutions.

• RRMA Annual Gathering and training, offering in-depth regulatory knowledge sharing and capacity building.
   

Why Attend ACF 2025?

ACF 2025 is a must-attend event for professionals aiming to stay at the forefront of chemical regulation and sustainability. Attendees will

• Engage directly with global experts and regulatory authorities from Asia and Europe.

• Explore cutting-edge innovations for chemical risk management and compliance.

• Gain exclusive insights into upcoming regulatory trends and sustainability practices.

• Network with policy leaders, CEOs, and industry pioneers through dedicated sessions and exhibitions.

• Position their company as a leader through speaking, sponsorship, and exhibition opportunities.
   

"ACF 2025 is more than a conference; it's a catalyst for collaboration and change," the organizers state. "We are curating an essential dialogue to help the industry navigate evolving regulations and drive responsible chemical management forward. This forum is the best opportunity to get ahead of policy shifts, ensure compliance, and position your organization for sustainable growth."
 

Featured International Speakers

ACF 2025 will host global leaders from UNEP, OECD, ECHA, UNITAR, BASF, University of Copenhagen, Ministry of Environment Japan, Peking University, FSSC, and the Chemical Industries Association of the Philippines, among others. Confirmed speakers include
 

• Geert Dancet (RRMA & Founding Executive Director, ECHA)

• Jacqueline Alvarez (UNEP)

• Bob Diderich and Eeva Leinala (OECD)

• Oliver Wootton (UNITAR)

• Joonas Alaranta (ECHA)

• Agnes Lau (BASF, Singapore)

• Nadirah Binti Mohamad (DOSHA, Malaysia)

• Albert A. Samuela (Chemical Industries Association, Philippines)

• Xenia Trier (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

• Dr. Koki Takaki (Ministry of Environment, Japan)

• Dr. Jianguo Liu (Peking University, China)

• Ante Batinic (FSSC 24000)
   

Distinguished National Speakers

India’s leadership in regulatory science, academia, and industry will be represented by

• Dr. Ekta Kapoor (GLP Authority India)

• Shikhar Jain (CII)

• Dr. Nadeem Khan and Dr. Abhay Deshpande (JRF)

• Dr. Satish Wagh (CHEMEXCIL)

• Anil Jauhri (RRMA)

• Ravi Kapoor (ICC Sustainability Committee)

• Ramkumar Shankar (Sanmar Group)

• Dr. Vishal Choudhary (Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser – PMO)

• Chintan Joshi (TATA Chemicals)

• Rupark Sarswat (India Glycols Ltd)

• Sagar Kaushik (UPL)

• Dr. Sudha Kannan (Aditya Birla)

• Satish Sinha (Toxics Link)

• Dr. K. Patel (IIT Roorkee)

• Dr. Shalini Singh (SABIC)
  ​

ACF 2023: Building Momentum

The Asian Chemicals Forum 2023, held on September 5–6 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, marked a significant milestone for the region’s chemical industry. The hybrid event drew more than 250 global professionals, regulators, and industry leaders, creating a powerful platform for dialogue on chemical safety, the UN Framework, and the management of PFAS.
 

With its combination of expert-led panels, focused regulatory training, and high-level networking, ACF 2023 set a new benchmark for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the sector. The event’s success firmly established the Forum as a landmark gathering shaping the future of chemical management across Asia and beyond.
 

Looking Ahead: ACF 2025

Building on this momentum, ACF 2025 in Mumbai is poised to expand both its scope and impact. The upcoming edition will bring together an even larger international community of regulators, policymakers, business leaders, NGOs, and academics, making it the most comprehensive event yet on chemical regulation and sustainability in Asia. With a sharper focus on emerging regulatory frameworks, global sustainability goals, and cross-sector collaboration, ACF 2025 aims to set the agenda for the future of responsible chemical management in the region.
 

Registration and Sponsorship

Secure your participation at ACF 2025 today. Explore sponsorship and exhibition opportunities to showcase your leadership in compliance and sustainability. Visit our registration page to reserve your place.
 

About ACF and Organizers

The Asian Chemicals Forum (ACF) is jointly organized by the Regulatory Representatives & Managers Association (RRMA) and Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF). GPC serves as the knowledge partner and principal sponsor. Building on the success of ACF 2023, the Forum continues to provide a leading platform for dialogue, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable industry practices across Asia and beyond.

The ACF conference covers a wide range of topics related to safe chemical use management and will engage 25+ expert speakers from governmental departments, industry leaders, NGOs, and academics from key regions and countries in Asia, Europe, and the USA.
 

Organizers and Partners
 

ACF 2025 Organizers and Partners
 

Joint Organizers

• Regulatory Representatives & Managers Association (RRMA)

• Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF)
   

Knowledge Partner & Principal Sponsor

• Global Product Compliance (GPC)
   

Industry Association Partner

• Indian Chemical Council (ICC)
   

Institutional Partner

• Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
   

Export Promotion Partner

• CHEMEXCIL
   

Media Associate

• Enhesa
   

Program Partners

• OECD

• ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)

• European Commission

• UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

• UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)
   

Supporting Organizations

• United Nations

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• International Labour Organization (ILO)
   

Trade Association Partner

• Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)

Total investment in the project amounted to RUB 28.5 billion. The plant’s capacity exceeds 50 thousand tonnes per year, enabling annual production of more than 3 million tonnes of high-grade polyethylene.

Premium grades of polyethylene produced with hexene offer enhanced strength, optical properties and resistance to external factors. Products based on this component are used to manufacture high-strength items such as pipes with an extended service life; packaging, including caps and lids for beverages; containers for household chemicals, cosmetics and medications; high-strength films; and other products with elevated performance requirements, including films and packaging that require exceptional strength and reliability.

The plant, located in Nizhnekamsk, is currently at the start-up and commissioning stage, with a phased ramp-up to full design capacity planned during the third quarter of 2025. The new facility is based on proprietary technology developed by SIBUR’s in-house scientists and designers.

Igor Klimov, a member of SIBUR’s Management Board, said the following

“Completion of the hexene production facility is a landmark event for Russian and global petrochemicals and an important step towards technological sovereignty. This proprietary development will not only enable us to fully meet domestic demand for this critical product but will also expand our range of high-grade polymers considerably, strengthening the country’s position in the global market. This project is a clear example of how innovation, strong localisation and environmental stewardship can create a foundation for the sustainable development of both the industry and Russia’s regions.”

Neo by Nippon Paint is a strategic offering by Nippon Paint India, designed to provide a seamless, end-to-end painting and home beautification experience for the modern Indian homeowner.
 

As a part of this effort, Nippon Paint has formally introduced a new identity for painters as Home Stylists. This move reflects the brand’s continued commitment to elevate painters from being seen merely as service providers to being recognized as creative professionals who shape the look and feel of our living spaces.
 

This redefinition is being brought to life through multiple initiatives. The launch of the Home Stylist soft skills - empowering them to offer holistic solutions to homeowners. Complementing this, the new Onboarding Kit + Uniforms 2.0, complete with a branded essentials bag, updated uniforms, and ID cards, reinforces their new identity and instils a sense of pride and professionalism. We have already trained and certified over 100 painters, helping them become trusted colour advisors and experts in their craft.
 

To further this cultural shift, Nippon Paint has also unveiled a Painter Anthem which is first in industry - a professionally produced rap song in collaboration with a renowned artist - celebrating the spirit, talent, and contribution of the painter community.
 

“Painters are the artists behind every vibrant wall and inspiring space. On World Painter Appreciation Day, we honor them not just with words, but with a lasting identity - as Home Stylists, professionals who play a pivotal role in shaping our homes. The launch of the industry’s first Painter Anthem further reinforces our commitment to celebrating their spirit and giving them the recognition, they truly deserve,” said Mr. Mahesh Anand, President, Nippon Paint India Decorative Business.
 

With this initiative, Nippon Paint continues its journey of empowering painters through training, recognition, and renewed purpose - paving the way for a more respected, refined, and professional painting community in India.
 

About Nippon Paint

With over 144 years of expertise, Nippon Paint is a global leader in high-performance coatings. The company is committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly, ultra-low VOC paints that ensure superior protection while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Mr. S K Chaudhary, Mr. Piyush Jindal, Mr. Neeraj Jindal and Mr. Rajesh Jindal

The celebration underscores the company’s evolution from a single facility in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, in 1992, to an international enterprise with seven manufacturing units across India and the UK. The month-long celebration features a series of thoughtfully crafted initiatives reflecting the company's remarkable journey and core values. The "Walk to Your Dreams" Challenge, inspired by Founder & Chairman Mr. S.K. Chaudhary's extraordinary life story, encouraged employees to walk 10,000 steps daily throughout December 2024. This initiative symbolizes the grit and determination that have defined both Mr. Chaudhary’s personal journey and Safex’s impressive growth—achieving a 40-fold increase since 2010 and maintaining a 35% CAGR over the past five years.

Complementing this physical initiative is the "Dream Big" program, dedicated to the late Mr. S.K. Jindal, Co-founder of Safex Chemicals. This forward-looking initiative invited employees to set ambitious personal and professional goals, mirroring the company's transition from serving local farmers to building a network of over 15,000 distributors across 21 states and employing more than 1,500 people globally. The company's strategic milestones, such as the acquisition of UK-based Briar Chemicals in 2022, exemplify how bold aspirations can be turned into reality.

Reflecting on this journey, Mr. S.K. Chaudhary, Chairman of Safex Chemicals, said, "The situation was very tough but with sheer grit, determination and a strong will to succeed, we continued to progress slowly and steadily. Many challenges came along the way, but the spirit could not be defeated. Mr. S.K. Jindal left us along the way but new generation joined in to carry the legacy forward. It speeded up the pace of growth setting new benchmarks along the way. Today, present in almost all verticals of agrochemicals viz crop protection, home care, grain storage and contract development, Safex is the 2nd Indian agrochemical company after UPL to acquire a 115-acre facility in the United Kingdom at a cost of 73 million pounds."

Adding a unique cultural dimension to the celebration was the "Jukebox" initiative, which took employees on a melodious 34-day journey through the company’s history. Each day featured five carefully selected songs representing every year since Safex’s founding in 1991. This musical timeline resonated with employees across generations and celebrated the company’s continued progress and legacy.

From modest beginnings to becoming a key player in the global chemical market, Safex Chemicals has grown to meet the demands of the ever-evolving agriculture industry. According to Agriculture Today Magazine, Safex has emerged as the 18th largest agrochemical company based on FY23-24 data, achieving one of the highest growth rates in the industry at 21% for the said year. As the company celebrates this significant milestone, these programs strengthen the bond between employees and the organization’s mission while laying the groundwork for future growth and innovation.

The implementation of SAP has revolutionized Safex Chemicals' core operations, particularly in finance, supply chain management, and production. A notable achievement has been the successful deployment of SAP's Ariba framework, which has automated supplier management and transitioned the company to a completely electronic requisitioning process. This advancement has significantly enhanced supplier collaboration while reducing resource costs and ensuring greater supply chain transparency.
 

"The SAP integration aligns perfectly with our global expansion strategy and long-term mission," said Mr. Piyush Jindal, Group Director at Safex Chemicals. "By digitizing and streamlining our core processes, we have gained the bandwidth to focus on innovation and market leadership. The implementation has already enabled the launch of our E-commerce platform 'Golden Farms,' bringing us closer to end consumers."
 

The transformation has addressed previous challenges such as fragmented data management and manual processes, replacing them with automated, real-time data processing systems. This has resulted in improved inventory management, enhanced budget tracking, and more accurate reporting across all departments. The centralized system has particularly benefited Safex's international operations by facilitating seamless collaboration among global teams and ensuring consistent data management in cross-border operations.
 

This digital transformation is expected to significantly impact both customers and stakeholders. Customers will benefit from faster response times and improved product availability, while stakeholders will gain from enhanced transparency and more informed decision-making capabilities. The advanced data infrastructure established through SAP has also laid the foundation for future innovations in AI and ML, positioning Safex Chemicals for continued growth and technological advancement in the chemical industry.

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Key Highlights for Q2FY25

• EBITDA Margin Growth: Improved to 18% compared to 12% year-over-year.

• Record Sales Volume in Bulk Fertilizer: Achieved an 83% year-over-year increase in sales volume of manufactured bulk fertilizer, marking the highest sales in a quarter.

• Anti-Dumping Duty Implementation: USD 217 per metric ton Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) on IPA for a period of 5 years.

• In-House Capture of Ammonia Price Hikes: Increases in global ammonia prices are now fully captured internally.

• Capacity enhancement of approximately 10% resulting from debottlenecking of the TAN plants, delivering an additional 50 KTPA and bringing the total TAN capacity volumes to 587 KTPA to support the growing needs of India’s Mining sector.

• Debt Reduction: Prepaid Rs. 200 crores in debt, improving the Net Debt to EBITDA ratio from 2.66x to 1.64x.

• Change in key RM Prices in Q2FY25:  Ammonia: ~11% YoY; MOP: ~40% YoY; Gas: ~9% YoY
   

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Sailesh C. Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director said, DFPCL has shown impressive performance in Q2 FY25, achieving a 13% growth in revenue. This growth was primarily driven by the Crop Nutrition business, which experienced an 18% YoY increase in revenue, while the Chemical business grew by 8% YoY despite a lean quarter for the chemical sectors. Fertilizer and Chemical businesses acted as a natural hedge, enabling the company to deliver consistent and improved performance.
 

There has been a consistent increase in the proportion of revenue from specialty products, along with an overall rise in  revenue, driven by the strategic move of transitioning from commodity to specialty.

• Crop Nutrition Business (CNB) achieved a remarkable 83% YoY increase in sales volume of manufactured bulk fertilizer, which is highest ever sales.

• Mining Chemical:  Monsoon is a lean period due to  slowdown in mining activities. Accordingly, we had taken a planned shutdown of Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) plant for maintenance and capacity enhancement of 50 KTPA, taking total capacity to 587 KTPA.

• The Industrial Chemicals business experienced a healthy revenue growth of 9%, despite marginal decrease in volumes. This performance underscores our strategic shift from commodities to specialty chemicals, which has effectively mitigated price volatility.

• The ammonia plant has enabled all our businesses to reap substantial benefits from backward integration, effectively mitigating supply chain risks and price volatility. As a result, we are now able to capture the increases in global ammonia prices within the group.
   

As India continues to grow, the chemical and fertilizer sectors are poised to thrive. The demand outlook for the Crop Nutrition, Mining Chemicals, and Industrial Chemicals Business is well aligned with India’s growth story, providing strong and positive tailwinds. We are actively working on the execution of the TAN Project and the Nitric Acid Project in Gopalpur and Dahej, respectively, to capitalize on future growth.
 

Chemicals Review

• Mining Chemicals (Technical Ammonium Nitrate):

• In Q2 FY25, our premium product LDAN's sales volume soared by 16% YoY and rose by an impressive 20% in H1 FY25 compared to H1 FY24

• Overall sales volume was down by 21% YoY in Q2 due to a planned shutdown and lean seasons due to monsoon. The volumes were down by 1% in H1 FY25 compared to H1 FY24.

• Business Outlook: The mining and infrastructure is expected to pick up post monsoon as demand for Power (Coal), Cement & Steel is expected to increase thereby providing robust support for TAN demand.

• Industrial Chemicals:  

• Nitric acid volumes was marginally down by 1% on YoY basis and up by 13% on QoQ basis.

• The specialty stainless steel grade nitric acid has received positive feedback from customers.

• IPA volumes experienced a 10% YoY decline due to process constraints and a plant shutdown. However, the recent implementation of an ADD at USD 217 per metric ton for a period of five years is anticipated to enhance both demand and pricing moving forward.

• Business Outlook:  For Nitric Acid, the demand and margins are expected to be stable over the next few quarters.  Propylene-based IPA demand and margins are expected to be stable and improve following the implementation of the ADD on Chinese suppliers over few quarters.

​Crop Nutrition Business (Fertilisers) Review

• In Q2 FY25, manufactured bulk fertilizer has achieved highest ever sales volume of 268 KMT, an 83% YoY increase, driven by improved demand from above-average rains, which led to 102% Kharif crop sowing and positive market sentiment across all regions.

• Sales volume of Croptek surged to 37 KMT, reflecting a 70% YoY growth, with continued focus on providing crop-specific solutions for targeted crops, including cotton, soybean, sugarcane, corn, grapes, pomegranate, and banana.

• The company has recently launched premium water-soluble fertilizer grades.

• Sale of specialty fertilizer Bensulf was 9 KMT, up 7% YoY.

• Business Outlook:  Above-normal monsoon rainfall in our core states has significantly enhanced groundwater table  as well as water reservoirs for irrigation, which will help  promising rabi season ahead.

• ​We expect the acreages under rabi cash crops  to go up especially for Sugarcane, Onion, Potato etc.

​Company Overview

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (DFPCL) is among the India’s leading manufacturers of industrial chemicals and fertilisers. With a strong presence in Technical Ammonium Nitrate (mining chemicals), Industrial Chemicals and Crop Nutrition (fertilisers), the Company supports critical sectors of the economy such as infrastructure, mining, chemicals, pharmaceutical and agriculture. DFPCL is a publicly listed, multi-product Indian conglomerate and has plants located in four states, namely Maharashtra (Taloja), Gujarat (Daher), Andhra Pradesh (Srikakulam) and Haryana (Panipat).

DFPCL is Leading manufacturer and marketer of Iso Propyl Alcohol (IPA) in India and Largest Manufacturer of Nitric Acid in Southeast Asia. The Company is developing specialised grades of Nitric acid and IPA to meet specific requirements to cater needs of the industry/consumer.

DFPCL is one of the leading manufacturers of Technical Ammonium Nitrate in the world, it is the only producer of pilled Technical Grade Ammonium Nitrate solids and medical grade Ammonium Nitrate in India. The Company has commenced best in-class Technical Services to drive downstream productivity benefits for the mining end consumers.

CNB Segment (fertilisers) offers a basket of 48 products which include bulk fertilisers, Crop nutrient solutions, specialty fertilisers, water-soluble fertilisers, bio-stimulants, micro-nutrients, and secondary nutrients, catering to every crop’s nutrient requirement. Enhanced-efficiency speciality fertilisers are developed basis rigorous R&D efforts and product trials at over 50,000 farmer demo plots. The R&D efforts have shown distinct yield and quality improvements for crops across segments such as cotton, sugarcane, onion, fruits and vegetables. Over last three years, value-added nutrition products have benefitted 6 million farmers.

Launched with the blessings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sri Sri Gaudhan Paints offer superior benefits of cow dung paint over chemical alternatives

One of the standout features of Sri Sri Gaudhan Paints is its safety. Unlike conventional paints that often contain harmful chemicals, this paint is entirely non-toxic, making it a perfect option for homes, schools, hospitals, and other spaces where the well-being of occupants is a priority. With its natural composition, it minimises the risk of allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or long-term health concerns, especially for children and the elderly. This is particularly important for individuals seeking to reduce their exposure to harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in chemical paints.

Sri Sri Gaudhan Paints offers 1,600 shades in both emulsion and distemper; from bold, vibrant colors to soft, calming tones

The paint boasts anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, ensuring that walls remain protected from dampness and fungal growth, which is often a concern in humid climates. Additionally, it is odourless, eliminating the harsh chemical smell that often accompanies the painting process, and making it more comfortable to use in occupied spaces. The paint’s quick-drying nature allows for efficient application and use, further enhancing its practicality. The paint is free from heavy metals and is a natural thermal insulator.

Available in both emulsion and distemper, Sri Sri Gaudhan Paints offers an impressive range of 1,600 shades. Whether you're looking for vibrant, bold colours or subtle, calming tones, there’s a shade to suit every preference. This wide variety ensures that eco-conscious customers do not have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal when opting for an environmentally friendly product. The paint’s versatility makes it suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.

As the demand for eco-friendly alternatives continues to grow, Sri Sri Gaudhan Paints is at the forefront of the green revolution in home decor. By choosing this natural, cow dung-based paint, consumers can contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying beautiful, toxin-free spaces.

About The Art of Living Social Projects 

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to holistic development. The Art of Living champions various initiatives, including water conservation, sustainable agriculture, afforestation, free education, skill development, women empowerment, integrated village development, renewable energy and waste management. Through these multifaceted efforts, The Art of Living strives to create positive social and environmental impact, fostering a more sustainable and harmonious future for all.

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Platinum Industries Limited

The fund-raising initiatives will be by way of issue of one or more instruments, including issue of equity shares but not limited to any other convertible securities including warrants, through preferential issues, private placements or any other methods or a combination thereof as may be permitted by applicable laws, which shall be subject to necessary regulatory/statutory approvals and shareholder approvals.

About Platinum Industries Ltd.

Platinum Industries Ltd. is a premier multi-product company in the speciality chemicals sector, specialising in PVC & CPVC Additives, Metal Soaps and Lubricants. As India's leading PVC stabiliser manufacturer, Platinum supplies to over 30 countries from its ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Palghar, Maharashtra, strategically located near JNPT Port for efficient import and export operations. The Company's product range includes lead stabilisers, Hybrid™ low lead stabilisers, Highstab™ Ca- Zn/Ca-Org stabilisers, CPVC compounds, CPVC Add Packs, Metal Soaps and various lubricants, which are used in PVC pipes, fittings, profiles, electrical wires and cables, SPC floor tiles, Roofing and packaging materials.

Goa Carbon Ltd., one of the oldest and leading manufacturers of calcined petroleum coke (CPC), proudly announces the launch of its first branded product, "gcarb+" aimed at revolutionizing the recarburiser & carbon additive markets.

From left to right - Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman, Dempo group of companies & Anupam Misra, Executive Director, Goa Carbon Ltd.

With manufacturing units strategically located across India, Goa Carbon Limited serves largely to the Aluminium, Steel, and Foundry sectors. Continuing its legacy of excellence, the new brand “gcarb+” highlights the company's commitment to quality, sustainability and industry leadership with an intent to provide ‘Total Carbon Solutions’.

“gcarb+” stands out for its superior quality and is derived from the finest raw materials sourced globally. The product comes with guaranteed specifications, including low sulphur content, significantly reducing harmful emissions and supporting environmental sustainability. “gcarb+” is a high-performance carbon raiser/additive, meeting the specific requirements of the primary and secondary steel manufacturers and foundry industries.

The brand launch event was attended by Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo, President - Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies, Mr. Anupam Misra, Executive Director of Goa Carbon Limited along with other senior officials of Dempo group and all the three units. The unveiling of the “gcarb+” logo and brand was a significant moment, symbolizing the company's forward-looking vision and commitment to innovation.

Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo congratulated the entire Goa Carbon team for launching their first branded offering and applauded the initiative to offer differentiated and superior solution for the ‘Recarb’ industry. He highlighted the core values of Dempo group i.e. Integrity, Fairness, Solicitude, Teamwork, Innovation and Social Responsibility and was happy to learn that the brand’s philosophy is aligned with our core values.

Mr. Anupam Misra highlighted that the introduction of “gcarb+” marks a significant milestone in Goa Carbon Limited's illustrious journey. “Goa carbon has been one of the most trusted names in the recarb industry and it was incumbent upon us to bring in creative and innovative solutions for the recarb industry. We would also like to start offering need-based value added services apart from supplying only CPC. This is in line with our vision to be the total carbon solution provider to the industry. The new brand is set to redefine industry standards, offering a blend of quality, performance, and value added services that strengthens Goa Carbon Limited's market leadership.”

About Goa Carbon Ltd.

Goa Carbon Limited, established in 1967, manufactures Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) and operates plants in Goa, Bilaspur, and Paradeep with a combined annual capacity of 308,000 MT. Serving industries like aluminum smelting, graphite electrodes, and titanium dioxide manufacturing, the company is known for its expertise in green coke blending. Listed on BSE and NSE, Goa Carbon's facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, featuring advanced dust extraction systems and well-equipped laboratories, with strategic port-based locations enhancing export capabilities.

For more information about gcarb+ and Goa Carbon Limited, please visit our website www.goacarbon.com or contact our customer service team at info@goacarbon.com.

CHEMAXE : Trade Live, Trade smart

Founded with a mission to integrate cutting-edge technology into chemical trading, Jay TechnoChem develops platforms, applications, and services designed to be the go-to resources for all information related to chemical trading and the broader industry. It has a vision to lead the way in technological innovation within the chemical sector, fostering a more efficient, accessible, and advanced industry for all stakeholders.

CHEMAXE exemplifies their commitment to revolutionizing the chemical trading landscape. Unlike conventional digital platforms, CHEMAXE will offer a comprehensive, live trading experience. It will use advanced algorithms to match buyers and sellers based on specific product requirements, ensuring efficient transactions and real-time price updates. This platform will address significant challenges faced by the chemical trading industry, which is often fragmented and unorganized. Traditional methods require excessive time for inquiries, negotiations, and networking, which is both stressful and inefficient. CHEMAXE is designed to enhance trust through transparent pricing and secure transactions, allowing buyers, sellers, and traders to develop better strategies and maximize deal value. 

The initial concept for CHEMAXE emerged from the extensive experience of the Co-founder and Director of Jay TechnoChem, Mr. Ashok Lakhani, who has spent over 25 years navigating the complexities of the chemical trading industry. Driven by his ambition to create a better future for the next generation of traders, Mr. Lakhani dedicated over a decade to develop a solution that would provide accurate insights into chemical prices and improve the trading experience. His son, Mr. Jay Lakhani, joined the venture, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Together, they began conceptualizing the platform in early 2023, and after approximately seven months of refining the blueprint, the development of CHEMAXE commenced in September 2023.

What sets CHEMAXE apart is its innovative use of advanced algorithms and real-time updates. The platform's unique LTP (Last Traded Price) model guarantees that market prices remain tamper-proof, updating solely through organic trading activity. This mechanism enhances pricing fairness and significantly diminishes the impact of third-party influences. Additionally, CHEMAXE offers real-time trading and management tools, empowering users to respond swiftly to market conditions and refine their trading strategies. These distinctive features are poised to propel market growth and drive overall industry advancement.

As the launch approaches in the coming months, Mr. Ashok Lakhani, Co-Founder and Director of Jay TechnoChem, shared his thoughts on the CHEMAXE project, “Throughout my decades in the chemical trading industry, I have seen the market's potential hindered by outdated methods and inefficiencies. CHEMAXE is our answer to these longstanding issues. By providing real-time trading, transparent pricing, and in-depth market information, we aim to empower traders and set a new standard for the industry. Our mission is to transform chemical trading into a seamless and efficient experience for everyone involved.”

While their current focus is on the successful market introduction and launch of CHEMAXE, Jay TechnoChem is committed to continuous upgrades and improvements in user experience. Future plans include expanding their services to international markets and implementing alternate trading methodologies, establishing CHEMAXE as the centralized hub for all chemical trading activities worldwide.

In addition to CHEMAXE, Jay TechnoChem has an array of upcoming models in development, each aimed at addressing various segments of the chemical industry. These future projects will be unveiled in stages, further cementing Jay TechnoChem’s commitment to lead technological advancement within the chemical sector.

After presenting a preview of CHEMAXE to their advisory panel, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many industry leaders hailed the platform as the future of chemical trading. There is no doubt that CHEMAXE will revolutionize the sector. It’s only a matter of time before it becomes synonymous with all things chemical.

Henkel expert operating the 2D PUR machine in Thanh Hoa’s Application Center

"Our expansion from the south to the north of Vietnam with a second application center enhances our proximity with customers and reinforces our commitment as a strategic long-term partner to providing innovative solutions and robust support," said Corbett Wallace, Corporate Vice-President of Consumer Goods at Henkel.

The application center will collaborate closely with Henkel's customers to develop new products and solutions to meet their needs and drive rapid progress in sustainability and innovation. Pursuing this, it will focus on enhancing expertise in bonding techniques, reducing manufacturing time, and tailoring customer solutions through technical training and trial opportunities. It will also leverage digital innovation to showcase advanced application solutions, improving efficiency and accessibility, and serve as a hub for process design and engineering.
 

State-of-the-art lab for footwear and fashion in Thanh Hoa’s Application Center
 

Spanning over 500 square meters, the center is equipped with a lab, application room, customer experience room, an office, and dedicated focus rooms for collaboration. It also offers leading automation facilities like auto spray applicators and PUR jet spray solutions to elevate production efficiency.

Dharmesh Shah, Regional Head of Consumer Goods in Asia-Pacific Emerging, said, "As the industry shifts its focus to manufacturing excellence, we look forward to the opportunities this center will bring and remain committed to driving speed to market, cost efficiency and sustainable growth together with our partners."

Through the center, Henkel will also assist partners in sustainability by educating them on best practices, facilitating the adoption of alternatives such as water-based products, and implementing process simplification measures to reduce waste and energy consumption.

The application center in Thanh Hoa is the latest addition to Henkel's global network of Sports and Fashion labs which includes locations in China, Taiwan, Korea, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. It will be digitally connected to Henkel's centers worldwide, facilitating collaboration and shared expertise across borders.

About Henkel

With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. Henkel's Adhesive Technologies business unit leads the global market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. The Consumer Brands business unit occupies a leading position in numerous markets and categories around the globe, particularly in the Laundry & Home Care and Hair business areas. Henkel's three biggest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of around 48,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations."
 

For further details, please see www.henkel.com.

The Tamil Nadu Plastics manufacturers Association (TAPMA), the apex body of 8500+ plastics processors in the state, is organising IPLAS an International Plastics Exhibition on June 14 - 17, 2024 at Chennai Trade Centre.

This is the sixth in the series since 2005 and the highlights of this edition are Exhibition space 17500 sq.m. 300+ exhibitors from all over India including a few from China. There are more than 90 live demos in the event. The wide exhibit profile covers machinery, materials, moulds and dies, printing and converting machinery and auxiliaries. This exhibition will help expansions or new start ups in the plastics sector. Visitors will get new project ideas and can find all under one roof. 

Over 40,000 visitors are expected to visit and benefit from this international event. The visitors will come from neighbouring states and other parts of India too. TAPMA is supporting with hospitality for international visitors from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Kenya also. Like previous editions this edition also will facilitate growth in the sector besides adding jobs for the youth in the coming years. This expo is likely to see purchase of new machinery to the tune of Rs. 1000 crores and this will create vibrancy and new jobs also

TAPMA is also organising WOPS - world of plastics, a theme pavilion to create a fresh awareness about plastics, its contributions and the ways of disposing it post use. This theme pavilion will promote segregation at source and also recycling of plastics waste. There will be an interactive Virtual Reality Videos and games for the school children. on display will be a wide range of long-lasting furniture made from post-consumer comingled waste picked up municipal waste. Invitation is being extended to school / college students, resident associations and officials of corporation and other local bodies engaged in solid waste management.

The four-day exhibition is free for all between 10 am and 6 pm

For more details, please visit: www.iplas.in.

Sri Ramana Enterprises: Advancements in Polycarbonate Sheet Technology and Design

Sri Ramana one of the premier polycarbonate sheet suppliers, offer well-crafted and compact polycarbonate sheets with transparency and high-impact resistance. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, quality, reliability, and innovation Sri Ramana has established itself as a leading player in the realm of Polycarbonate Sheet in India. These sheets find their niche in architectural glazing, automotive and aerospace industry, and equipment, where perfection and durability are of paramount importance. These sheets are of superior quality and are weather resistant, making them the best choice for outdoor applications such as skylights, canopies, buildings and greenhouses.

The polycarbonate sheets offered by Sri Ramana guarantees satisfaction. Latest manufacturing techniques have significantly improved the durability of polycarbonate sheets, making them even more resistant to impacts, weathering, and chemical exposure. Such robustness ensures longevity and reduces maintenance costs for construction projects. Additionally, advanced design capabilities enhance the customer satisfaction through customization to meet specific project requirements. Flexibility leaves room for creativity and hence a great end product.

The high optical clarity of these sheets allows excellent light transmission similar to glass with UV-resistant coatings to prevent corrosion. Also, the polycarbonate sheets offered by Sri Ramana are light weight making the installation process smooth and hassle-free.

Sri Ramana being a patron of technology believes in continuous improvement of the offered products. Hence, thermal insulation properties are the part of few initiatives that the company took to improve energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures. Such offering helps in creating sustainable buildings.

Considering the future requirements, Sri Ramana embraced smart construction technologies where smart features such as; sensors and lighting systems are integrated during the construction process to enhance functionality and efficiency in buildings.

The future of construction looks bright with the evolution of polycarbonate sheets technology and design and with Sri Ramana’s dedication to product quality. The company adheres to stringent manufacturing standards, ensuring that each polycarbonate sheet meets the highest durability, clarity, and performance benchmarks. This commitment is underscored by cutting-edge production processes and rigorous quality control measures, positioning Sri Ramana as a trusted name in the industry. The company ensures consistent on-time delivery, creating an amount of trust where clients can count on a steady supply of top-notch polycarbonate sheets as per requirement. This reliability extends beyond product delivery to customer support, where Sri Ramana's skilled professionals address inquiries and provide assistance with competence.

As the demand for advanced and specialized polycarbonate solutions grows, the company remains at the forefront of technological developments redefining possibilities in architecture and construction.

Meta description

Sri Ramana's high-quality, durable polycarbonate sheets are the product of innovation. With proper customization, these lightweight and weather-resistant architectural solutions will reshape the future of construction.

Sindica will further strengthen the position of Atul in the crop protection retail sector in India. The Company plans to utilise its existing production capacity for the manufacturing of Sindica; the capacity will be increased in the near future aligning with the growth of the Crop-Protection Retail business and the expansion of Sindica and other products.
 

Sindica will be sold primarily in India, but the Company has undertaken market development studies in other countries as well.

About the Company

Founded in 1947, Atul Ltd (Atul) is a leading integrated chemical company in India with an annual revenue of about Rs. 5,000 cr. The Company manufactures about 900 products and 400 formulations. The production facilities of Atul and its associate, joint venture and subsidiary entities are at Ambernath, Ankleshwar, Jodhpur, Panoli, Tarapur and Valsad in India and Somerset in the UK. It has established subsidiary companies in Brazil, China, Ireland, the UAE, the UK and the USA to serve its customers better and enhance the breadth and depth of its business. While it has followed the B2B model since inception, it is now also into B2C products and is endeavouring to grow them in and outside India.
 

The Crop Protection-Retail business of Atul has a presence across the country and provides crop care solutions for major crops, such as cotton, paddy, soybean, sugarcane, wheat and a range of fruits and vegetables. Its product portfolio comprises ~ 50 brands, including the best-selling brands like Zura, Salix, Cyno, Rymix, Loxo, Rhyzo and Amsac.

Platinum Industries Ltd. IPO Price Band Announcement
 

Platinum Industries was born out of a vision to redefine the landscape of the PVC industry in India. The company operates within the speciality chemicals sector, producing essential components for PVC pipes, profiles, fittings, electrical wires, cables, SPC floor tiles, rigid PVC foam boards, and packaging materials. Under the visionary leadership of its Promoters, Krishna Dushyant Rana and Parul Krishna Rana, who currently hold 94.71% of the company shares, Platinum Industries has demonstrated remarkable growth. The company has recorded a CAGR of 42.11% over six years for revenue from operations, escalating from Rs. 284.19M in 2018 to Rs. 2,340.56M in 2023. The financial year ending March 31, 2023, saw a revenue increase of 22.89% and a Profit After Tax (PAT) surge of 111.76% compared to the previous year.
 

Furthermore, the company proudly stands as the third-largest player in India's PVC stabilizer market with a robust domestic market share of approximately 13% in FY23 and an impressive annual production capacity of 36,000 tons. (Source: CRISIL Report) Today, Platinum Industries Limited proudly stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, innovation, and a dedicated commitment to excellence. By investing heavily in research and development, Platinum Industries Limited has pioneered lead-free PVC additives, challenging the conventional practices in the industry. This groundbreaking move not only set the company apart from its peers but also drove Platinum Industries to the forefront of environmentally responsible manufacturing.
 

Under the leadership of Krishna Dushyant Rana, Chairman & Managing Director, Platinum Industries Limited, the company has achieved significant milestones, including the expansion of its product line with lead free solutions and the establishment of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to cater to local and international markets.
 

The proceeds from the IPO are earmarked for funding of capital expenditure requirements of our Company towards setting up of a manufacturing facility for PVC Stabilizers at Palghar in Maharashtra, India; strategic investments in its subsidiary, Platinum Stabilizers Egypt LLC ("PSEL"), in the SC Zone, Egypt; and to meet other working capital requirements.

About Platinum Industries Ltd.

From humble beginnings in the year 2016, Platinum Industries today stands tall as one of the leading PVC & CPVC additives manufacturers in India. The company provides end-to-end additives solutions for the entire range of polymers. Committed to setting international benchmarks, driven by innovation and the desire to create a sustainable ecosystem, Platinum Industries is among the very few chemical companies in India that is specializing in manufacturing superior quality, economical lead-free additives which are used in the manufacturing of PVC pipes, thus playing an important role in restricting the penetration of lead in water. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and robust R&D lab in Palghar is continuously innovating to create stabilizers and other chemicals that can be used in a wide range of applications.

Shot Down addresses a critical gap in the market, offering a one-shot solution for the simultaneous control of sedges, broad-leaved, and narrow-leaved weeds. Unlike existing options that may require multiple sprays or intensive manual weeding, Shot Down stands out as a selective herbicide that eliminates weeds without compromising crop yield or quality. Its incorporation of antioxidants enhances crop safety by mitigating potential oxidative stress.
 

BAL emphasised the product as an outcome of its focus on R&D and extensive field trials. Shot Down has demonstrated its potential as a single-spray solution, reducing the need for multiple applications and the farmer's expenditure.
 

BAL stands as a trailblazer in agricultural R&D, establishing itself as a company of  'Patent Power.' After Ronfen and Tricolor, the addition of 'Shot Down' to its portfolio reinforces the commitment to agricultural innovation and increasing farmer satisfaction. With a robust pipeline of future patent molecules, Best AgroLife Ltd. remains at the forefront of agricultural solutions for continued value growth.
 

Furthermore, Seedlings India Pvt. Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAL, has obtained approval from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB & RC) for the indigenous manufacturing of another under-patent formulation featuring Trifloxystrobin, Thiamethoxam, and Thiophanate Methyl. This one-shot solution is also poised to revolutionise Indian agriculture by effectively controlling insects and fungal diseases, leading to enhanced crop yields. BAL is planning for a  nationwide launch in April 2024 under the brand name of 'Warden Extra.'
 

About Best Agrolife Ltd.

Best Agrolife Ltd. (BAL) is a leading agrochemical manufacturer in India, committed to providing cutting-edge solutions for crop protection and enhancing agricultural sustainability. With a focus on innovation and quality, BAL strives to empower farmers and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in India. With a strong focus on research and development, BAL is dedicated to sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship. Currently, BAL has 7,000 MTPA and 30,000 MTPA technicals and formulation manufacturing capacity, respectively, through three of its manufacturing plants in Gajraula, Greater Noida, and Jammu & Kashmir. BAL currently has more than 7,000 distributors in India. It retains an impressive portfolio of 450+ formulations and more than 115+ technical manufacturing licences.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of India's leading paint companies, announces the successful completion of a monumental project – the painting of the 16-kilometre Ayodhya Dham stretch, as part of the Paint My City project. This significant endeavour includes painting of the revered Ram Path, Bhakti Path and Janmbhumi Path, symbolically leading to the sacred site of the Ram Mandir. Kansai Nerolac took on the responsibility, with due approval from Ayodhya Development Authority, to enhance the visual appeal of the surroundings and creating a fitting atmosphere for the historic occasion of the Ram Mandir inauguration.
 

Kansai Nerolac Transforms the City of Ayodhya with Shades of Spirituality and Grandeur
 

The 16-kilometer stretch has undergone a meticulous painting process, depicting the essence of spirituality, culture, and reverence that surrounds Ayodhya Dham. It has crafted a visual narrative on the roads, with each stroke and colour capturing the rich tapestry of Ayodhya's cultural heritage. With more than 300 individuals involved including contractors, architects and painters, this was one of the momentous projects carried out by Kansai Nerolac.

The colour palette used, which consists of exclusive Nerolac shades of Fantan (Code: 2079P), Caramel (Code: 2753T) and Linen Cream (Code: 2742P), compliments the spiritual aura of Ayodhya, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the entire stretch. The project aims to create an immersive experience for pilgrims and visitors alike, setting the tone for the spiritual journey towards the Ram Mandir.

With the theme of ‘Transformation’, the intent was to use paint products that create a positive atmosphere with colour and art. Utilising cutting-edge paint technology, Kansai Nerolac will ensure durability and longevity of the paintwork, offering protection against weathering and environmental factors.

With a legacy of 100 years, Kansai Nerolac has been a part of cultural growth and development of India. With the completion of the Ayodhya Dham Project, they have added another feather to the cap. In the coming months, the company will work closely with the government body for the next phases of development and beautification of Ayodhya.

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), now in its 103rd year, has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints with a net revenue of Rs. 7081 Crores (FY 2022 – 23). As a consolidated subsidiary of the Osaka-headquartered Kansai Paints Co. Ltd., it brings together rich Indian traditions and cutting-edge Japanese technology. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country.

The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. Driven by Japanese technology, Kansai Nerolac has introduced world-class Paint+ range of products in India, thereby creating meaningful solutions and providing world class products that do more. It is the market leader in Automotive and Powder Coatings offering a comprehensive product range, along with complete technical support and services, that cater to specific needs of Auto OEMs and Component Suppliers. In addition, KNPL successfully leverages its Japanese expertise to offer its customers end-to-end painting solutions with the help of NXTGEN Painting services.

Please visit to book service www.nerolac.com/painting-services.

Sharad Malhotra, Director and President (Automotive Refinishes), Nippon Paint India with Vibgyor Team

After this acquisition, VIBGYOR Paints and Chemicals Pondicherry, with its established reputation and expertise in supplying high-quality paints to Indian Railways, will become a division of Nippon Paint India, leveraging its resources and reach to further its growth and market leadership. As part of the acquisition, the key members of the VIBGYOR team will join Nippon Paint as employees, ensuring a seamless transition and the retention of valuable industry expertise within the Nippon Paint India family.
 

Commenting on the acquisition, Sharad Malhotra, Director and President (Automotive Refinishes), Nippon Paint India, said, “The acquisition of VIBGYOR Paints and Chemicals marks a step forward in our India growth strategy. Besides helping us gain a strong foothold in the Indian Railways, this acquisition also enables us to expand our commercial vehicles and industrial paints business in the country. We welcome the VIBGYOR team to the Nippon Paint family!’’
  

VIBGYOR Paints and Chemicals Pondicherry, is a growing and significant player in the Indian paint market. The company has a robust track record of supplying paints to Indian Railways and its associated coach, wagon, and allied manufacturing companies. It is reputed for its excellent products and customer service. Vibgyor’s manufacturing unit is strategically located in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu and has sufficient production capacity to meet the growing industrial demand. Vibgyor also boasts of making several innovative products that enhance the aesthetic and functional performance of paints for its customers. By becoming a division of Nippon Paint India, Vibgyor will gain access to Nippon Paint’s technology, supply chain and marketing capabilities which can further consolidate its position as a leading paint brand in India.

Eric Olsen, Aliaxis CEO said, “We are excited for this next chapter of our Indian business under the dynamic leadership of Arvind Chandra. Arvind brings an impressive 30-year global track record driving growth and profitability in a wide range of industries. India is a high-growth market for Aliaxis for the years to come and Arvind will help bring our Indian operations to the next level.”

Arvind Chandra - New Divisional CEO of India & Executive Committee Member

Arvind Chandra, Divisional CEO Aliaxis India, commented, “I am thrilled to join Aliaxis to address India’s pressing water challenges. Together with the Ashirvad team, we will drive growth with a strong focus on both sustainability and innovation, as we deliver a high-quality range of solutions that our customers expect.”

Arvind Chandra joins Aliaxis from his prior role at Minda Corporation (NSE:MINDACORP) as CEO of their largest business vertical in the automotive sector. During his tenure, the company registered a 400+% stock price gain with significant top line and bottom-line growth.

He brings 30+ years’ work experience across 8 countries, 4 continents and multiple functions of strategy, marketing, sales, R&D, manufacturing, quality plus P&L at various top technology companies such as Toyota, ZF-Wabco, Borg Warner-Phinia, Forvia and others leading various transformation projects. He has also consulted extensively during this period in both B2B and B2C environments.

Arvind holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from the University of Mumbai, a MS degree in industrial engineering from Oklahoma State University, and an MBA from the University of Michigan, USA.

About Ashirvad by Aliaxis

Ashirvad Pipes, an Aliaxis group company, is India’s leading provider of advanced plastic piping systems for residential, commercial, infrastructure, industrial, and agricultural use. The world’s largest manufacturer of CPVC and uPVC pipes and fittings, Ashirvad has grown into a global, integrated ‘Tank to Tap’ provider of comprehensive water management solutions, exporting to over 30 countries. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company’s 5000-strong team spans sales, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Its state-of-the-art Research and Technology Center in Bangalore is one of three such facilities in Aliaxis globally.

Aliaxis is a global leader in advanced piping systems for building, infrastructure, industrial and agriculture applications. The company provides communities around the world with sustainable innovative solutions for water and energy, leading the industry in a way that anticipates the rapidly evolving needs of its customers and of society. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Aliaxis is present in over 40 countries with over 15,000 employees.

ACS and INSA join forces for scientific leadership
 

The program was conceptualized for the early career faculties to delve into diverse aspects of academic research careers and scientific management. This INSA-ACS Faculty Leadership Summit will help early career faculty members/researchers to navigate the path of their independent careers and thoughtfully designed to address their demands and nurture their innate potential.
 

INSA President Professor Ashutosh Sharma said, “Having spent several decades navigating the terrain of Indian academia, I understand the diverse demands and boundless potential that our academic researchers possess. The program will not only deepen your understanding of academic research but also empower you to navigate the intricacies of a 21st-century academic career.” He also commended the collective efforts of INSA and ACS in bringing this initiative to fruition.

“At ACS, we are dedicated to nurturing and developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and professionals who will lead us into the future. This faculty leadership summit will offer professional skills for early career faculty members that will help them to become future leaders of science,” said Ms. LaTrease Garrison, Chief Operating Officer, ACS, launching the program in India.  
 

She says the ACS hopes to expand this program beyond India and focus on countries in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America in coming years.   
 

Around 40 early career faculty members from different research institutes of India participated in the first edition of the INSA-ACS Faculty Leadership Summit, which was held in INSA, New Delhi from November 3 to 5, 2023. INSA and ACS will be organizing at least six such workshops over the next two years.

The two-day program covered diverse topics like Scientific Management and Leadership, Collaboration and Networking, Innovation and commercialization of research, Research Funding, Public Policy, and Science Communication.

The convergence of academic leaders and industry experts, coupled with interactive training exercises, ensures that the knowledge imparted is not merely theoretical but also practical and applicable. Additionally, the summit was fully residential to help in fostering the peer networks across scientific disciplines.

About American Chemical Society (ACS)

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

About Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

The Indian National Science Academy is a professional body funded by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Its main objective is the promotion of scientific knowledge and its application to national welfare. It coordinates scientific programs and initiatives between Academies, Societies, Institutions, Departments, and Services. It acts as a body of scientists of eminence for the promotion and safeguarding of the interests of scientists in India and to present internationally the scientific work done in the country. It recognizes, nurture, and promote talent in science by electing Fellows, Foreign Fellows to its Fellowship. It represents India in international scientific unions through National Committees for undertaking scientific work of national and international importance on behalf of the Government of India. It publishes scientific proceedings, journals and other special publications to inform the public and policies based on evidence.

Discover effortless laminate-on-laminate furniture transformation with Fevicol Relam
 

However, your home's furnishings deserve a fresh look too and without any pesky tod-phod, noise and dust! With Fevicol Relam, revamping your furniture in festive season becomes a hassle-free exercise.

Using Fevicol Relam, you can now paste laminate on laminate and thus simplify the furniture renovation process. Fevicol Relam adhesive gives instant holding and processing strength in a couple of hours. It has no smell. It is easy to use and doesn’t require vigorous mixing before use. Fevicol Relam ensures the laminate adheres smoothly, giving a professional finish without any mess.

Using Fevicol Relam, one can directly paste a new laminate over the old laminate and change the look of the old furniture overnight, making them look vibrant and stylish.

Fevicol Relam, a trusted name in adhesive solutions, offers a range of possibilities for transforming your furniture. Whether you want to give your old kitchen cabinets and cupboards a modern touch or spruce up a tired-looking coffee table, Fevicol Relam provides a reliable and easy-to-use solution.

Imagine a simple and pocket-friendly technique can turn a plain side table into a work of art, reflecting the festive spirit of vibrancy and freshness. Fevicol Relam ensures a lasting bond that withstands daily use.

In conclusion, this festive season, let your furniture shine as brilliantly as your other decorations. It’s time to infuse your home with renewed charm and style. With Fevicol Relam, your furniture becomes an integral part of your festive celebrations, setting the stage for cherished memories and delightful conversations.

BetaTANK' Robot for crude oil storage tank bottom sludge cleaning

The company has already prototyped two robotic solutions so far - (1) For cleaning bottom sludge of large crude oil storage tanks in refineries and (2) To clean retail outlet underground tanks. The crude oil tank robot is in an advanced stage of safety approvals and launch. As per DC Sekhar, this robot is superior to available technologies worldwide on two counts i.e its compact size, enabling it to move under heating coils and secondly having a pump on the robot. This pump discharge pressure is more effective in moving thick sludge, as compared to prevailing approach of vacuuming the oil sludge using a vacuum truck. 

As per DC Sekhar, his main focus remains to de-risk the human risks in tank cleaning operations for the petrochemical industry. The faster tank cleaning turnaround using robots is just the collateral benefit.  

Web: www.betatankrobotics.com, Email: sekhar@betatankrobotics.com.

As part of its efforts to reduce plastic waste and preserve the environment, Modicare has collected approximately 1000 metric tonnes of plastic waste across 35 cities in India. The collected waste includes bottles, tubes, caps, sachets and jars, exemplifying the company's dedication to responsible waste management.

Reports indicate that urban India generates almost 62 million metric tonnes of solid waste each year, with 3.4 million metric tonnes being plastic waste. Modicare has taken proactive steps to address this issue by collaborating with government-registered recycling partners and implementing door-to-door collection facilities, effective segregation and channelisation of segregated plastic waste to authorised recycler. By processing various types of plastic waste, including rigid, flexible and multi-layered plastic (MLP), Modicare transforms them into reusable consumer products. In FY 21-22, the company reused 344.31 metric tonnes of rigid plastic, utilised 43.87 metric tonnes of flexible plastic for energy generation and recycled 41.90 metric tonnes of MLP, demonstrating its comprehensive approach to plastic recycling across diverse packaging materials.

Mr. Samir K Modi, Founder & Managing Director, Modicare Limited

Mr. Samir K Modi, Founder & Managing Director, Modicare Limited said, "Ever since inception, we at Modicare have been deeply invested in adopting eco-conscious and sustainability-driven approach in whatever we do. Our dedication to minimising our environmental impact goes beyond mere compliance; it is ingrained in the very fabric of our ethos. We are immensely proud to announce that we have achieved a significant milestone by becoming 100% 'plastic waste neutral'. This accomplishment exemplifies our commitment to the planet. However, our efforts don't stop at recycling. We are actively exploring the potential of recycled plastic for energy generation and other reusable activities, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Through these actions, we reinforce our overarching vision of creating a safer and cleaner environment for a better tomorrow. We are committed and invested to become more sustainable each day."

Over the years, Modicare has undertaken efforts to address its environmental impact and promote long-term sustainable growth. By achieving the milestone of becoming 100% 'plastic waste neutral', Modicare demonstrates its dedication to responsible waste management. As Modicare Limited continues its journey, it remains committed to driving positive change towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.

About Modicare

Modicare is one of India’s leading Direct Selling Companies and the pioneer of Direct Selling industry in India. In 2022, the company was ranked 5th among India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces by Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year and also recognised as among the 100 Best Workplaces in Asia for two consecutive years. Furthermore, Modicare has also been identified among India’s Best Workplaces for Women for three consecutive years.

Today, the company has over 53 Lakh Direct Sellers and offers over 365+ products, 750+ SKUs across 14 categories - Personal Care, Nutritional Wellness, Consumer Durables, Skin Care, Colour Cosmetics, Food & Beverage, Homecare, Auto Care, Laundry Care, Technology, 18Karat Gold Plated Jewellery, Watches, Divine, and Agriculture. It has a national presence through its 14000+ Distribution Points and 55 Modicare Centres. 

For more information, visit www.modicare.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialModicare.India

Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialmodicare.india.

Vivek Sharma, Senior Research Scholar, Policy Advocacy Research Centre

Recently, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs along with the BIS, based on the submissions (without evidence-based substantiation by significant scientific research) received from the Indian representatives of foreign manufacturers located in Turkey & its associated Indian manufacturer, proposed a change in the Technical Grade of Boric Acid claiming that Sulphates & Chlorides are impurities. However, it is essential to note that, in reality, these compounds serve as necessary Additives with significant benefits for the End Consumer Industry notably steel furnaces, dyes, dye intermediates, electroplating, carom board powder etc.

The BIS IS 10116:2015 specifies the addition of polishing compounds, namely Sulphate and Chloride, in the Technical Grade of Boric Acid. These polishing compounds play a crucial role as they not only inhibit the severe corrosive properties of Boric Acid but also impart the required unctuous texture.

Almost all 13 End-Consumer Associations spread across sectors in India such as the Bombay Textile Research Association, Indian Leather Technologists Associations, The Dyes & Pigments Manufacturers Association of India, Telangana Iron & Steel Manufacturers Associations, amongst others, have confirmed and reiterated the importance of retaining the current range of polishing compounds, namely Sulphates & Chlorides in Boric Acid. Furthermore, scientific experts from highly reputed research institutes such as Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay and the Institute of Chemical Technology - Mumbai have reinforced the necessity of presence of Sulphates & Chlorides in Boric Acid.

The removal of the required Sulphates & Chloride additives from Boric Acid would have a detrimental impact on the operational sustainability of the End Consumer Industries, such as iron & steel, amongst others, and would impede their growth rate. To illustrate this, let’s consider the use of Boric Acid in conjunction with ramming mass, which is utilized in the lining of induction furnaces. The presence of Sulphates & Chlorides in Boric acid, acting as polishing compounds, plays a critical role in preventing the corrosion of the furnace shell. By inhibiting the corrosion, these additives ensure the structural integrity of the furnace, preventing the risk of hot molten leakage.

While commenting on the issue, Vikram Sankaranarayanan - Executive Director, Policy Advocacy Research Centre (PARC) stated that, "Changing the standards under the influence of foreign entities would expose the Indian market to substandard and non-compliant Boric Acid imports that do not meet the specific requirements within India and its dependent industry sectors. Such a scenario contradicts the objectives of the Make in India initiative of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and would result in influx of substandard & non-compliant goods into the country."

Under three types of grades, namely Special Quality (SQ), Technical Grade & Explosive Grade, the existing standards adequately caters to the diverse requirements of Boric acid users in India. For instance, those in need of Boric acid with Chloride level below 0.05% and Sulphate content below 0.15% can utilize the Explosive grade and users requiring even lower Sulphate & Chloride content can rely on Special Quality (SQ) grade, both of which are already included in the current BIS standards. Consequently, there is no justifiable basis for making any modification to the Technical Grade of Boric Acid.

The lead policy analyst for PARC, Neeraj Deshraj opined that, "Continuing with the current standards of Boric Acid can effectively protect the interest of Indian Manufacturers, Industries & Consumers. Consequently, this will shield them from the potential risks associated with inferior products and shall play crucial role in fostering the competitiveness of overall India’s industrial ecosystem to contribute towards transforming and Making India Atmanirbhar in India’s Amrit Kaal."

Author of Article is Mr Vivek Sharma, Senior Research Scholar at Policy Advocacy Research Centre.

Corning unveils the Lab Reactor System 2 as the latest product line available in its Advanced-Flow™ Reactor (AFR) portfolio at CPHI China

As a compact, plug-and-play unit, the Lab Reactor System 2 enables customers in academic, laboratory, and industrial settings to install this new system in a matter of minutes to begin research and development work utilizing flow chemistry.

Corning’s AFR team leveraged the company’s continuous innovation approach to design the Corning Lab Rector System 2, which features units that provide seamless scale-up capabilities with the existing AFR portfolio. The Lab Rector System 2 includes the:

Lab Reactor Unit – this solution leverages Corning’s glass fluidic modules - featuring the company’s “heart-cell” design - which enables outstanding mixing and heat exchange as well as effective reaction. Additionally, the Lab Reactor Unit features an optional cooling coil that can be used as a thermal quench in chemical reactions to optimize yields and avoid impurities. This unit has a built-in camera to provide a real-time view of the mixing area to help customers efficiently watch, adjust, and process chemicals.

Lab Photo Reactor Unit – this unit is designed to support flow photochemistry applications with integrated, high-intensity LED lighting, efficient light penetration to deliver consistent, uniform reactions, and a broad range of available wavelengths to tune the reactivity of the system.

Lab Dosing Unit – this latest dosing solution enables a consistent and pulseless flow of reactants or starting materials, which is essential for flow chemistry. This unit features real-time graphing, includes an easy-to-use touch screen interface to provide enhanced user experience, and delivers high-chemical durability enabled by metal-free processing to support a broad range of reactions. 

“We worked closely with our customers to incorporate updates in the Lab Rector System 2 that help researchers and chemists get their job done more efficiently,” said Olivier Lobet, global product development and engineering manager, Corning Advanced-Flow Reactor Technologies. “This consistent collaboration with innovation-focused customers, both academically and industrially, for the last two decades has enabled Corning’s AFR business to grow and continue to offer its customers a more efficient way to develop flow processes for continuous manufacturing of chemicals using inherently safer technology.”

Corning announced this new system at the annual CPHI China tradeshow in Shanghai June 19-22. The Lab Reactor System 2 as well as other AFR technologies will be on display at booth W5G02.

AFR customers can now place orders for the Lab Reactor System 2 through Corning’s regional sales channels and receive quality after-sale services through Corning’s regional technical and commercial teams around the world.

Corning’s AFR business has more than two decades of experience in continuous flow manufacturing in fine chemical, pharmaceutical, and new materials industries - with more than 800 global equipment installations to date. Compared to traditional batch chemical processing, Corning’s AFR technology is an inherently safer technology that can drive higher-quality chemical processing and a reduced risk of process hazards. Additional benefits include energy savings, increased efficiency of chemical synthesis, lower production costs, and reduced environmental impact.

BAL informed that the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) granted the crucial registration to one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries Seedlings India Pvt Ltd in the 447th meeting.

“This registration was much awaited by our company. Over the years BAL has created a niche for itself in the industry of being a farmer-centric company. This will be our patented product and we are confident that just like our other specialized combination products including our patented novel combination Ronfen that drove the growth in FY23 this new introduction will also revolutionize the Indian agriculture sector and will further strengthen our position in the crop care segment,” said Mr Vimal Kumar, MD, Best Agrolife Ltd.

"BAL is all set to launch this product in July with the brand name Tricolor and it will be our patented product. The company has already launched Propaquizafop and Amytrn with the brand name Propique and Amito respectively in the first quarter of FY24. All these products will help us in maintaining the goal of 30% growth and 20% EBITDA margin in the current financial year. We will continue to increase the market share of these products every year to ensure higher benefits," said Mr Vimal Kumar.

A new approach and logical combination of Trifloxystrobin and Difenoconazole is a broad-spectrum fungicide with Prophylactic, curative and eradicative action. Sulphur acts as a catalyst and increases the efficacy of active ingredients by 3 times. This combination effectively controls several crop diseases like Sheath blight, Powdery Mildew, Scab, and Alternaria in Rice, Tomato, Grapes, Chilli, Wheat, Mango, and Apple. The company has conducted several demonstrations and trials for this combination in the fields and have got amazing results.

It is noteworthy that BAL reported robust annual results for the full financial year 2022-23. The company delivered strong revenue from the operations of Rs. 1,746 cr. which is a robust growth of 44% over FY22. The Board recommended a dividend of 30% (i.e. Rs. 3 per share), which is 50 % jump over last year.

About BAL

Best Agrolife Limited is listed among the top 15 agrochemical companies in India. It is a research-based company focused on bringing world-class and cost-effective crop solutions in the form of novel agrochemical formulations to the agricultural industry to improve crop productivity. Currently, BAL has 7,000 MTPA and 30,000 MTPA technicals and formulation manufacturing capacity, respectively, through three of its manufacturing plants in Gajraula, Greater Noida, and Jammu & Kashmir. BAL currently has more than 5200 distributors in India. It retains an impressive portfolio of 400+ formulations and more than 100+ technical manufacturing licenses.

Inauguration of new facilities at NWMPL, Nashik & Col. Suresh Rege (Retd.) addressing senior IAS officers

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries and officials, who graced the occasion and inspired everyone towards a sustainable future. The new plant was also featured in the local press, highlighting the importance of the initiative and the role it plays in creating a cleaner and greener environment.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Pulkundwar expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Nashik Waste Management in promoting sustainable waste management practices in the city. "I am proud to be a part of this momentous occasion and to see Nashik Waste Management take such a significant step towards a sustainable future. This plant will not only help us manage our waste more efficiently but will also enable us to generate fuel from plastic waste, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner and greener environment."

One more feather in our cap is, that our director Col. Suresh Rege (Retd.), was invited to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration at Mussoorie on 17^th April 2023 to address senior IAS officers of the 1991 to 1996 batch on Municipal Solid Waste during Mid-Career Training Phase V. His insightful address shed light on the importance of managing municipal solid waste in a sustainable and responsible manner, highlighting initiatives like Nashik Waste Management's role in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all. Col Rege emphasised trying and changing the mindset of people to treat Garbage (Waste) as a resource and not as waste. 

The Academy conducted the training program exclusively for officers who have served for over 30 years. The group of 150+ IAS officers from Central and State governments came together to build ‘next level competency’ and deal with strategic issues pertaining to governance. They were exposed to macro trends and domestic and global governance and policy formulation best practices.

Col Rege's address on Solid Waste Management was well-received by the senior IAS officers, who appreciated his insights and expertise on the subject. He emphasised the importance of creating a sustainable waste management system that manages waste efficiently and generates revenue from it. This approach, he noted, would not only help us manage waste more responsibly but also create job opportunities and contribute to the economy.

As we progress, Nashik Waste Management remains committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices in the city and taking initiatives that contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar and all the dignitaries and officials who attended the inauguration of our new Plastic To Fuel Plant and Ballistic Separator and to Col Rege for his insightful address at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.

For more information on Nashik Waste Management and our initiatives, please visit our website at nwmpl.co.in.

About Nashik Waste Management

Nashik Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. (NWMPL) is a cutting-edge facility for Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) situated in Nashik. The team is dedicated to delivering sustainable waste management services that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Established in 2017, NWMPL has become a pioneering project in solid waste management and a role model for other such facilities in India.

Led by Col. Suresh Rege (Retd) and Sameer Rege, the company aims to contribute to waste reduction and integrated solid waste management to help minimise waste and maximise sustainability. 

“Sugarcane is of paramount importance to Indian agriculture and economy. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of sugar, as well as the second-largest exporter of sugar. Unfortunately, due to the lack of efficient and safer herbicides, the country experiences a total loss of around 25 million tonnes of cane yield annually (equivalent to 2.5 million tonnes of sugar) valued at approximately INR 1500 crores. Therefore, there is an urgent demand for more sustainable herbicides to control even the toughest weeds at all stages,” explained Vimal Alawadhi, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd.
 

“Conventional herbicides could control weeds at certain growth stages by targeting only the leaf part of weeds and not the root. Furthermore, issues such as residue, volatility, and quick regrowth of weeds have been long-standing problems for sugarcane growers. With this new patent, we will be able to provide sugarcane growers with a more effective, efficient, and sustainable solution for all the aforementioned weed-related problems,” he added.
 

Halosulfuron-methyl, a sulfonylurea herbicide, can be absorbed by leaves and transferred to the underground parts of the plant, allowing it to kill both the overground leaves and the underground roots. In contrast, Ametryn is a triazine selective systemic herbicide for controlling annual grass weeds like crabgrass and green bristle grass and part of broad-leaf weeds in sugarcane fields. The halosulfuron-methyl and Ametryn mixture can kill grass weeds, broad-leaf weeds, and other stubborn weeds in pre, early, post, and post-emergent stages, resulting in improved sugarcane yield with high sugar content.
 

BAL is among the top 15 agrochemical companies in India and is a research-based organization that serves the global farming community by providing world-class and cost-effective agrochemical formulations. The company recently expanded its agrochemical line-up by launching six new formulations, including Amito, Promos, Propique, Ghotu, Doddy, and Headshot, in addition to its star products, Citigen and Vistara.

Operators of petrochemical tankages traditionally employ manual resources for tank de-mucking. This exposes the maintenance personnel to tremendous safety risks due to presence of toxic gases. Use of Robotics enables eliminate this human risk.  

L – Hon’ble Minister of MOPNG Shri Hardeep S. Puri with award winners at the IEW, including MD of Beta Tank Robotics, R – The Crude oil tank cleaning robot developed by 'Beta'

The start up is headed by DC Sekhar, a former Merchant Navy oil tanker captain himself, with extensive experience in cleaning ship's oil tanks.

This class of robots is powered and controlled by hydraulics. The operator manoeuvres the Robot while sitting on a control panel placed outside the tank, and monitoring the robot through a CCTV camera.  

As per DC Sekhar, few features made this technology stand out among its contemporaries around the world, developing the first generation robotic solutions for Petrochemical tanks.

Firstly, this Robot has been made very compact, to crawl under the heating coils that is normally found in such tanks.

Secondly, this robot has a small length of suction and uses a powerful pump on the robot itself, to pump out viscous sludge from the tank. Models using pumps outside the tank to ‘suck’ viscous medium over long pipe lengths are very inefficient.  

DC Sekhar shared his bullish outlook for the future, as many oil companies have contacted this start up with various needs for robotic cleaning solutions. These range from cleaning small chemical tanks with small tank openings, to cleaning sludge deposits inside large pipelines. Sekhar is very confident of addressing each of these requirements.

Currently the company has two product lines - one to clean black oil storage tank bottom sludge, and secondly water washing the insides of retail outlet underground tanks.  

Sekhar shared that he himself has worked inside merchant ship’s oil tanks extensively, as an officer and later as Captain of such large tanker ships. He decided to develop robotic solutions for this application while working inside these tanks almost three decades ago. He could fulfil his dream only now, thanks to the support extended by M/s Oil India Ltd. 

This start up is supported by Oil PSU M/s Oil India Ltd under its ‘SNEH’ program and was adjudged as the 'Best Start Up' in the recently concluded India Energy Week 2023 at Bengaluru. 

Talking individually about the formulations, Ametryn is a herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and annual grasses in pineapple, sugarcane and bananas and for general weed control in corn and potato crops. Metiram, on the other hand, is a broad-spectrum fungicide that protects fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamentals from foliar diseases and damping off. It can also prevent crop damage in the field and during storage and transportation. Clothianidin is used against piercing-sucking insects of major crops like corn, soybeans, leafy greens, and fruits. It is one of the seven insecticides within the neonicotinoid class with low mammalian toxicity. The fourth technical, Cyazofamid, is a protectant fungicide that inhibits all stages of fungal development in potatoes and tomatoes. Pinoxaden, a pro-herbicide, is beneficial in controlling grass weeds in wheat, barley, and other cereal crops. The last in the list, a 9(3) FIM vs FI registration for Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% WG, is a highly effective fungicide to control early blight disease in tomatoes, late blight disease in potatoes, and downy mildew disease in grapes.
 

Vimal Alawadhi, MD, Best Agrolife Ltd said, “BAL focuses on introducing technologically advanced, diversified, cost-effective, and sustainable crop solutions. It helps farmers protect their crops, increase yield and improve their lives in general. These new registrations will also create huge growth opportunities for BAL this year as there is high demand for these technicals and their formulations in the domestic and international markets. Moreover, the beefed-up portfolio will strengthen our farmer base and will expand our domestic & global distribution network further. We plan to launch these products in the first quarter of FY 2023-24 and expect that these products will generate revenue of around Rs. 500 cr for the company."

It is important to note that besides acquiring the registration for the indigenous manufacturing of Cyhalofop-butyl (Market size: Rs. 350 Cr.) and Propaquizafop Technical u/s 9(3) from CIBRC, BAL has also received registrations for the indigenous manufacturing of Mepiquat Chloride, Metalaxyl, Metolachlor, Flonicamid, Clomazone, Ethiprole, Thiacloprid, Halosulfuron Methyl, and Dodine technicals at the beginning of this month.

About BAL

BAL is a research-based company focused on bringing world-class and cost-effective crop solutions in the form of novel agrochemical formulations to the agricultural industry to improve crop productivity. Currently, BAL has 7,000 MTPA and 30,000 MTPA technicals and formulation manufacturing capacity at its three manufacturing plants in Gajaraula, Greater Noida, and Jammu & Kashmir. It has more than 5200 distributors in India and retains an unrivalled portfolio of 360+ formulations and over 80 technical manufacturing licenses. The company introduced many innovative and highly effective products this year, including Axeman, Ronfen, Warden, Citigen, Vistara, and Tombo, to name a few. Besides the above products, BAL has been granted the patent for the first-of-its-kind fungicidal composition of Cyazofamid, Dimethomorph, and Difenoconazole and registration for the indigenous manufacturing of Pyroxasulfone technical. While CARE Ratings Limited assigned a ‘CARE A-’ rating to the company’s long-term bank facilities, BAL also moved to group A from Group B of companies on BSE.

As a part of its continuous efforts to serve ferrous and non-ferrous foundries, Foseco launched a brick-and-mortar store - a first for the industry. The store opened on 27^th December 2022 at Coimbatore.  

L-R - Prasad Chavare, Foseco-MD, Annamalai, Swathi Chairman, Siva Shanmugha Kumar President-Coim’tore Tiny & Small Foundry Owners Asstn., Vineet - Dir. Sales, Mktg. &Tech. - Foseco, Selvam, Swathi MD

“The Foseco store aims to reach out to small and micro foundries in the regional foundry cluster, and deliver world-class consumables, technical advice and application support that Foseco is known for. The store will enable Foseco to be one step closer to its customers and share products and solutions that make the customers' processes more efficient, safe, and sustainable than ever before. As such, we are excited to bring the Foseco Store - The first-of-its-kind in the industry for our customers,” said Prasad Chavare, Managing Director and CEO, Foseco India Limited.

About Foseco

Foseco, a part of the Vesuvius Group, is acknowledged as the only company in India that possesses the capability of offering the widest range for solutions for producing castings of the highest standards. Foseco caters to foundries making castings for various industries and different metals, helping customers manufacture thinner, lighter, higher-performance castings while reducing the environmental footprint.

Foseco believes in being a solution partner for its customers. Foseco's track record for product and process innovations include, among others, exothermic and insulating feeding systems, filtration of liquid alloys, direct pour technology, solidification simulation software, non-ferrous metal treatment and degassing systems, advanced coatings, environment-friendly binders, insulating ladle lining systems and energy-saving crucibles.

As foundry customers evolve towards more sophisticated and complex castings with increased requirements for cleaner and lighter metal, there is a greater need for Foseco’s products and expert services.

Foseco lives its new tagline: 'Think beyond. Shape the future'. It is an innovative and sustainable partner within the foundry, continuously working on product and process innovation with safety and sustainability at the heart of all effort. In recent years, through dedicated R&D, Foseco has introduced various new products such as Insta Coatings - which saves cost and improves process consistently, reducing inventory and eliminating hazardous waste of plastic buckets; Diamante Degassing Consumables - isopressed refractory parts with longer life and reduced waste; Flussum range of Fluxes - a solution that saves at least 20% loss of material in the dross.

The strategic decision comes considering the company’s business activities have expanded beyond films into specialty chemicals (master-batches, coatings, and textile chemicals) and D2C Pet care. The rebranding reiterates the value of Cosmo and strengthens its focus to create a better life for the people, the world, and the community we live in; built on Trust, Empathy, and Compassion. Cosmo First Limited stands for four-decade young Indian business conglomerate that thrives on innovation to unlock value in diverse sunrise sectors such as Polymer, Speciality Chemicals and D2C Pet Care.

Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Cosmo First

Talking about the rebranding, Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Cosmo First said, “Cosmo at its core has always been pioneering revolutionary innovations to create a better life. All through our journey, we have prided ourselves in our ability to provide industry-first niche solutions in the areas of packaging, lamination, industrial and labelling applications. We have made inspiring diversifications into speciality chemicals, consumer care, and D2C retail, aiming to be a pioneer in these previously fragmented industries.”

“We would like to be the first choice for all our stakeholders and will strive hard to always stay ahead of the curve to provide industry first solutions,” he added.

Cosmo First with its continued aspiration aims to steer high growth businesses in India that are sustainable, scalable, and profitable, and deliver lasting value for all the stakeholders through innovation, excellence, collaboration, integrity and customer centricity. The website for the new umbrella brand is www.cosmofirst.com.

About Cosmo First

Established in 1981, Cosmo First Limited is a four-decade-old global business conglomerate with entities - Cosmo Films, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, Zigly and Cosmo Foundation. Cosmo Films is one of the most preferred global brands offering value-added BOPP films for packaging, labels, lamination, and industrial applications. With innovation, development, and research embedded in its core values, Cosmo First has ventured into successful businesses like Cosmo Speciality Chemicals (master batches, coatings, textile chemicals, and adhesives) and Zigly, a D2C Omni channel pet care business under its entity. The company has been at the forefront of developing customer-centric solutions to deliver the finest product and service experience, backed by innovation, people, and processes.

Cosmo First has a strong focus on sustainability and invests in promoting innovative practices towards ensuring a safer planet for future generations. The website for the umbrella brand is www.cosmofirst.com.

The Tamil Nadu Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (TAPMA), a premier industry body of plastics processing industries in the state, is organizing an international plastics exhibition, IPLAS 2022, at Chennai Trade Center, between June 10-13, 2022, for the promotion of the industry, and the safe mechanisms for recycling of used plastic materials. 

(L-R): Madan Surana, Convenor, IPLAS 2022, S. Rakkappan, President - TAPMA, B. Swaminathan, Chairman - Environment Committee, TAPMA, Venkat Rao A, Secretary, TAPMA

TAPMA has launches a booklet on the use and disposal of plastic materials at a press conference today. The booklet highlights the facts about plastics and intends to remove misconceptions and dispel myths surrounding plastics. It will be distributed free of cost to the visitors at the exhibition.

Spread over 13000 sqm, this four-day exhibition is expected to attract about 350 exhibitors and over 75,000 visitors. There will be live demos of machines from over 60 companies. IPLAS 2022 is expected to generate business worth about Rs. 500 crore for the exhibitors. Entry to the exhibition is FREE both to the business visitors and the general public.

In order to create awareness of the benefits of plastics among the general public, IPLAS will have a theme pavilion, titled ‘A World of Plastics - a Right View’, which will be open to all between June 10-13, 2022. Another highlight of IPLAS is that it will have a special recycling pavilion to demonstrate how plastic waste is converted into granules and then again into finished products in line with the ideals of a circular economy. On display will be new inventions such as recyclable multi layered laminates and plastics wrappers used for packaging, hitherto considered non-recyclable.

Talking about IPLAS 2022, Mr. S. Rakkappan, President, TAPMA, said that IPLAS is expected to give a fillip to Tamil Nadu’s Rs. 15,000 crore plastic industry comprising 8000 plus factories. They provide direct and indirect employment to 3,00,000 and 5,00,000 people respectively. It contributes Rs. 2,700 crore to the GST annually. The sector is dominated by small scale units that account for nearly 85% of the registered units, while micro and medium units account for 5% each. Only 5% of the processors are large companies.

“We believe that IPLAS will go a long way in helping the industry to achieve a growth rate of at least 20% in the near term and 25-40% in the longer run, while adhering to the legal framework of the government. The industry will create lakhs of new jobs and add to the overall prosperity of the state,” he said.

At present, the plastic industry in Tamil Nadu is growing only at 4-5% per annum. TAPMA has plans to submit a detailed white paper to the government for the promotion of the industry. “Normally the plastics industry grows about 1.5 to 2 times the GDP of the country or the state. However, the industry has grown only at about 5%, while Tamil Nadu’s GSDP registered an impressive 14% growth in 2021-22. Currently, the industry in the states like Maharashtra and Gujarat clock an annual growth rate of 25%. This means our state is lagging behind very much compared to the national trend. We have a growth potential of 28% or higher. As per our estimate this growth rate is achievable with the support of the government,” he said. 

In his comments about the potential of the plastics recycling segment, Mr. B. Swaminathan, Chairman - Environment Committee, TAPMA, said, “We are excited about the growth potential of the plastics recycling industry in Tamil Nadu. We expect that the recycling segment alone will attract about Rs. 300 crore of investment in the near future. Hence, we are having a special pavilion at IPLAS to showcase recycling technology - especially, in the area of recycling non-recyclable multilayered packaging materials. After the exhibition, we will take this theme pavilion throughout the state in the next 12 months to boost the state wide adoption of the latest recycling technologies.”

He added that TAPMA is committed to promoting compact safe recyclers. It has plans to place the recyclers at public locations to demonstrate how dry waste is converted into granules that are used subsequently for production of different products. “We will be working with various corporations and municipalities to install these recyclers for better plastic waste management and recycling. These compact safe recyclers will work on single phase power supply and will help rag pickers and other NGOs to see higher value addition in their efforts. These technologies will ensure higher recovery of plastics waste from the municipal garbage. In a span of a few years, we expect the presence of plastics in the garbage to drop from 7% to 2%,” he pointed out.  

CropLife India organized Virtual International Symposium on Empty Pesticide Containers (EPC) Management in India

A Discussion Paper - Roadmap for Sustainable Management of Empty Pesticide Containers was released on during the symposium by Dr. S. K. Malhotra, Chairman Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India; Dr. K. K. Sharma, Former Network Coordinator, All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, Indian Agricultural Research Institute and other dignitaries.

Dr. S. K. Malhotra, Chairman Registration Committee, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India said, “There is an upsurge of demand for safe food crops. The industry has been forthcoming in registering newer and greener chemistries. In order to be sustainable, the concern of disposal of empty pesticide containers needs to be addressed collectively by all stakeholders hence lowering the burden on the environment.”

Dr. K. K. Sharma, Former Network Coordinator, All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, Indian Agricultural Research Institute said, “As per the study conducted by the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues, Indian Agricultural Research Institute; used pesticide containers should be rinsed three times thus making them safe to dispose and recycle in the country. The study results can be considered to support re-classification of triple rinsed empty pesticide containers in India as non-hazardous.”

Dr. Ravi Prakash, Plant Protection Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India said, “We feel that the formation of local collection points at the retailer level, where incentives can be provided to farmers to bring back empty rinsed containers is recommended. States should be given the responsibility to collect the containers, district-wise. Inter-Ministerial meetings are ongoing to develop SOP’s and other guidelines for disposing of hazardous wastes including pesticide plastics in a sustainable manner.”

Dr. Deepti Kapil, Scientist, HWMD, Centre Pollution Control Board said, “As per the CPCB guidelines, the generator of hazardous waste as well as the user have collective responsibility to manage and recycle the waste. The Government on its part has set up 200 waste management facilities with a capacity of 10 lakh tones but presently only 60,000 tones materials are being disposed of at these centers. The major problem is of regular collection and channelizing, which needs to be worked out at each district level in the country. As we move towards circular economy the focus should shift from end-of-treatment to end-of-use.”

Mr. Asitava Sen, Chief Executive Officer, CropLife India opines, "Establishment of collection and disposal of EPCs/Container Management is a stepwise approach which requires strong support of the Government and coordination amongst multiple stakeholders. We reiterate that there is an imminent role of every stakeholder in the value chain – government, manufacturers, channel partners, farmers, Producer Responsibility Organizations, recyclers and end-users. CropLife International, our parent organization; has successfully initiated and established independent Container Management Systems organizations and activities in 63 countries; which has removed over a million tonnes of agriculture waste plastic from the environment between 2005-2020.”

CropLife India has always been a constructive partner and a thought leader - initiating concrete dialogues and action plan involving all stakeholders - on emerging critical topics. Drone application for agriculture and agrochemical spraying, was one such topic, where CropLife India played the role of initiator and thought leader which eventually led to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Civil Aviation opening up ‘Kisan drones’ sector, for quick adoption of this new technology for Indian farmers.

Mr. Sen added, “Sustainable Management of Empty Pesticide Containers involves a chain of activities consisting of collection, transportation, sorting, processing, recycling or disposal, among others. Our objective is to bring all concerned stakeholders on one platform, initiate dialogue and multi stakeholder engagement towards sustainable management of EPCs.”

Other eminent speakers who shared views and suggestions during the symposium included Dr. Andrew Ward, Stewardship Director, CropLife International; Mr. Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Executive Director, Bayer CropScience; Mr. Pierre de Lepinau, Director General, Adivalor (France); Ms. Yaping Liu, Executive Director, CropLife China; Mr. Friedrich Ludeke Consultant and Trainer, GLOBAL G.A.P.; Mr. V. Ravichandran, Director, Global Farmer Network; Dr. Mathew Abraham, APAC Zonal Regulatory Program Leader, Corteva Agriscience India; Mr. Steven Byrde, Waste Management Consultant, CropLife International; Mr. Rahul V. Podaar, Managing Director, The Shakti Plastic Industries and Mr. Raju Kapoor, Director, Corporate Affairs, FMC India

Highlights of the Discussion Paper - Roadmap for Sustainable Management of Empty Pesticide Containers.

Primary pesticide packaging is essential to ensure safe handling, storage and application of agrochemicals throughout the value chain and beyond. Post consumption of the pesticide these packs become waste (Empty Pesticide Container or EPC). Because of current pattern of use and management of pesticides, the volume of EPCs generated is increasing.

As pesticide containers are mostly produced from plastics, they contribute to the increasing mountain of plastic waste in India often dumped recklessly into the environment, burned, or buried near farms. These discarded EPCs bear the risk of soil and ground water pollution owing to contamination with residuals of the pesticide and consequently can be hazardous for the community and the environment. The problem is further aggravated in view of their potential for misuse for storage of food and water in households.

The International Code of Conduct of the distribution and use of agrochemicals (WHO/FAO 2008) provides general guidelines on the management options for empty pesticide containers to minimize potential health and environmental impacts associated with their disposal. The FAO recommends triple-rinsing of EPCs as one effective practice for farmers to remove pesticide residuals from the containers. Cleaned pesticide containers are classified in many countries as “non-hazardous” waste. The European Waste Catalogue suggests that where the hazardous component in the waste is less than 0.1 percent, the waste is no longer perceived as 'relevant' and the packaging is classified as “non-hazardous”. In Australia, triple rinsed containers are allowed to be recycled and classified as non-hazardous while containers that are not cleaned and properly rinsed are classified as hazardous waste.

The effectiveness of triple rinsing has been further demonstrated through a recent study undertaken by the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues (AINPPR) of Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Government of India. The results indicate that irrespective of container type, formulation type, pack size, toxicity, etc., the pesticide residues tend to decline by >99%. It is reasonable to expect that the remaining active ingredient content in waste composition after rinsing will serve as the basis to address classification criteria (toxicity) and the defined thresholds/cut-offs defined in the Waste Framework Directives.

This study is a balanced body of contemporary certainty, supplemented by research and analysis to enable the Indian Government to decide on a reclassification of decontaminated primary pesticide packaging in India and establish triple rinsing as a sustainable method for management of empty pesticide containers.

In February 2021, CIB&RC issued a public notice inviting comments from all stakeholders for classification of empty pesticide containers and disposal thereof. In response to the public notice, CropLife India had submitted a detailed seven-step roadmap for sustainable management of EPCs through shared responsibilities of all stakeholder considered. Further, the 429th meeting of the Registration Committee held in June 2021 decided to formulate a working group/ task force comprising experts from DPPQ&S/CIB&RC, CPCB, State Governments, M/o EF&CC, ICAR and Pesticide industry associations stakeholders to work upon deciding the responsibility for collection and disposal of the empty container & suggest about linking/creation etc. of necessary infrastructures setup.

CIB&RC’s cognizance, and consideration to develop a framework for safe disposal of EPCs is therefore welcomed and perceived as a promising first step in the right direction to add India to this success story.

CropLife India hopes that the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF&CC), Central/ State Pollution Control Boards, Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) and Industry can jointly facilitate a supportive mechanism to promote an effective empty pesticide container management system in India. CropLife India is highly motivated to support the process, as industry’s stewardship commitment.

About CropLife India

CropLife India is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and it is an association of 16 R&D driven member companies in crop protection and the leading voice of the plant science industry in India. We jointly represent ~ 70% of the market and are responsible for 95% of the molecules introduced in the country. Our member companies have annual global R&D spend of 6 billion USD and are firmly committed to engaging with the farming community to enable Safe, Secure Food Supply.

BASF's state-of-the-art circular economy research laboratory and a custom-made production unit for the company’s Waste-2-Chemicals project in Lagos Free Zone, Lagos, Nigeria

BASF, one of the world’s leading chemical companies, with over 150 years’ experience across a wide range of industries, is setting up a state-of-the-art circular economy research laboratory and a custom-made production unit for the company’s Waste-2-Chemicals project in LFZ.

Having gone through a pilot phase over the last 18 months, BASF is now expanding and consolidating on its supply chain capabilities in the zone, and lining up investments for local manufacturing, starting with the first demo unit of its flagship project that converts waste into chemicals.

BASF West Africa Limited has been doing business in Nigeria for 55 years, touching millions of lives every day. It has been constantly investing in developing its capabilities, operations, and people through localisation. The company has now taken up the new Standard Industrial Facility at the Lagos Free Zone and considers it the perfect home for the realisation of its growth plan over the next three years.

Taiwo Ilesanmi, Managing Director, BASF Operations LFTZ Enterprise, said, “We believe there is no bigger demonstration of the commitment to Nigeria than the transfer of know-how and enabling local knowledge creation. This means investing in local innovation capabilities by building laboratories, enabling us to design and deploy customized solutions for Nigeria in Nigeria, while supporting academia. BASF in West Africa continues to act as a bridge, deploying global expertise to solve local challenges.”

“The Lagos Free Zone offers ease of doing business which enables us to deploy our global and local competencies to unleash growth for our customers. I am personally excited about the deep seaport, Lekki Port, going live in Q4 2022, as this will serve as a gateway to our customers across West Africa, reinforcing our position of being the preferred supplier of choice for our customers.”

Dinesh Rathi, Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, added, “We are delighted that BASF, one of our most prestigious international clients, have decided to expand their operations in Nigeria, and taken up our new Standard Industrial Facility for setting up their research laboratory and their flagship Waste-2-Chemicals production unit. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made special efforts to ensure ease of doing business, and to assist our clients in navigating the processes easily through our strong relationships with regulators.”

“LFZ is the first and only free zone in Nigeria that is uniquely integrated with the deepest seaport in the region, the upcoming Lekki Port, scheduled to commence operations in the last quarter of 2022. LFZ thus offers a unique location that will provide our valued tenants with seamless and cost-efficient access to domestic, regional, and international markets.”

About Lagos Free Zone

Established in 2012, Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) is a private industrial zone with over USD 2 billion committed investment. Promoted by Tolaram, a Singaporean conglomerate with over four decades of experience in Nigeria, LFZ is in Lekki, the sunrise development corridor in Lagos State - the commercial capital of West Africa's largest economy, Nigeria.

LFZ aims to be the preferred industrial hub in West Africa for domestic and international investors. Centrally located in Lagos State and fully equipped with world-class infrastructure, the Zone covers an area of 850 hectares which is uniquely integrated with the 90-hectare Lekki deep seaport. The Zone offers a single-clearance window for 'ease of doing business' and unrestricted access to regional and international markets.

For more information, please visit: www.lagosfreezone.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

Further information at www.basf.com.

AlphaMERS designed floating trash barrier arrests trash and plastics and bring to the riverbank using only natural flow of river water

This company was founded by an ex-merchant Navy Captain DC Sekhar. This firm (www.alphamers.com) took a radically different approach from all conventional approaches to river clean up around the world. Using steel mesh and steel chains, it designed a floating barrier with a very high tensile strength strong enough to withstand the monsoon river flow. AlphaMERS deployed the barriers diagonally to the water flow and trash came automatically to the riverbank. This trash collection is picked up by land-based excavators and carted away by trucks. The barrier allows boat traffic to pass unhindered. The approach worked successfully, and today the firm has deployed design variations for shallow rivers, fast rivers and stormwater drains across eight Indian cities. This technology arrested 2200 Tons of plastics in its first year of operations.

As per Capt. Sekhar, the Floating Trash Barrier (FTB) works entirely on the natural water flow of the river to arrest and bring the trash and plastics to the riverbank. This makes it an extremely low cost solution on a per ton basis. The design has excellent hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. Most of their installations are visible on the Google Earth. 

AlphaMERS has also developed device to harness electricity from ocean waves, passive systems to trap bottom silt, Hydraulic robots to clean the oil tank sludge, tandem sweeping system to sweep weed on lake surface, waterjet propelled boats, and customised conveyor systems for riverfront work. All these innovations are in various stages of commercialisation.

Sharing some tips from his experience in river and lake cleanup, he says, "(i) In flowing waters, do not put a boat with fuel or crew to clean up trash. The water will bring the trash to where YOU want to collect it. (ii) While a boat cannot be all across the width of a river at one time, a barrier can cover the whole width of a river to arrest trash 24x7 (iii) Arresting and removing plastics is best done in rivers. Once it reaches the sea, it is extremely difficult and expensive to collect and dispose it. (iv) Once you remove the surface trash and bottom silt, the river or stream flow of water becomes smooth, even if the water quality is still poor. (v) One ton of plastics removed from the river, is one ton less to remove from the seas. ‘Shut the taps before you mop the floor’. (vi) Letting the river flow do most of the job helps make this system a truly ‘low cost’ solution by all financial or environmental metrics."

AgFarm, the newly launched Dubai-based agro-inputs startup

A step aligning with the government's ‘Digital India’ initiative, AgFarm seeks to streamline the procurement processes, provide greater price transparency, and alleviate the pain points experienced by the distributors and farmers in purchasing the products. By skipping the traditional over-the-counter selling the company will empower all buyers to have greater supply chain transparency and will increase consumer trust in the products purchased as the customers will get to buy their authentic and quality products directly from them at attractive and affordable prices.

Most of the agrochemical channel partners and buyers reside in rural areas and in order to purchase the right products they either need to travel to the cities or set up their inventory with whatever is available nearby. The forward-looking company will make this usually inconvenient and time taking process easier for the customer through the internet. The customers will be able to save their valuable money and time as they will get to purchase the products from the comfort of their own homes or workplace with a few clicks. All they will need is a phone and internet connection. In case they are not satisfied with their placed orders they will be able to reconsider the transactions easily.

Unlike the offline stores or shops which are not only time-bound but are also dependent on many other external factors, the AgFarm products will be displayed online on the biggest E-commerce marketplaces 24X7 throughout the year. This will allow the distributors to plan their inventory more efficiently as time and weather won’t act as a barrier and they will be able to compare, choose and place the order at any time. Timely availability and application of innovative solutions shall contribute towards prompt pest management and will ensure a sustainable pace in direction of quality improvement and yield enhancement as well. Other than tracking their order and getting the delivery of AgFarm products at their doorstep the buyers will also get additional discounts by using digital payment modes.

“This is the age of digital agriculture. While buying crop solutions from online agro-inputs portals is normal in many leading agricultural-producing countries, it is still a new concept for Indian consumers. Though during the unprecedented times of Covid-19 the Indian agriculture sector moved a step ahead to adopt and gain from technology as agro-inputs e-commerce platforms and online shopping emerged as the most sustainable solution for suddenly-open-to tech Indian agrochemical retailers, distributors, and farmers but this was just the beginning,” says Vaman Alawadhi.

“Today when mobile phones and internet have reached even the rural interiors of the country we must promote the online buying and selling of agrochemical products and create the right platforms for it. This is the only way to remove the mediators and let the manufacturers and the buyers build a direct connection with each other. This in turn will reduce the cost of farming and will ensure better crop quality and higher yields as the farmers who are the end-users of these products will get the authentic and quality products at fair prices. This small step toward digital farming has the great capacity to change the face of Indian agriculture forever and AgFarm dreams to make it happen!” he added further.

AgFarm

AgFarm is a Dubai based agrochemical startup which aims to revolutionise the agricultural world digitally by allowing the buyers to access and buy agro-inputs with just a few clicks. Following their vision of producing and providing high-quality agro-based products to Indian consumers the newly launched company has now opened its offices in India as well.

AgFarm will be the first agrochemical company whose products, which includes herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators, will only be available on e-commerce platforms like nurture.retail, DeHaat, AgroStar, FAARMS etc at never-before attractive prices. At these platforms AgFarm will unlock the digital connections between manufacturers, retailers and dealers and will also allow them to buy the products at affordable prices with best quality assurance. Other than getting the delivery of AgFarm products at their doorstep the buyers will also get additional discounts by using digital payment modes.

When asked about the reason behind taking the risk of skipping the traditional path of over-the-counter selling altogether and selling the products on digital platforms only, Vaman Alawadhi, the Director of AgFarm, said, “It is high time to modernise the agriculture sector in India in every possible way to ensure food quality, food safety, and cost competitiveness. Today, when we are on the verge of adopting modern technologies such as IoT, AI/ML and agri-drones in farming, we should also adopt and promote digital buying and selling of agro inputs to break the vicious circle of mediators and give the dealers, retailers and farmers direct access to manufacturers, leading to fair prices and authentic products for them.”

Seedling India Pvt. Ltd. begins production in Greater Noida
 

Seedling India Pvt. Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Best Agrolife Ltd. is a technology-savvy integrated research and development center located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It will be a one-stop site offering products based on WG, SG, ZC, and EC. There is a separate facility for herbicide formulation at this facility.

BAL set up this integrated research and development center to strengthen the farming community. Located in Greater Noida, U.P, the company will work on in-house developed combinations for effective pest management and crop protection. Equipped with one fully automated WDG plant, one large capacity SC unit, and one modern GR formulation unit, this facility will act as a base for BAL for bringing in more innovative formulations in the form of one-shot solutions for the farming community.

Set up with an investment of Rs. 50 crore, Seedling India Pvt. Ltd. is the innovation powerhouse to redefine conventional agriculture models and accelerate the translation of innovative ideas and concepts into sustainable, tangible prototypes and products.

To ensure the security and safety of the products and to accommodate raw materials, packing materials, and finished products separately, this facility also houses 4 fully-equipped warehouses with the best infrastructure. The fully automatic plant will be managed with more than 100 highly skilled personnel and has its own ETP facility to ensure zero discharge.

To be dedicated only for specialized, high-end, innovative, and proprietary products of the company, the site is commissioned after making all the necessary arrangements to safeguard HSE. Other than fulfilling the major requirements of its own brand BAL will also serve its leading P2P customers including the MNCs from this location. The company’s flagship products including RONFEN will be manufactured at this site.

As per Mr. Vimal Alawadhi, Managing Director, Best Agrolife Ltd., "We are a totally research-oriented company where our product development team works in close association with the farming community to identify the gaps in pest and disease management in various crops. Our research team puts their best efforts to bring effective and innovative solutions to fill those gaps in the form of novel combinations to reduce the cost per acre and increase the productivity ultimately.”

Mr. Suresh Chand Singla, Managing Director, Peptech Biosciences Limited

A triazolic plant growth regulator, the main role of Paclobutrazol is to maintain health & vitality of plants and promote compactness. The mode of action is defined by blocking gibberellin biosynthesis and reducing abscisic acid, ethylene, & indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels along with increasing cytokinin levels. It has been predicted that at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, the Global Market for Paclobutrazol is growing. The growth will get a boost when there is a notable increase in awareness towards food security and a decline in utilization of arable land. It is believed that the demand for this effective plant growth regulator would increase by 2025.

"We are very glad to receive the approval from CIBRC of Paclobutrazol Technical. Apart from conventional molecules, the company has been robustly working on innovative products that ensures good profitability to the farmers," says Mr. Suresh Chand Singla, Managing Director. Today, Peptech Biosciences Limited has a bigger portfolio ranging from crop protection to crop and soil nutrition and crop enhancers. The company adds that their strong R&D team is working dedicatedly to deliver state-of-the-art product solutions. Peptech already holds licenses for more than 150 molecules under the CIBRC and assures that there are more under the registration process. Even the company holds registration under FCO for various fertilizers and bio stimulants.

Peptech Biosciences Limited was established in 2011 as a subsidiary of Titan Biotech Limited. The company is manufacturing for various reputed and established agricultural brands at a large scale. The company offers complete services from production till packaging in all retail sizes. The company envisions itself as one of the trusted manufacturers of not only generic but also novel products.

For more information, please visit: www.peptechbio.com.

The Nirmal Agra Project plans to transform how plastic waste is managed in the iconic city. The programme will help to address the issue on several fronts - by augmenting existing plastic waste collection, sorting, and processing infrastructure developing new systems, improving data capture and reporting, and introducing behavioural change programmes. It is a key private-public partnership effort to address plastic waste in India, which experiences one of the highest rates of plastic waste leakage in the world.

In addition to project funding, the Alliance also provided support during the feasibility stage of the programme, which started in 2020. The feasibility study included mapping of existing plastic waste hotspots and the formal and informal plastic waste management infrastructure in the city. Other information gathered included waste quantification and characterization and information to understand the informal waste worker sector in Agra. The findings from the feasibility study will be used to inform and implement plastic waste management infrastructure in the city.

Mr. Nicholas Kolesch, Vice-President of Projects at the Alliance said, “We are excited to be able to work with all the local partners and contribute our effort and expertise to support Agra in its ambition to become a plastic waste-free city.”

“The project is also one of the Alliance’s key undertakings in India to uncover scalable plastic waste management approaches and models targeting local community ownership and operation,” he added.

Speaking about the MoU, Mr. Nikhil Tikaram Funde (IAS), Municipal Commissioner, Agra Nagar Nigam said, “We are extremely happy to join hands with TARA, the Alliance and GoMassive for this pressing issue. This partnership will strengthen our abilities to tackle the challenge of mismanaged plastic waste, which is a big hindrance in our endeavours to make the city of Taj clean and green.” 

“The reduction of plastic waste leakage in the environment is also critical to ensure resilient, sustainable cities and I am confident that this collaboration will take our work of effective plastic waste management practices to the next level,” he added. 

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Shrashtant Patara, Chief Executive Officer, TARA said, “We are delighted to partner with Agra Nagar Nigam, the Alliance and GoMassive. Plastics are a part of our lives. As households, communities and society at large are making concerted efforts to ensure the judicious use of plastics, we need to be equally committed to ensuring that the waste generated is dealt with in a safe, clean and efficient way.

The Nirmal Agra project aims to do this, in a manner that makes business sense as well. It will redesign the plastic waste collection and processing system, using the strengths and initiative of people, to effect change that is both substantial and sustainable.”  

About Agra Nagar Nigam (ANN) 

Agra Nagar Nigam (ANN) is a local government body committed for providing necessary community services like health care, sanitation, education, housing, roads, transport etc for the people of Agra.

ANN is well known for managing the city by using private sector participation as well as the introduction of innovative mechanism in management to serve people efficiently. 

About the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (Alliance) 

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (Alliance) is a global non-profit organisation with the mission to end plastic waste in the environment. The Alliance develops, deploys, and scales solutions across four strategic areas - infrastructure, innovation, education and engagement, and cleanup. As of Dec 2021, its portfolio comprises over 35 projects across 80 cities worldwide.

Tackling plastic waste is a complex challenge that requires collective action. Since 2019, the Alliance has convened a global network of industry leaders across the plastics value chain, together with government, civil society, entrepreneurs, and communities to work towards advancing a circular economy for plastic waste.

For more information, visit: www.endplasticwaste.org 

About The Society for Technology & Action for Rural Advancement (TARA) 

The Society for Technology & Action for Rural Advancement (TARA) is a social enterprise set up in the year 1985 at New Delhi, India. It is an "incubation engine" of the Development Alternatives Group which has been providing development solutions in India and elsewhere.

About GoMassive 

GoMassive is working to build a vibrant ecosystem to support innovation and scale through partnerships, investments and building ecosystem in the areas of waste management, clean energy, clean city, clean mobility, clean water and agriculture. We are working with vision to deploy capital and support for execution of projects in pollution reduction and climate change.

Vatsal Joshi

The waste was collected and segregated as wet & dry waste and accordingly handed over to civic officials. After the beach clean-up, Vatsal Joshi along with DPIFF sailed towards Malad creek with local fishermen in their boats and held nets while pulling out more than 1,000 kilograms of plastic bags and food wrappers. A spark has been ignited with the success of this citizen-civic model of beach clean ups.

Vatsal Joshi is a nature lover and film making enthusiast. He has also worked as “Forest Eco Tourism Promoter” in Hyderabad and has won several accreditations and awards in film making.

Vatsal Joshi - Founder, Krishna Kunj Productions says, “Cleaning the beach also improves the coastal and ocean ecosystem by ensuring that none of the trash kills marine life. It's our duty to give something to our coming generations and currently we are in the process of giving them a clean environment.”

A hardcore environmentalist at heart, Afroz Shah has always been an advocate of zero waste and plastic ban to bring about a change in the environment and the rising climate crisis. Afroz Shah added, “This is a campaign that needs to be funded, planned and scaled, the beach segmented and it needs four stakeholders, government, businesses, media and citizens to each play a role. Ultimately, however, the government and local administration is responsible for ensuring beaches are clean and rivers are clean and that is not a responsibility they can delegate to citizens who pay taxes to see that beaches are safe and clean.”

Talking about the initiative, Actor Dalip Tahil said, "For me the environment is of utmost priority. With the ongoing climate crisis and change in environmental conditions, it is imperative for all of us to take a stand and work towards its betterment in every possible way."

Palram Industries Ltd., a publicly listed company in Israel with a Global turnover of approx. USD 500 Million and approx. 1600 employees, will fully acquire 100% of the business assets of Tuflite Polymers Limited, India, thru its subsidiary Palram India Pvt. Ltd. 

Tuflite Polymers Limited is a major distributor of Polycarbonate sheets to major customers in India with approx. 40 employees.

As per Palram, this acquisition is part of the company's marketing strategy to increase its activity in geographic markets where it sees growth potential, including in the Indian market. The Company estimates, this acquisition is expected to significantly increase its sales in the Indian market.

Ido Rodoy, Group Managing Director of Palram, welcoming Tuflite into Palram family stated, “By incorporating Tuflite’s deep rooted presence across India and customer base into Palram’s growing portfolio, we look forward to achieving our mission of delivering exceptional Products & value to a much larger market and customers.”

Mukesh Shah, Managing Director of Tuflite Polymers Limited, stated, “With more than 20 years of  experience in serving distribution & infrastructure markets in India, Tuflite is excited to become a part of  the Palram family, and to bring the same high standard of product proposition to its network of markets.”

About Palram

Established in 1963 at Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan in Israel, Palram is a global leader in developing, producing, and selling among others, extruded thermoplastic sheets, panel systems and finished products made mainly from polycarbonate and PVC. 

For more information, please visit: www.palram.com.

About Tuflite Polymers Limited

Tuflite is a leading supplier of polycarbonate finished goods under the Brand TUFLITE and distributing across India for the last 2 decades. 

For more information, please visit: www.tuflite.com.

India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai

The sectors in which the state is looking at major investments include chemicals & petrochemicals, fintech, automobile & electric vehicles, renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, tourism,  MSMEs, etc. A number of MoUs are slated to be signed during the course of Rajasthan week at the India Pavilion.

A high-level delegation from Rajasthan government will be in Dubai to meet the investors during the week and pitch for the investments. The programme would also feature diaspora connect programmes and tourism prowess of Rajasthan. The delegation will include Shri Shanti Kumar Dhariwal, Minister for Urban Development & Housing; Shri Parsadi Lal Meena, Minister for Industry; Shri Arjun Singh Bamaniya, Minister of State for Industry; Mr Ashutosh A T Pednekar, Secretary – Industries, Government of Rajasthan; Ms Rukmani Riar, Executive Director, RIICO; Mr Dhiraj Srivastava, Commissioner - Rajasthan Foundation, etc.

The Rajasthan Week will kick start with the inauguration of the state’s pavilion in the India pavilion on Saturday followed by an inaugural session which will be addressed by the Rajasthan government ministers and other top officials. The delegation will have focussed interactions and G2B meetings with a number of companies in Dubai for attracting investments in the state.

Among the specific projects in which the State is looking for investments, is Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), a subsidiary of HPCL is developing this project, which is one of the largest refineries of the country in Barmer, Rajasthan. Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) is developing PCPIR near the refinery to catalyze the investment for the downstream products of the refinery. With a capacity of 9 MMTPA, the Refinery has the potential to generate Rs. 15,000 crore investment. 

The other mega project of Rajasthan is FinTech Park at Jaipur. RIICO is pitching Jaipur as destination par-excellence for corporates and start-ups of the financial and Information Technology world by developing a world-class FinTech Park spread over 100 Acres. The State is also planning to develop a textile park at Jodhpur. Considering the current potential and existing ecosystem of textile and apparel sector in the State, RIICO has proposed to develop a dedicated textile park in the city, which is well connected by road, rail, and air. Investments would also be in the offer for Khushkera Bhiwadi Neemrana Investment Region (KBNIR) along the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Marwar Industrial Cluster and MEDtech Medical Devices Park. RIICO is developing the Medtech Medical Devices Park at Jodhpur with a proposed area of approximately 230 Acres. The park will have a dedicated common facilitation centre (CFC) equipped with high quality laboratory and research and development facility.

To know more about India Pavilion at EXPO2020 Dubai, please visit:

Website - www.indiaexpo2020.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/indiaatexpo2020

Instagram - www.instagram.com/indiaatexpo2020

Twitter - twitter.com/IndiaExpo2020?s=09

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/india-expo-2020/?viewAsMember=true

YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC6uOcYsc4g_JWMfS_Dz4Fhg/featured

Koo - www.kooapp.com/profile/IndiaExpo2020

To know more about EXPO2020 Dubai, please visit - www.expo2020dubai.com/en.

Baby nipples/teats require high quality and care to ensure no contamination during manufacturing because the product is used directly into the baby's mouth. To get the certificate of ISI 3565 the companies need to set up a special lab which is quite costly and requires big investments. However, ISI 14625 already specifies that all the nipples/teats should follow ISI 3565 but the instruction is being ignored by most baby care products manufacturing companies in India. With Chemco’s feat in getting this certification, its customers and private label brands will be benefitted by this.

Gaurav Saraogi, MD Chemco Group - Manufacturers of various Rigid and Flexible Packaging Solutions

On achieving this feat, Managing Director of Chemco, Mr. Gaurav Saraogi said, “We will leave no stone unturned in bringing all of the finest quality standards to India, even if it is not mandatory. No one wants to compromise quality when it comes to their child and we feel it is our duty as manufacturers to provide them with the correct product and not deceive them. There has always been some ambiguity as to whether IS 3565 is mandatory or not and we are engaging with the BIS department to clarify this for the benefit of our fellow Indians.”

“We at Chemco highly recommend that IS 3565 should be made mandatory to keep a check on low-quality suppliers and force them to raise their quality standards for Indian consumers,” added Mr. Saraogi.

 Chemco works closely with BIS and other government agencies to ensure quality standards in baby care segments. Appreciating the government’s decision to make IS 14625 certification mandatory, Chemco became one of the first companies to get this certification. Chemco is also part of various international organizations like WBT that ensure the highest standards worldwide, protecting our precious infants and babies. Supplying to international brands that have a zero-tolerance policy towards quality defects, Chemco is the only company that can provide it.

The company was started by Mr. Ram Saraogi, Masters in Plastics from USA, with a vision to bring international standard products to Indian consumers. Chemco uses world’s best technology to manufacture all kinds of PET preforms, bottles, containers and other rigid and flexible packaging solutions for various industries. Chemco is also one of the largest manufacturers of baby feeding bottles in India, Chemco assures quality in each of its products.

Chemco Group website: www.chemcogroup.com.

Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, Director, Ricron Panels

The Nestlé CSV Prize, awarded every two years, has been focused on identifying sustainability innovation projects for some of the world's most pressing environmental and social concerns for more than a decade, promoting and assisting changemakers who are developing scalable, locally relevant solutions. The Nestle CSV Prize for 2020-2021, presented in collaboration with non-profit foundation Ashoka, was titled, “How do we create a waste-free future?”. Around 173 applicants were evaluated for the prize in 2020-2021.
 

Mr. Rahul Chaudhary, Director, Ricron Panels, speaking on the occasion said, “It's indeed a great honor to win the Nestlé Creating Shared Value (CSV) Prize. We are delighted that our idea of giving hard to recycle plastics a second life by creating an eco-friendly solution has received global recognition through the exceptional platform created by Nestlé and Ashoka. The award also allows for greater collaboration with the Nestlé ecosystem, working closely on the common initiative of tackling waste packaging plastics.”

“Governments, corporates, communities and individuals alike have started taking cognizance of the challenges associated with plastic waste and the need for innovative methods to tackle this problem. Policies that foster such innovations will help preserve the environment and ensure a sustainable impact,” Mr. Chaudhary added.

Ricron Panels has previously also been presented with the prestigious “Climate Solver Award 2019” for Technology and Innovation by The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and “WE SDG Empowerment Award” by the United Nations. This new recognition cements its place as an organization committed to advancing the idea of circular economy and reducing the impact of plastics on the environment. 

About Ricron Panels

Ricron Panels manufactures sustainable building materials for furniture, building, roofing and construction applications, and is becoming a top choice among architects, builders, developers and consumers.

To know more, please visit: www.ricron.com.