CORPORATE

“India Will Be A Global Hub For Speciality Chemicals”: Anil Gupta, Group Managing Director, KAPL

Anil Gupta appears undeterred by COVID-19. The group managing director of Krishna Antioxidants (KAPL) reveals that his speciality chemicals company was able to overcome the disruptions sparked off by the viral pandemic. He further adds that the Mumbai-headquartered speciality chemicals manufacturer continued to grow in double digits even during the time that the deadly epidemic raged. 

KAPL, one of the country’s leading speciality chemical manufacturers, has been catering to diversified markets – including oil, lubricant, polymer, water treatment, paint, pharmaceutical, personal care and agrochemical – since its inception in 1991. The company’s three production facilities – located in Chiplun and Vasai in Maharashtra and in Dahej in Gujarat – have been churning out a wide range of speciality chemicals under the Cristol brand.

The speciality chemicals manufacturer has invested heavily in research and development (R&D) and has been successful in producing new products and solutions that are in great demand across diverse industries. Besides, KAPL is also a government-accredited R&D centre.

The top management team of KAPL has veterans of the specialty chemicals industry with over 25 years of manufacturing experience in the sector. Moreover, the company’s over 400 employees, who have been trained in international best practices, have been ensuring that Cristol products continue to adhere to the high global standards of quality and performance.

Armed with some of the best global certifications – such as ISO 9001; ISO 14001; and ISO 45001 – the company’s Cristol-branded products and services have earned a respectable reputation across the world. Not surprisingly, KAPL’s speciality chemicals are exported to 32 countries across 6 continents, and more than 70 per cent of its sales are derived from exports.

In an engaging interview, covering a wide range of issues, Mr Gupta quite emphatically stresses that India is set to become a global manufacturing hub for speciality chemicals.

How has the going been for the industry, in general, and for Cristol, in particular, during the COVID pandemic?
Speciality chemicals are one of the fastest-growing sectors in India with an impressive annual growth rate of 15 per cent. The potential of the Indian speciality chemicals industry is increasingly being recognised at the global level, owing to quality compliance, availability of skilled manpower and reasonable price margins. In fact, KAPL has posted impressive, double-digit growth figures despite economic and industrial disruption caused by COVID-19. Consistency in quality, occupational safety and ensuring customers’ satisfaction have enabled us to thrive and flourish even during trying times. It is because we believe in being partners to our clients and associates. 

Will you take us through trends and developments happening in the global and domestic speciality chemicals industry?Technological advancement has given rise to tools that enhance employees’ efficiency and overall productivity. The tools also scale up production and analyse consumer behaviour to target the right audience or segments, streamline processes across the supply chain and develop distinguished strategies to maximise customers’ value. US trade conflict with China, coupled with tightening of environmental norms and government policies emerging from the pandemic, has established new economic opportunities for the Indian speciality chemical industry as a result of proficient labour, manufacturing expertise, cost-effective margins and compliances. Besides, incorporation of green chemistry in manufacturing processes to improve existing products and formulate new products is also an important growth opportunity as the world is gradually transitioning towards a sustainable future and demands sustainable products. There is a stress on establishment of stringent regulatory policies around personnel health and safety and environmental protection to minimise hazards of toxic chemical exposure.

What, in your opinion, are the major hurdles before the industry?
Coping with volatile crude oil prices, while attempting to use energy and raw materials judiciously in manufacturing processes, is quite a daunting task. Simultaneously, ensuring zero impact on the environment is one of the key concerns facing the chemical industry today.

What measures has the industry taken to change the perception of chemical industry being a major polluter?
Irresponsible use and disposal of toxic chemical-laden waste are a major hazard to health. They also lay immense stress on the environment’s delicate balance, making it perilous. The government has laid down stringent policies and norms to minimise the impact of chemicals on the environment. As an industry, we must proactively adhere to these standards to ensure that the environment, which is endowed to us by nature, is protected from ever-increasing chemical pollution. We must also adopt green chemistry which is a benign alternative that leaves behind cleaner air, consumable water and ensures better occupational health and safety. KAPL is a zero-discharge company, certified by the British Standard Institute (BSI) for ISO 14001: 2015 (Environment) and ISO 45001: 2018 (OHSAS). We carry out manufacturing with respect and care for the environment in which we operate by taking meticulous measures to conserve resources, prevent pollution and reduce waste.

How do you see the outlook for the specialty chemicals industry in the near future?
India is poised to emerge as a global speciality chemicals manufacturing hub over the next decade. Escalating geopolitical issues emerging from COVID-19 have turned the spotlight on India. With its large domestic consumption market, experienced workforce, cost-effective labour and reasonable margins, India is a notable beneficiary of the search for a competitive market. The government has launched flagship programmes, such as Make In India and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, to lend further impetus to economic growth.

As an industry veteran, how are you preparing for new opportunities in the segment and beyond?
We are constantly conducting research not only to improve the performance of existing products but also make our production more efficient. During the downtime in the lockdown, the company utilised the time to plan better, optimise production as well as streamline processes to ensure more efficient management of resources. This will allow for better efficiencies which in turn result in lower costs and higher profits. We will also address new challenges by focusing on certain key imperatives, like empowering our remote workforce; engaging clientele virtually; adhering to health and safety regulations at all facilities; accelerating production efficiency through time management and meticulous quality control; reducing operational costs and enhancing supply chains through prioritisation and distinguished strategies; employing sophisticated technology; and providing digital tools to ensure seamless operations across all environments. These measures will reshape the future of work. 

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