Maris liquid polyurethane waterproofing systems are a one time solution for all waterproofing needs. Maris products have been certified by EOTA for 25 years of service life says Kalpesh Chitroda, Director, Maris Polymers India.

With the CC market expected to reach a valuation of over US$ 2,600 Mn by the end of 2025 how do you assess the market in India in terms of cost/quality equations, sector challenges, and growth prospects?
The India Growth story is well known and now much needed push from the Indian government is also evident through major infrastructure development and housing for all vision of our respected PM. The CC market in India will see a major growth in this phase of India development. In any country cost is a major governing factor but more than the cost specifying and using the right product for getting the expected results is bigger challenge. In our country every government department follows different norms and registration process for the manufacturer. In addition to this chaos there is no single window approval of quality certification for all products manufactured by CC industry. We suggest the government should publish minimum quality norms and set up a well equipped laboratory in 4 corners of India to avoid a quality disaster which seems evident in the future. There are CC manufacturers mushrooming all over India which in fact is also need of the hour to cater the ever increasing demand but growth which is not monitored on quality aspect will surely lead to disaster.

Detail us on the cutting edge technology/products offered by your company. What are the USP’s of your products/solutions Vis-à-vis competition?
We are a global leader in liquid applied polyurethane waterproofing systems. Liquid polyurethane is a global trend for sustainable water proofing solutions. Maris products have global quality certifications and a proven track record globally. In India our products were introduced in 2013 and we do not have a single failure which speaks volumes of our capabilities to produce, specify and provide technical assistance and training to our business associates. We are very particular in choosing our business associates and training them. The common value between Maris and its business associates is to provide a 100 per cent full proof solution to our esteemed customers.

What are the advantages of using Maris construction chemicals in terms of savings on construction cost, time and labour?
Maris liquid polyurethane waterproofing systems are a one time solution for all waterproofing needs. Maris products have been certified by EOTA for 25 years of service life. Maris products are very easy to apply and can adhere to strict schedules of the customers. The globally proven quality of our waterproofing systems ensure performance of our products in all kinds of different climatic conditions. In India we have all types of weather conditions like in the North we have snow, in the West we have a desert while in the South it is hot and humid. We have highly trained and motivated business associates pan India network which are ready to provide sustainable solutions to all our customers pan India.

We also have logistics at Pune which caters to the need of all our business associates. All the above factors results into cost and time savings for our customers. Also the training we impart supports the skill development programme which is a priority in India.

Which sectors are major demand drivers for construction chemicals in India?
The major chunk of CC industry is concrete additives and chemicals to modify the behaviour of concrete. There are well established players in this industry. The infrastructure growth and housing for all are major demand drivers for this sector.

Maris has an advantage in terms of RERA implementation where all the stakeholders have to ensure good waterproofing practices and solutions. The almost non existent training and ignorance in the waterproofing industry also creates a major opportunity for Maris in India.

What is your outlook on the opportunities from renovation and repair of old existing structures for the construction chemical and waterproofing business? Can this area be considered as a new growth driver to strengthen business volumes for players like you? I
In India due to unprecedented growth in the real estate has lead to demolishing beautiful old buildings and creating new ones. The understanding and realisation in terms of maintaining old structures is very limited. It is surprising that all these new structures have waterproofing problems in the first 5 years. Maris products has sustainable solutions for all kinds of old and new structures. Maris is a strong solution provider in these sectors and foresee greater volumes from this segment in near future.

Have you launched any new products? Tell us about your new  product launches in the near future.
Maris Polymers SA is now a Saint Gobain group company with a major focus on R&D. Maris R&D department is working round the clock to fine tune the existing range of products and also innovating new products. We are soon launching some exciting products which will change the entire waterproofing scenario in India. Maris Polymers India is also entering new markets in the SAARC region and this will provide us with new and exciting possibilities.

To what extent does cost influence a customer’s purchasing decision?
Indian customers are very smart buyers. They are cost conscious and also want the best at the least possible price. Maris has the opportunity to learn to strike a good balance between cost and quality in India. We are approaching customers with the mindset of providing sustainable solutions. Once the customers realise the value proposition cost becomes secondary.