“Speciality chemicals manufacturer Rossari Biotech plans to launch two new joint-venture companies with Knopp from Germany and Drizoro from Spain.”- Shashi Suvarna, Business Head, of the company speaks about the development.
Use of construction chemicals has increased four folds since the last decade. However, due to  global recession and weak rupee, this segment is facing hurdles which might prevail for one or two year more. In an exclusive interview with B2B Purchase, Shashi Suvarna shares his optimism as well as ideology to help the industry stand strong.
What are the major construction chemicals Rossari Biotech deals in?We, in fact, offer an entire range of construction chemicals right from pre- construction to post-construction requirements. We market only formulated products, not over-the-counter products. Our products profile is large enough to cater all market needs. To pick major segments, we have very strong range of waterproofing systems, screed/concrete admixtures, industrial floorings, car-parking systems and so on. Our waterproofing ranges cater to the foundations, basements and all other super structures.
With increasing use of construction chemicals, what challenges do you face?Truly, the use of construction chemicals products has increased four folds since last decade. However, it’s definitely a tough market with many international and local companies in the fray. Currently, awareness for building and construction products is very much present and many specifiers are specifying such products in the tender and project document itself. However, due to the global recession and weak rupee, this segment is facing hurdles. There are no proper norms finalised yet for many critical applications and then systems are not properly defined which causes failures and tarnish the industry all together. Overall this segment is to stay and grow over the period of years.
What are the opportunities in construction chemical segment for exploring exports?We are a government-recognised star export house organisation and currently exporting our waterproofing and tiling products to few oversea countries. We plan to explore the markets of other SAARC countries, but due to the ever increasing dollar prices we are not able to match the local rates out there. Local player in these countries still rely on the age-old products and price it in a very economical manner. Hence, on a large scale, our new technology-based products are yet to get recognised in such countries. However, for prestigious projects in these countries, we are called and we do supply. Our next endeavour is to tap the African continent as we see a huge potential and recognition of our products in this continent.
With the increasing concentration in maintaining the energy norms, has there been a demand to escalate value-added products in construction chemical?Yes, there is definitely an increase in maintaining energy norms, especially in green building projects. We keep a track of our carbon footprints. In fact, our associate companies, i.e. Drizoro and Knopp are green building council recognied members.
The demand of energy rating products has picked up in the last few years, and many organisations like us have added products suitable to such requirements. Most of our waterproofing products have been used in such critical requirements. 
What sort of government support do you expect for the development of construction chemical sector?Firstly, rupee should be made strong and constant. Import duties need to be lowered for value-added green products. Clearing transactions should be made smooth and user friendly.Norms for major applications, which are pending since long, should be implemented on an urgent basis. Acceptance of new generation products needs to be adopted by the government and to be used in their own establishments.
What is the market share of Rossari Biotech?We are a fairly new entrant in this industry. We majorly cater to projects which are specification oriented. Hence, we can’t boost of major share in the industry. We work on back-to-back warranty, supporting our authorised applicators warranty to the clients. In the coming years, we would be enjoying a decent market share.
What are your expansion plans for the upcoming year?Yes, we plan to launch our two new joint-venture companies, i.e. Knopp from Germany and Drizoro from Spain.Knopp products are mainly into screed  / dry mortar/ AAC block additives. When used as little as 1 per cent of the cement content , these products will reduce the water cement ratio by 40 per cent, Cement can be reduced to 20 per cent over the normal mix designs. There is no curing required for the screed and compressive strength achieved in 7 days.
Drizoro products are mainly into waterproofing. Drizoro has some patented products for underground structure waterproofing and the next generation polyurethane products, which can be used where other products face challenges. We would also showcase world’s first cementitious sealant which can be used in wet conditions as well as on water immersed conditions due to its high water head pressure resistivity.
In the coming year, we are planning to reach the upcountry regions with proper marketing plan in place.