“We have a clear focus on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) across our product range,” says Deepak Kanitkar, GM – Technology and Business Development, Chembond Chemicals Ltd.

 Chembond Chemicals Limited is into manufacturing of construction chemicals, water proofing compounds, concrete repair products etc. The company has a well equipped R&D laboratory for testing products, raw materials, multiple regional offices and production plants. The company provides chemicals needed for construction industry. In an exclusive interview with B2B Purchase, Deepak Kanitkar talks about its water proofing products and explains how R&D
helps in delivering the new and innovate products.

Brief us on the current scenario of construction chemicals sector in India.
The sector has been growing at a good pace since long time. Despite of some setbacks during recent times, the growth has by far been steady. With increasing consumer awareness and probable legislations in future, the growth is expected to keep the momentum or even accelerate further.

What are the challenges this sector is facing?
The biggest challenges are increasing credit periods and dipping margins. The credit issues are mainly arising due to financial conditions of major infrastructure development companies as well as a down turn in the real estate sector.

Low margins are generally attributed to a stiff competition in bulk consumables such as concrete admixtures as well as conventional repair and waterproofing systems.

What is the market size and your market share?
It is difficult to estimate our market share at this stage but we have seen a steady growth for the past three years. We would just like to continue this trend rather than worrying or estimating our share in the market. However, we believe it to be between ` 2,500 and 3,500 crores.

Did you launch any new product in concrete admixture or waterproofing segment?
Our company has a very responsive and innovative R&D team. We have done a lot of work on PCE based concrete admixtures and have launched various products for major projects across
India. In water proofing segment, we have started promoting reinjection hose system along with our in-house injection resins.

We have also launched Kem Proof 86 and Kem Proof 87, which are meant for water proofing and protection of exterior walls and roofs respectively. Both are elastomeric single component systems based on acrylate emulsions.

What are the measures taken to ensure the quality and durability of your product and what efforts are taken to make your products eco-friendly?
We have a clear focus on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) across our product range and have launched some products such as Kem Proof EWB, which is a water-based epoxy coating suitable for potable water contact application.

Apart from this, we are having water based shutter release agent as well as a range of curing compounds which help to reduce the use of water for concrete curing. We also exercise a good level of control on logistics of incoming and outgoing materials. This helps in reducing the travel distance and as a result reduces fuel consumption and carbon footprint.

How much is invested in R&D?
Developing new products, systems and methods is a critical part of construction chemicals business. We have a complete set up for analysis, performance testing and verification of our newly developed systems.

We have three laboratories which are constantly working on innovation and modifying our products. Every year, we are able to improve our products and deliver new products and systems to keep pace with the changing market expectations. We have invested sufficient resources including equipment and trained professional work force.