Solvay adding polymer capacity in line with 'Make in India' push

Gandhinagar, Gujarat — Solvay SA sees its new sulfone polymer plant in India as being in line with that country's "Make in India" initiative to bolster local manufacturing.

In an interview at Plastindia 2018, company executives said the previously announced investment in a new polyethersulfone plant in the state of Gujarat will help with regional innovation and meet growing local demand.

"We are hoping the government's 'Make in India' push will provide the required impetus to manufacturing so that demand for such niche polymers develops," said Amlan Das, managing director of Solvay Specialties India Pvt. Ltd.

Brussels-based Solvay said in October it would build the new PESU plant in India, along with investing in capacity expansions in the United States.

Das said the company will invest about 5 billion Indian rupees ($76.9 million) in the plant located in the city of Panoli and plans to start production in the second half of next year.

The company said the new membrane grade PESU will target sectors including health care, including dialysis treatment and pharmaceuticals, and water purification.

"Clean water remains a huge challenge for this growing country," Das said.

Solvay also sees potential for India's automotive market, which accounts for 65 percent of India's use of nylon compounds.

"With Euro VI emission norms coming in the next couple of years, the demand for specialty polymers may grow from the auto sector," Das said.

Company executives expect India's local market for nylon to grow to 100,000 metric tons by 2022. The company, which makes nylon 6 and 6/6 compounds in Panoli, India, hopes to grow its share of the market.

"Solvay controls about a 12 percent share at around 8,400 tons, which is likely to increase to 20 percent or 20,000 tons in the next four years. The total India market is expected to reach 100,000 tons yearly by 2022," said Jitender Kumar Bharihoke, managing director, performance polyamide, Rhodia Polymers and Specialties India Pvt. Ltd.