These paints are almost 85 per cent as effective to nano-silver based paints along with cost-effectiveness. We have prepared such coatings in our lab says Prof. AS Khanna, Chairman, SSPC India.

How do you see Atmanirbhar Bharat to impact your sector?
Atmanirbhar Bharat may not have much impact on paints, coatings and construction chemical market as this sector has more than 75 per cent local production and has good sales in India. However, many paint companies in the last decade were still dependent upon the cheaper Chinese products and I think if the Chinese import of raw materials for paint and construction chemicals is stopped, this field will become more than 80-85 per cent Atmanirbhar. 

However, there is one big problem in the many government organizations, especially PSU such as railways, defence organizations, oil and gas exploration and extraction companies, they still prefer many foreign products at thrice to ten times cost as they give better cut to these organizations. I am not accusing them. I have facts to prove it. So Atmanirbhar Bharat concept will not be a success unless corruption angle in many government based and PSU companies is not checked.

In terms of current market dynamics, what will be the new normal after 2020?
The possibilities for paint companies and paint requirements would be bright once the fear of the pandemic goes. People are not spending money to decorate their houses, paint their offices because of two reasons: fear to get Covid-19 from the activity by outsiders and second poor business activity at present which limits spending. Once the complete unlock activities are in force, there will be an automatic requirement of paint coatings and applications. This may happen just in the beginning of 2021.

How has the pandemic elevated the role of chemicals and coatings to create germ-free industrial facilities and work stations?
It appears that many paint companies have entered into manufacturing of disinfectants, mainly with a well-known standard formula to meet the demand due to coronavirus. The difference is some are aerosol base which do not require any mop up activity, while others require wiping with tissues or cloth. Some companies have come out with anti-bacterial transparent paint systems which help reducing the bacterial activity using standard biocides. But some of the best paints which can nullify the coronavirus effect are nano-silver based, however, they are very costly.

An alternative to nano-silver is zinc pyrithione and copper pyrithione based paints which may be, if not as effective as with nano-silver but can be almost 85 per cent as effective to nano-silver based paints along with cost-effectiveness. We have prepared such coatings in our lab and can share the technology for the same if anybody is interested.

What will be the impact of the pandemic on product development and R&D of construction chemicals?
Construction chemical is a big business and has nothing to do with the pandemic directly. However, pandemic situation is coming in the way of man power available as well as full man power working at site and factories on daily basis. Due to over crowding of the work spaces, it started with 10 per cent workforce which has now reached 50 per cent. Unless full workforce is available production cannot be smooth. But for the demand, the present production may suffice. The R&D also has same restriction. So, lots of work is going on from home which is mainly based upon reading existing literature which can help in improving existing product or can give some insight to new formulations or completely new products.

Going forward, how important will be the role of chemical additives that neutralize coronavirus play in construction chemicals?
I do not think addition of biocides or anti-bacterial or antivirus chemicals in construction activity will play an important role. Bacterial, fungus or virus attack on the surface. Therefore, use of thin coatings, lacquers or transparent coatings will help fighting this activity. Adding chemicals in aggregates or mortar will not be a solution. As discussed above several biocides, zinc pyrithione and copper pyrithione or nano-silver in coatings may help to fight this.

What are some of the products driving growth for your business in the current economic cycle?
One of my student has made aerosol disinfectant (Oxycoat) which has become very popular for disinfecting offices, working space by just spraying without any moping activity. Transparent coatings with antivirus and anti-microbial additives are the need of the hour. Many companies have come out with several formulations which are being liked by user.