Author: india@wpcnews.in

It was a global presence of Vinyl tycoons from all over the world at Jio world centre. Two days,10th and 11th April of 2025 were dedicated to the sustainability via Vinyl. The event was Vinyl India 2025 organised by Elite Plus team under the leadership of Nidhi Verma. 1250 attendees from over 25 countries and 540 organisations graced the event as a Gala gathering of Vinyl think tank of the world.

Shri Dipak Mishra, Joint secretary, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt of India as a guest of honour kicked start the event addressing the potential of the country India. Next to him were the 70 leaders and veterans those addressed the attendees with their knowledge, information, ideas and thoughts. CEOs Jim Coulston from Vinyl Institute Canada, Aiñe Curran from Vinyl council of Australia & Ned Monroe from The Vinyl Institute conveyed their messages about the technicalities and positivity of Vinyl and its applications for the sustainable future.

Context set by Ajit Singh, Chairman, ACG Group followed by the Key address ‘Vinyls in 2030: Strategies for growth, innovation and environmental responsibility by Vivek Jain, MD, DCW ltd. Anil Jain, Chairman & CEO, Jain irrigation addressed for ‘Budget boost for Agriculture – in India impact of PVC growth. Ignacio Torras, President & CEO, Tricon energy talked over ‘Chlor Alkali & PVC – What’s changing and why it matters’.
The entire conference was divided precisely into Business Sessions covering the entire arena of Global Vinyl Industry, as follows:

Business Session I: Business Overview & Outlook

Unmesh Nayak, President – Polymer Chain, Reliance Industries Limited talked over the Time to Unlock Potential of PVC Applications. He covered a lot of applications where Vinyl is finding a space based on the sustainability. Next speakers were from world media including Bernard Show, Editor Chlor Alkali Asia, Alvin Ang, Executive Director, Chemical Insights, Gordon Kuo, Director, Asia/ISC Vinyl & ISC Chlor-Alkali (A Dow Jones company), Ye Yingmin, MD, Chem1 consulting, China. They talked over PVC Market evolution and trend shifts in Global chlor alkali & vinyl Industry.

Business Session II: Revolution in Pipes & CPVC

Bhavana Bindra, MD, The Lubrizol corporation for India, Middle East, and Africa addressed about Sustaining India’s No.1 position in CPVC global markets.

Business Session III: Processing & Downstream Machinery

Global technology players demonstrated information about the developments in compounding & mixing, extrusion and material handling. The speakers were Rad Jakob, Head – Compounder Projects, Theysohn Extrusionstechnik GmbH, Clemente Bausano, Director, Rajoo Bausano Extrusion Pvt. Ltd., Christian Schalich, Head of Sales, Hose & Tube, Sikora AG and Andreas Backhaus, Director of Global Sales and Legal Officer, Mixaco Dr. Herfeld GmbH & Co. KG.

Business Session IV: Green PVC – Sustainable Product

Prominent speakers here were Professor Mark Everard, Director, Pundamilia Ltd. Explain effectively over The Material Basis for Meeting Human needs in a Challenging Future. It was an interesting presentation. Andy Jones, Global Executive Committee – PVC, Baerlocher Group spoken over concept of Stability: ‘The Cornerstone of Sustainability’. Nasrin Kashefi, Director, Global Plumbing and Plastic Products, NSF talked over the Drinking Water – International Standards for Vinyl Products.

Business Session V: New Aspects in PVC Processing

Siegfried Koehler, Managing Director/CEO, battenfeld-cincinnati Austria GmbH talked over the latest developments in PVC Extrusion.

Business Session VI: Innovations in Applications – Solutions for the Future

With a topic ‘Changing Landscape of PVC Pipe Industry and New Horizons’, Saumya Chakrabarti, Technical Director, Finolex Industries Ltd. Kick started the session. Dr Sheikh Akbar Ali, Head, Development and Technology, ACG Packaging Materials talked over PVC: Boon or Bane in Pharmaceutical Industries, in a very interesting way. Hardik Panchal, Founder & CEO, Hardy Smith & WPC News talked on ‘Vinyl based WPC – Trending in Green Building Practices’. His presentation remained very interesting while speaking over the sustainability via WPC in construction sector and Its potential for India.

Concluding Business Sessions were covering subjects like Opportunities and Challenges for OPVC, Latest Advancements in Stabilizers and Latest Developments in PVC Additives.

Thoughts provoked

While plastics are getting negative thoughts and facing bans with applications, vinyl-based products are securing the earth truly in a sustainable way. There were applications explained during the conference that is replacing natural material like wood. There was discussion happened for recyclability of Vinyls which can support the green future in a technical way. India has a great future with this industry and this industry has a great future within construction industry. Green buildings, Sustainable developments and climate change controls cannot be imagined without this miraculous material ‘Vinyl’.

RIKEN’s supramolecular plastic is flame-retardant and heat-resistant, yet dissolves in saltwater, breaking down into reusable monomers within half a day.

Supramolecular plastic that dissolves in seawater, developed by a research team led by RIKEN. (Provided by RIKEN)

Plastic has become indispensable in modern life. Primarily made from petroleum, it often lingers in the environment long after use. The impact of microplastics and other pollutants has emerged as a major global concern.

In response, a research team led by Takuzo Aida, Group Director at RIKEN and Distinguished Professor at the University of Tokyo, has achieved a groundbreaking development: plastic that dissolves in seawater. This innovative material uses compounds commonly found in food additives.

Their findings, published in Science on November 22, 2024, reveal that this plastic matches the strength and processability of conventional plastics while being eco-friendly. It is expected to serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

Microplastic Fragments

Around 430 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, yet less than 10% is recycled. Most discarded plastic is incinerated, releasing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Additionally, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics — tiny fragments that threaten ecosystems and human health.

From November 25 to December 1, 2024, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the UN Environment Programme met in Busan, South Korea, to draft the first international treaty addressing plastic pollution. The treaty aims to curb the environmental damage plastic waste inflicts on oceans and ecosystems. It acknowledges that plastic pollution is a crisis comparable to climate change. The research team developed a material called supramolecular plastic. Supramolecules are assemblies of two or more molecules held together by weak interactions like hydrogen bonds. Their structure allows innovative functions beyond single molecules. The rapidly advancing field of supramolecular chemistry has gained attention for its potential in material development.

Microplastics have serious impacts on ecosystems. (Photo courtesy of Dr Mitsuharu Yagi, Nagasaki University)

Breaks Down in Salt Water

Conventional plastics are made from large polymer molecules formed by bonding smaller units called monomers. When polymers are built from supramolecules, their bonds break more easily, allowing the material to revert to its monomer form. This property has traditionally limited them to soft, rubber-like materials.

The team combined two monomers: sodium hexametaphosphate, used in food additives and fertilizers, and guanidinium sulfate, easily synthesized from natural raw materials. 

When mixed in water at room temperature, the solution separates into a liquid upper layer and a gel-like lower layer. Drying the gel produces a colorless, transparent, glass-like supramolecular plastic. This simple manufacturing process is well-suited for mass production.

This plastic is flame-retardant and heat-resistant, but when exposed to saltwater, its chemical structure changes. Within half a day, it decomposes into reusable monomers, which bacteria can further break down. Containing nitrogen and phosphorus, these monomers could even serve as fertilizer.

Coating the plastic with a water-repellent film — made from eco-friendly materials — can extend its lifespan in saltwater environments.

Improving Supramolecular Plastics

By modifying the guanidinium sulfate monomer, the team created supramolecular plastics with varied properties, excelling in heat resistance, hardness, or tensile strength. They also replaced sodium hexametaphosphate with sodium chondroitin sulfate, a naturally derived polysaccharide, to produce plastics suitable for 3D printing.

Professor Aida shared that research on monomer combinations for supramolecular plastics began in 2020. Since their Science publication, the team has received a surge of inquiries from both domestic and international sources.

“With the global challenge of plastic waste in mind, we are committed to developing even better supramolecular plastics,” Professor Aida said, expressing his enthusiasm for the future of this research.

Courtesy: Japan2earth
https://featured.japan-forward.com/japan2earth/2025/03/9158/

The Indian Vinyl Council (IVC) is a dedicated organization supporting the entire vinyl value chain, including resin producers, additives and chemical manufacturers, converters, equipment manufacturers, recyclers, and end users. Its goal is to bring all vinyl stakeholders together, creating benefits for members, consumers, and the public alike through active collaboration.

As a vital link between government bodies, policy makers, regulatory agencies, and industry, the Council aims to remove barriers if any and unlock new growth opportunities for the vinyl market. Through strategic advocacy, it seeks to clear the path for industry expansion and market development.

Networking will also be central to the Council’s mission, creating opportunities for industry leaders to connect with suppliers, academia, regulators, scientists, and experts at seminars, conferences, technical meetings, and other events.

A top priority is sharing the latest knowledge and technology updates, market insights, and sustainability trends with all members, ensuring they are well-informed about cutting-edge developments in the vinyl and allied sectors.

The Council is committed to promoting the well-being of society through environmentally responsible practices, aligned with the principles of a circular economy. Supporting innovation, training, and skill-building across the vinyl value chain is also a core focus, helping the industry achieve global standards.

Finally, the Council aims to develop technical standards that maintain quality, improve consistency, and boost the versatility of vinyl products for use in diverse applications across industries.

Objectives of the Indian Vinyl Council:

• To promote and advocate all round development of the entire Vinyl industry,
• To build a positive image of Vinyl products,
• To assist and collaborate with the government and non-government bodies and statutory authorities for formulating industry related policies.
• To promote and support standardisation and quality assurance programmes to encourage regulatory compliances,
• To create awareness and educate the end users of the value proposition of vinyl products,
• To support and encourage innovation, training, and skill development within the Vinyl value chain,
• To institute and/or fund scientific and economic research in the industry connected with PVC and its products.
• To provide a forum for member associations to collaborate for broadening the market for vinyl products.

Benefits of Becoming Member:

• Platform for interacting and networking with industry leaders, suppliers, academia, regulators, scientists, and experts at seminars, conferences, technical meetings, and other events.
• Opportunity to provide views in assisting and collaborating with the government and non- government bodies and statutory authorities for formulating industry related policies, including codes and standards.
• Latest updates on collective & authentic information about the contributions made by the Vinyl Polymer products in improving the quality of life of all strata of the society and in the overall nation development.
• Support for adopting methodologies/practices in an environmentally sustainable manner as practiced and specified in circular economy principles & models.
• Access to useful knowledge on the state of technology, the market perspectives, statistics and information on various developments taking place globally, relevant to the Vinyl Industry and allied industries.
• Contribution towards encouraging, promoting and supporting standardization and quality assurance programs in the field of Vinyl value chain, to encourage regulatory compliances, good manufacturing and ethical practices and to follow recognized health, safety and environmental standards.
• Partnering in developing ecosystem for innovation/product development/strategic initiatives etc. for vinyl products.

We highly value your commitment to the council and believe that our success lies in associating with persuasive citizen like you, who are willing to devote your time and efforts necessary to make a difference. We therefore extend this cordial invitation to you to join IVC as one of its members. By associating with IVC, you will enjoy certain privileges and the contributions made by you as a member shall be utilised towards the objectives of IVC. The criteria for membership, privileges and details of fee are available on IVC website – https://indianvinylcouncil.com/membershipdetails

You are advised to carefully go through the same and send us the details requested therein.

We thank you for your time and thoughtful attention to this invitation. We do hope you will consider joining IVC as a member and if you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Abhijit Patil through mail on abhijitgpatil1976@gmail.com  or  through phone on +919987058861 or any other committee members of the council.

To promote and advocate all round development of the entire Vinyl industry comprising of all elements of the Vinyl value chain

To build a positive image of Vinyl products in eyes of the end-users as well as society at large.

To create awareness and educate the end users of the value proposition of PVC products including energy conservation, eco-friendliness and sustainability.

To assist and collaborate with the Govt and non-Govt bodies and statutory authorities for formulating industry policies.

Ensure the efficient diffusion of knowledge to all our members, on the state of art technology, market perspectives, statistics & information and details of global initiatives on sustainability… all relevant to the Vinyl and allied industries.

Supporting & encouraging innovation, and training & skill development within the Vinyl value chain. Work towards the welfare of mankind and encourage responsible care in an environmentally sustainable manner as practiced and specified in circular economy.

The 12^th edition of Vinyl India – International PVC & Chlor – Alkali Business Summit 2025, is scheduled to be held on 10^th – 11^th April 2025, at Mumbai, India and is expected to host over 1500 attendees from across the World. 

This Business Summit has the unique distinction of being the only and the largest platform that binds together every segment of the Global PVC industry – thought leaders, Industry stalwarts, decision-makers, and customers in an insightful, inspiring, beneficial manner.

Multiple business trips, many months of travel, and coordination with scores of industry stalwarts for your business are simply compacted in a “one-stop” 2-day conference.

For this 12th edition, more than 1500 attendees from across the globe are actively expressing their interest. The 11th edition in 2024, featured more than 1170 delegates from 500+ organizations across 25 countries.

Vinyl India serves as a beacon for the Vinyl sector’s progress, offering a unique platform that brings together the entire Global PVC value chain. This Business Summit is not merely an event; it’s an immersive experience where industry leaders, experts, and innovators converge to discuss, educate, and innovate through content-rich presentations. Engaging plenary sessions and Panel Discussions with sector experts, extensive networking opportunities, and enriching learning experiences. Vinyl India is a Business Summit dedicated to exploring upcoming trends and opportunities shaping the future of the Global PVC Industry in this region.

Our thoughtfully curated agenda explores the latest trends, advancements, and challenges of the industry.

Who Attends?

The Platform brings together Global Resin Manufacturers, Downstream Processors, Machinery Suppliers, Technology Licensors, Additives and Stabilizers providers, Channel partners, Sustainability Experts, Traders and Indentors, Consultants, Institutions, Industry Associations, End-users as well as Policymakers from Indian and International Governments and enterprises.

WHY this Business Summit?

Enhanced Brand Exposure || Targeted Marketing Opportunities || Access to Key Decision-Makers || Networking and Relationship Building || Thought Leadership and Expertise || Business Development and Lead Generation || Brand Alignment and Association || Collaborative Opportunities and exposure to latest sustainability guidelines

USPs of the Business Summit:

• Meet Technology experts, Business Leaders, Process Champions and Regulatory Authorities of the Global PVC and allied industry.
• 70+ impactful and exclusive Presentations on technological developments, new applications & innovations – offering Strategic 1^st mover advantages to grow your Business
• 10 Business Sessions enriched by Interactive Q & A forums with Thought Leaders and Subject Matter Experts
• Panel discussions fostering a growth mindset for positively leveraging the industry’s current challenges
• Over 75 partners exhibiting their diverse spectrum of products and services in their exclusive Booths
• Opportunity to Schedule meetings in advance with the ElitePlus++ Scheduler to maximize your productivity during the 2 days of the Business Summit
• Over 1500 Global participants are expected, making it the Largest Vinyl Congregation Globally. The participants represent the entire value chain of the PVC Industry
• 2 power packed days of Networking with the who’s who of the industry
• CEO Conclave with Industry leaders charting the industry’s growth in tandem with India’s current powerful positioning Globally
• Exciting lucky dip prizes and a chance to win a Super-Duper Car!
• Networking Cocktail and Gala Dinner

Watch Highlights of The 11^th Vinyl India International Summit 2024 created History with 1170 delegates from 500+ organizations representing 25 countries, raising the benchmark still as the Largest PVC Summit Globally.

Business Summit Venue
Jio World Convention Centre
G Block, Bandra KC, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098

GAIN INSIGHTS || LEARN || GROW || NETWORK || CONTRIBUTE || DIVERSIFY

Contact: 
Partner Team
ElitePlus++ Business Services
+91 9619634690
partner.support@eliteplus.co.in
www.eliteplus.co.in

Biodegradable or not? Unravelling the Fate of Microparticles in the Environment

The textile industry faces a pressing challenge: synthetic fibers shed microplastics during use and washing, contributing to a new class of environmental pollutants. These microfibers, dispersed globally through air and water, are found in glaciers, soils, lakes, and oceans, raising concerns about their potential impact on human and animal health.

At the heart of this discussion lies the “Cellulose Enigma” — why do we find a high number of cellulosic fibers in environmental samples, despite their known biodegradability?

Find out about
🌱 The complex interplay between microplastic formation and biodegradability.
🌊 Factors influencing fiber degradation in the environment.
🧪 Cutting-edge research on cellulosic and synthetic fibers, as well as bioplastics like PHA and PLA.
💡 Innovative solutions to develop fibers that fully biodegrade in natural ecosystems.

Join leading experts at the *Cellulose Fibres Conference 2025* as they explore these critical questions and share insights into preventing microplastics and reducing long-term pollution.

🗓️ 12-13 March 2025
📍 Cologne, Germany, and online
Registration: https://lnkd.in/eJx8G687

hashtag#CFC2025 hashtag#TextileInnovation hashtag#Climate hashtag#Sustainability

The Future Sustainable Chemical and Materials Industry will be Based Entirely on Recycling, Biomass and CO₂

Early bird registration, exhibition and workshop booking, as well as submissions for abstracts and innovations for the “Renewable Material of the Year 2025” award are open now – and the first top speakers are announced.

Save the date for the leading event in the Renewable Carbon Economy: The “Renewable Materials Conference 2025”, 22 to 24 September 2025, Siegburg near Bonn/Cologne (Germany) and online.

What will the future of the chemical industry look like?

In just a few years, the Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) has established itself as the international meeting place for innovators, companies and brands, investors and policymakers to develop and shape the future renewable carbon economy. As in previous years, the conference organiser nova-Institute expects 400-500 participants from around the world.

The extraction of fossil resources from the ground and their use in the energy and chemical sectors is by far the largest contributor to human-made climate change, accounting for 90% of GHG emissions. While in the energy sector decarbonisation is the way forward, the only option for the chemicals and plastics sectors is to change the carbon source from fossil to renewable carbon: The use of biomass, CO₂ and recycling is the only way forward.

RMC 2025 aims to provide answers to pressing questions for suppliers and brands, investors and policymakers: How to defossilise the chemical industry and remain competitive? How to meet the demand for fossil-free plastics? How to create sustainable carbon cycles? What role will biodegradation play in the circular economy?

To answer these questions, the conference will present numerous talks with experts and provide exceptional networking opportunities, a table-top exhibition, poster sessions, as well as workshops on most pressing topics. In addition, there will once again be the opportunity to vote for the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year” sponsored by Covestro (DE)

Conference topics in detail

22 September: Defossilisation of the chemical industry: This urgent topic area covers alternative naphtha, biorefineries, waste valorisation, chemical recycling and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) – all representing solutions for commodities as well as for fine chemicals.
23 September: Fossil-free plastics: As more than 20 polymers are already commercially available from biomass, CO₂ and chemical recycling, this topic area presents solutions for all application sectors.
24 September: Concepts and policies for sustainable carbon cycles and the role of biodegradation in the circular economy: What policy framework or market demand is needed to move towards renewable carbon and carbon cycles? What are the latest technical and policy developments and new trends in biodegradation?

nova-Institute is proud to announce the first top speakers

Andreas Künkel, BASF (DE): Biodegradability as End-of-Life Option in a Circular Economy: Value and the Path Forward
Stephan Roest, Borealis (AT): Borealis Approach to Circular Plastics Using Renewable Carbon
Florie Gonsolin, CEFIC (BE): How can the Chemical Sector Contribute to Sustainable Carbon Cycles
Dirk Hölter, Cerdia (CH): Cellulose Acetate – How a Material Predating Modern Polymer Chemistry Provides Solutions for Today
Tony Rehn, Fortum (FI): Carbon2x – The Next Generation of Biodegradable Plastics from CO₂
Stefano Facco, Novamont (IT): Renewable Monomers and Polymers, New Coating Technologies
Gian De Belder, Procter & Gamble (BE): Industry Partnerships for Solvent-based Cleaning Technologies for Polyolefin Recycling
Christopher vom Berg, RCI/nova-Institute (DE): Powerful Policy Instruments to Enable the Transition to Renewable Carbon

Call for Abstracts

Want to give a presentation at the conference? You are welcome to present your latest products, technologies or developments. Submit your abstract now!
Deadline for submission: 16 March 2025

 Innovation Award “Renewable Material of the Year 2025”: Call for Innovations!

Want to present your innovations at the conference? You are welcome to present your latest product and process innovations.

Deadline for submission: 2 May 2025
Submit your innovation now!

WPC installed at Akshardham’s 49ft divine statue of Neelkanth Varni.

The latest WPC NEWS comes from the western part of India where WPC materials are installed over the seatings near the 49ft divine statue of Neelkanth Varni. This is the project of the world’s largest Hindu organization ‘BAPS’ at Akshardham Hindu temple in Gandhinagar city of Gujarat Province.

BAPS is operating more than 1200 Hindu temples, globally with its principle worshiping god Swaminarayan. The 49ft idol of Neelkanth Varni has been created in tapomudra, in which Lord Swaminarayan had performed rigorous penance for 2 months and 20 days at Muktinath in Nepal. For the first time, a 49-feet tall statue of Neelkanth Varni Maharaj was installed at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robinsville, New Jersey, the largest Hindu temple in the western hemisphere of the earth. This is the World’s second and the India’s first tallest statue of Neelkanth Varni.

The murti (Statue) Pratishtha ceremony was started by Mahant Swami with the holy water of 555 tirthas (Shrines). (Pratishtha is a Sanskrit term used in Hindu religious practices. It refers to the consecration of deities and idols before they are worshipped.)

The rituals were performed with holy water from several pilgrimages including char dham, Panch Kedar, Panch Sarovar, seven puris, seven badri, seven kshetras, eight Vinayaka tirthas, nine aranyakas, twelve maha sangams, ekavan shaktipeeths, six temples established by Lord Swaminarayan, 5 temples built by BAPS founder Shastriji Maharaj, as well as temples established by Guru Parampara of BAPS. Guru Parampara is the lineage of Gurus that has allowed the transfer of knowledge across generations for the benefit of society.

Neelkanthvarni Maharaj left home at the age of 11 and travelled all over India and reached Gujarat and accepted the responsibility of this sect through Ramanand Swami. Lord Swaminarayan has done a lot of rigorous penance and wandering for seven years for the welfare of the devotees and has greatly suppressed the body. At times, they have been filled with air and have wandered among violent animals in the forests. This idol has been installed to keep the memory of the penance that Lord Swaminarayan did in Mukitnath for two-and-a-half months.

HARDYPLAST as the leading WPC Project supplier from India has been harnessing WPC for newer applications across different site applications. In last 15 years company has developed hundreds of versatile applications of different WPC materials in the country and abroad. Akshardham is one of such projects where seatings required to be installed outdoor near the statue for devotees those need to sit and pray. With intense discussions and experimentations with the spiritual and technical leaders of BAPS this project has been successfully Installed. Entire Installations were taken care by the technical team of Akshardham Temple itself.

Image courtesy: www.gujaratijagran.com

India’s leading WPC Player HARDY SMITH is known for its research and development for newer applications of WPC materials. Its product brand HARDYPLAST with its art domain WPC ART keeps researching newer applications from WPC materials. They work closely with surface materials, their bonding properties with WPC, weather properties and many more. Their efforts remain in line with saving of natural wood, thus trees all the time.

This Diwali HARDYPLAST is launching Traditional WPC Doors. These Doors are made from WPC with typical Indian village designs this time to grace entrances of premium and luxurious properties. Doors are made with high density WPC material, coated/painted with the best European materials. They are decorated with handcrafting from artisans of Gujarat.

Doors will be available in custom thickness, Custom Designs & Colors. HARDYPLAST intends these doors to be supplied to the institutional clients only and not to retail buyers. These are Doors are specifically made for target markets of Luxury Hotels, Resorts, Villas and Farm houses on Hill & Coastal areas. WPC being the water and termite proof material, now added with best quality surface coatings those can sustain in such typical Indian weathers for a long.

Rich & Heritage look of traditional WPC Doors will give choice to the architects and designers for entrances. Doors are available in Single leaf and Double leaf format. Image shown is of a 4.75 ft wide door of a village house.

For more details you can write on info@wpc-centre.com.

Materials are the key elements for any creation. Stone and wood have been ranking at the top of the materials till date for sculpture making and creations. Sculptures have always helped human for identification of the different times and eras of the history. Stones, Metals, and wood have best supported this long-lasting phenomenon of sculpture making.

I have been working on different applications of WPC materials as my extreme passion. This material is a wonder as a composite from natural wood and plastic. Their mutual properties are helpful for developing different applications and products. A few things you should know are its technical properties, bonding tactics, surface preparations, coating, and painting methods for materials. One most important thing about this material is its joinery system. If you get hands on experience with WPC boards, then you can create modules without screw!

The surface of the material comes as a finished one during its production itself. It doesn’t need any protective layers like HPL sheets during applications. This way you can use it for the direct applications may be in interior or exterior. It can be cut to any custom shape with hand tools and CNC machines; thus, you can create designer marvels out of these sheets.

STORY of the sculpture

A similar experiment was conducted by the students of CEPT (Centre for environmental planning & technology) earlier with our sheets. Then it became a history and a story now. I was trying to find out the core team of designers those had created this beautiful sculpture since years. But I could not find them. But during my recent effort in finding them again I found a photography maestro from Ahmedabad who captured this sculptural beauty into his camera. Dr Ravi Tahilramani, popularly known as Dr Rave in the creative world is a Doctor, Photographer, Filmmaker, and a business owner. While finding that CEPT student team on google, I accidentally met with Dr Rave via his website. I found those pictures on his website and got connected with him. He expressed those wonderful moments of how he captured such images when Drones were not available. He really created & captured something with his own vision, for which was in a quest since years. On my request he really shared this image with the immense joy, and I am sharing it here for the WPC fraternity and architecture world today. But still I have not yet found that student who created this masterpiece. I hope soon I will find them in this round world.

Here you can find those images where WPC sheets were used for creating artistic sculpture. This was placed at one of the Ahmedabad’s known malls for years. Yes, it is made of WPC.

WPC sheets can be used for architectural sculptures and murals. Previously we understood about the application of sheets for heritage design preservations. Moving further towards sculptures and murals, architects can create unique formations from WPC boards because of its precision for CNC cutting. WPC boards carry outstanding properties for use if outdoor weather applications as shown in the picture. At times it can be painted also for adding more life, not immediately like wood but may be after several years. I would say this as a very important material for architectural creations those need to be made faster, economical, smarter and for a long life. Similar sculptures if designed for interiors, then what to say about its life…. may be several decades!!

Hardik Panchal,
HARDY SMITH

Photos by Dr Rave
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/drravitahilramani/), www.drrave.com

It is a unique kind of Blowing Agent, Weight Reducer & Property Improver.

FOMA microspheres are microscopic spheres comprising a thermoplastic shell encapsulating a low boiling point liquid hydrocarbon. When heated to a temperature high enough to soften the thermoplastic shell, the increasing pressure of the hydrocarbon will cause the microspheres to expand. When the heat is removed microspheres remain in their new expanded form with gas entrapped in a closed and elastic cell structure.

Expansion of FOMA microspheres results in a dramatic decrease of the density. Typical values are from 1000 down to 30 kg/m³.

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) can produce an article very similar to real wood. But by using FOMA Microspheres as a foaming agent it becomes possible to add many technical advantages to WPC. Importantly, Foma can be used with PVC, PE and PP based WPC production.

Unique advantages of FOMA Microspheres in WPC

– Low Density
– Better Surface Appearance
– Improved Dimensional Stability & Durability
– Cost Saving
– Better Water Resistance
– Improved ability to accept nails or screws

Such profiles can be extruded for use in residential flooring, in furniture components, decking and many other applications. FOMA Microspheres provide consistent, tight, uniform cell structure in the polymer matrix which is necessary to maintain the achieved densities and the mechanical properties.

For more information,

Connect to,

MAHESH INDIA
www.maheshindia.com

Time is changing fast for India.

Carpentry & Masonry system is being revived with decreasing number of this community. Carpenter’s & Mason’s children are becoming architects and not carpenters. India is developing multi-fold and multi-facade and developments are now happening PAN India. Each and every state of the country is now blown with the wind of Infrastructure development.

Situation is quite positive, perfect, and opportunistic as a country. But availability of Labours and artisans is the fastest growing issue of today. Migration labour is returning to their states of native, as they are getting to earn there as well now. Their small farms are still producing grains for them and family, thus they are thinking of returning to their Work-city back now.

Yes, we are quite in the situation like other developed countries now. It is just a starting (but too fast) and we have to be cautious about this.

India has grabbed the PACE now for infrastructure growth and we can see towering buildings in almost all the cities now. Apartments, Villas, Farmhouses, Weekend Homes, Industrial estates, Office buildings, Commercial buildings, Malls and architectural marvels have come up from their footings. Parallel to that manufacturing sector is also booming and new factory buildings, shades and estates are also taking a big shape. Roads, Rails, Airports and Seaports are under massive expansions all around.

To compensate this demand, we will need three resources at its best:

1. Skilled Manpower
2. Smart Materials
3. Automation

We have to really engage our technical and training institutions for developing skilled manpower. We must create a very positive and strong environment to attract a big mass of youth to take interest in technical skills.

We must start use materials those are smart in manufacturing, smart in applications and environment friendly, reusable and maintenance free. These materials should be able to deliver finished products at the fastest possible pace.

We will have to start investing in the technology and automation, which can run will less people now. We all must start worry about the labour availability of present and near future.

This is a very sensitive issue now and cumulatively it needs attention and addressing by the industry, experts and government. We cannot just keep doing manufacturing and businesses, keeping eyes and ears closed anymore now. We may be stopped anytime without these resources. We will have demand and orders from Domestic and International markets, but we will not be able to deliver. And that is going to be the most sensitive situation as a country.

We have surely learnt IT & AI, but we have not learnt adoption of technology and automation at Small & Middle Industry level. These two segments have to be awakened now, rapidly considering the huge opportunities for the nation. 

It is the time now to update our instincts.

Hardik Panchal
for WPC NEWS

About the project-

Shivrajpur Beach is a Blue Flag beach situated 12 kilometres from Dwarka a known Krishna pilgrimage in Gujarat, India. Government of Gujarat is developing this beach with well-planned infrastructure shaking hands with leading architect firm from Gujarat. This beach is going to relate to a coastal highway of Gujarat. Gujarat Tourism as a principal entity is developing this beach with sports and luxurious amenities. As a part of that, an entire patch is established with container domes. Those will be used for multiple tourist applications across the beach. All the containers are being fixed with WPC wall cladding over facades. It is an exterior application exactly over a sea front and WPC fits best as the wood replacement material.

Why WPC is selected against wood –

Wood Polymer Composite, popularly known as WPC in the global market is a perfect substitute of natural wood. Conventionally and historically natural wood has been in use as a premium and luxurious material since centuries. Wood is in use with applications of primers, varnishes, veneers and paints for the enhanced beauty and weather protection. Being a natural material, it is sensitive to weather for its use in moisture, termite, UV conditions. Without protection, wood cannot sustain in outdoor applications. It needs periodic maintenance and regular safety checks as well.

WPC is a composite made with polymer and natural fibres (wood waste, agriculture residues), thus carrying mutual properties of both the materials. One is a man-made material and another is natural material. Both have different polarities to work with, but polymer technology and advance material technologies has made is successfully possible to bind them together for form a uniform composition. This composition creates a material that can withstand moisture, termite and UV effects, far better than the wood.

WPC is made with typical wooden colours and shades; thus, it is easy to select against woods. WPC can be made with surface with different textures and finishes to give you a typical natural wooden feel an aesthetic touch. WPC can be manufactured as per the architect or landscaper’s length, colour and surface finish requirements.

WPC can be made with single extrusion and co-extrusion surfaces as per the weather requirements. WPC can be easily fixed or cladded on vertical and horizontal surfaces with its interlocking designs. WPC doesn’t require any sensitive care, like wooden materials. It is a rough and tough material for external use. It doesn’t require any surface protection treatments like wood.

Challenges for WPC, if any –

As such there are no drawbacks for it’s use in facades. Application wise also it is almost similar vide fixing mechanisms and joineries. It can be use for vertical facades and horizontal ceilings as well for external use.

There are no major challenges for WPC, if we compare WPC apple to apple with natural wood. Yes, it can be colour fed with certain percentages between 10-12% at times while use in exterior facades. But it is like other materials those are withstanding against temperature delta from 6 degree to 48 degree. It is like the materials those are facing heat and dust round the clock. It is like the materials those are facing drastic moist condition to the extreme temperature condition, just in a day. But it stands and fits best against natural wood applications, anywhere.

WPC is a material made with 55-60% nature fibers (wood or agriculture residues) and pigmentation is happened during the mechanical process to polymer and natural fiber both. But post sanding process surface gets opened with natural fibers and those comes into effect of weather, just like a polished wood comes into. It results into colour fade at long, but moderately. It is 90% far better and safe against wood for façade use.  

Project Location: Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat.
Project Developer: Gujarat Tourism, Government of Gujarat
WPC supplier: HARDYPLAST WPC, India.

WPC in India is made up of Virgin and recycled plastic materials, added with waste wood/agri wastes. The motive behind developing the product which can easily and positively contribute to the circular economy of the country. Today when our country is moving forward with positive aggression for infrastructure growth, selection of sustainable materials is a key factor for the industry. Some points are important for the government and construction industry of india, as follows.

1. How is the Infra Construction Industry adapting to the concept of circular economy?

A: Indian infrastructure industry is adopting green building practices under government’s initiative, as well. Construction companies are consciously selecting and using such materials into practice as responsible organisations. Post RERA implementation, use of qualitative products with eco-friendly and reusable/recyclable characteristics are being increased. Increasing use of materials those can be recycled, reused, recreated will lead to saving of natural resources and virgin materials. Use of Glass facades, which can reduce the use of electricity consumption is one major adoption by companies. Use of smart design furniture made with reusable/recyclable materials like WPC, Plastic, Textile etc are sensitively being adopted. All such measures will save natural resources by reducing consumption of conventional materials.

2. The construction industry has been exploring the use of various recycled materials such as C&D waste, fly ash, plastic waste, glass aggregate, old tires, etc. in infrastructure projects. Could you elaborate on the potential benefits and challenges associated with incorporating these recycled materials into construction practices? 

A: If we talk from WPC material’s perspective, as a country we are manufacturing major chunk of Standard WPC Door frames those are from Recycled plastic material with waste wood. These frames can be recycled and reused for making the similar product again. WPC Doors, Windows are also being supplied to the construction projects those are made from recyclable plastic composites. We also supply WPC Panels for furniture and partition making by educating the direct possible applications without any surface preparation. These materials can be surely recycled for 2-3 times for reuse.

We can offer materials with buy back assurance of 25-30% to the project buyer. This will create a ‘CIRCLE’ of getting these materials back to the factories at around ¼ of the resin price. This will drastically decrease the manufacturing cost of the product. Once it will be in regular practice than we can supply WPC products at much effective cost than the prevailing market rates. This will save lot of trees added with reduced consumption of virgin materials. There can be shipping challenges for using of old/waste materials, but they can be systematized with reverse logistic planning.

3. What measures, at the government and industry levels, can be taken to enhance the adoption and utilization of recycled materials for a more sustainable future and support the ‘waste to wealth’ mission?

Both must work hand in hand for policy making and implementation. There should be compulsion for use of recyclable, eco-friendly, reusable materials in construction projects for Private sector and public sector. All government tenders should be mentioned with such materials only. There are some parts missing in the country in case of local technology for recycling and waste material processing, but standardization of building design can help a lot for setting up scalable processing units. E.g., All Door and Window sizes should be standardized across the country for all construction projects. This will help setting up the processing of waste/recycled materials units, effectively and efficiently. We must collaborate with the research organisation from the globe for learning and adoption of technologies for recycle and reuse of Fly Ash, waste wood, Ceramics, Glass, Plastic waste, Rubber tires. We must take it the level where our universities can teach them as full-time curriculums.

Special incentive schemes can be declared for entrepreneurs developing such projects. This will lead a great sustainable future for the country.

Pete Seeger, a folk singer, political activist, and a key figure in the mid-20th century quoted, “If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.”

(As per the talks with Maria Rasheeda, NBM CW, India.)
Hardik Panchal for WPC NEWS, India.

Over the past decade, WPC Material has carved a strong niche in the wood market. From furniture boards to flooring, WPC is fast emerging as a fast-growing product in all segments. The WPC product market, which has crossed Rs 3,000 crore in the Indian timber and panel market of around Rs 80,000 crore, has attracted everyone’s attention. Today, its portfolio includes all the top line wood industry brands of WPC products in India.

Now when any material is for panel furniture or joinery, glue becomes the most important raw material for it. Whether to join panel to panel or to apply decorative material to its surface, a good glue is essential. Today, whatever glue is available in the market for WPC, a description of them is given below, which will be useful for traders, carpenter friends and furniture units of this material.

PAPER LAMINATE TO WPC (MICA SHEET)

HEATX of Fevicol (Pidilite) has been in use for this application since long. Recently another glue of Fevicol is also being tested in the market by the company, which is specifically for sticking PVC WPC with mica sheet.

At present, Astral company’s WPC FIX glue is also available in the market for fixing the mica on the WPC sheet.

PVC LAMINATE TP WPC

Since last many years PVC laminate is a new product emerging which is suitable for decoration over plywood and WPC boards.

Astral company’s WPC Fix is ​​currently available in the market for bonding PVC laminate with plywood.

Fevicol’s HEATX is also in use for PVC laminate with WPC board. To apply HEATX, a thin layer of glue is drawn onto the surface of both the board and the laminate. It is necessary to keep this layer of glue evenly spread and thinly spread, otherwise there may be a bubble at that place by pulling the moisture in future. After drying for a while, the laminate is pressed over the board.

Apart from this, BENSON Polymer‘s glues are available in the market under POLYFIX brand, they can also be suitable for WPC to PVC Laminate, Mica and Wood.

Recently ALSTONE who is a leading Indian manufacturer of WPC products has also launched glue for WPC to Mica, PVC Laminate and Acrylic Laminate. It can be a good options for multiple substrates on WPC.

WPVC TP WPVC

HARDYBOND brand quick fix glue is available in the market for joining WPC with WPC, which is a product of HARDYPLAST. The mechanical name of this adhesive is Cyanoacrylate. The material made of PVC does fast bonding with other materials. The use of HARDYBOND and screws for making furniture will provide strength.

Promoted by WPC NEWS for information about Indian WPC markets.

Renewable Materials Conference 2023 – The Future Sustainable Chemical and Materials Industry will be Based Entirely on Recycling, Biomass and CO₂

From 23 to 25 May 2023, the brightest stars of renewable materials will meet in Siegburg/Cologne (Germany). More than 500 participants are expected to attend the “Renewable Materials Conference 2023” – the meeting point for global leaders in industry, science, and politics.

What will the future of the chemical industry look like?

A wide range of concepts and technologies will be addressed at the conference: circularity, renewable refineries, and chemical recycling as well as new process technologies. Technologies to produce more sustainable chemicals, building blocks, polymers, plastics and fine chemicals based on renewable carbon: recycling, biomass or CO2. Up-to-date information on new innovations, markets, sustainability and political framework provide a comprehensive picture of possible future developments. One highlight is the Innovation Award: after six pre-selected presentations, the audience will vote on the “Renewable Material of the Year 2023”.

Six Materials Nominated for the Innovation Award “Renewable Material of the Year 2023”

With the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year 2023”, nova-Institute, as organiser, and Covestro, as sponsor, want to recognise particularly exciting and promising solutions that contribute to replacing fossil carbon from the ground. The call for submissions was answered by 30 companies. The advisory board and the nova experts had a hard time selecting the six most exciting and nominating them for the award.On the second day of the “Renewable Materials Conference”, 24 May in Siegburg/Cologne (Germany), the nominated companies will present their products and all 500+ conference participants will vote for the three winners on site and online.

During the three conference days, leading experts will present successful “drop-in” solutions that maintain the existing structure of the chemical industry but switch the carbon source from fossil to renewable carbon. At the same time, a new chemical industry is emerging with novel building blocks and polymers, with innovative processes for example from biotechnology and electrochemistry, and with entirely new functionalities. One special in-depth session will focus on furans, FDCA and PEF, the other on biodegradation of polymers such as PHA or PLA, PBAT and PBS. The almost final program is available!

The unique concept of presenting all renewable materials solutions at one event hits the mark: bio-based, CO2-based and recycled are the only alternatives to fossil-based chemicals and materials. After its successful second edition in the year 2022, the Renewable Materials Conference has established itself as one of the most important conferences for renewable materials worldwide.

Speakers from world-renowned companies, pioneering start-ups, high-profile research and high-level politics will present and discuss a wide range of innovative solutions based on biomass, CO2 and recycling in 80 presentations (main and parallel sessions), 20 panel discussions and several expert workshops. The Renewable Materials Conference is the very best place to catch up on the latest innovations and implementations in the field of renewable materials that will shape the future of entire industries.

More than 500 participants and 40 top-class exhibitors are expected at a new and perfectly suited location – the conference center “Rhein Sieg Forum” in Siegburg near Bonn and Cologne (Germany). A matchmaking area throughout the three days, long lunch breaks and three evening meeting points guarantee comprehensive and effective networking. Siegburg is located in the west of Germany and can be reached by international participants from France, Belgium and the Netherlands in just a few hours. The new location offers a large car park nearby and good connections to Frankfurt, Cologne and Düsseldorf airports via the German high-speed rail system.

Organiser
nova-Institut GmbH
Dominik Vogt
+49 2233 460 14 00
dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de
nova-institute.eu