Slow down times are the best time to invest in Clean technology for achieving higher efficiency in Specialty Chemicals industry

Ahmedabad, March 13 th , 2009.

Terming the current situation as one of the worst in the recent past, the experts, analysts and CEOs of chemical manufacturing companies from across the country, were unanimous in agreeing to the fact that survival in the slowdown will be a real difficult one. Speaking at a conference on Chemicals at the second day of 'InformEx 2009' international event, the industry barons feared that closures and merger & acquisition will soon be widespread phenomenon in the specialty fine chemicals and colourant industry. They, however, listed certain measures and initiatives which could help in survive the slowdown time phase.

Dr. C B Upasani , Director Jyoti Om Research Centre, Vadodara emphasized on the fact that 'clean technology is green technology' and that the current time was best time to invest in Clean technology as it would result in reduction in costs, easier effluent treatment and higher profits. He suggested that the best way in economic slowdown prevent waste before it gets generated, encouraged use of clean development technologies which assures use of less solvent, and even less energy consumption.

Use of such clean technologies also provides avenues for recovery of chemicals and metals. Eliminates or reduces use of nitric acid solvents etc.

Dr Kishor M Shah, President of Indian Specialty Chemical Manufacturers Association elaborated upon 'global scenarios on specialty chemicals and impact on current economic crisis and its remedies' said the global specialty including paints, flavours, additives, industrial cleaners and active pharmaceuticals molecule has grown close to 6.47% in last five years, and next five years, they will be the drivers of growth for this industry. India has cost advantage in contract research and MNCs are queuing up because of excellent quality control and timely delivery.

Mr Shah added that there was unprecedented demand compression leading to 30% less turn over in last six months for most specialty chemical manufacturing companies and expected government to announce economic packages to help compete with cheaper imports.

The conference was further addressed by Mr. Vijay Bukkawar, Ex-Director, Industrial Safety & health, Govt. of Maharashtra on Responsible care- a global standard for health, safety and environment, mr. Ravi Kapoor, Chairman, ICC, Gujarat chapter and Md of Heubach India, on ' status and effects of recession' , Mr. Milin Mehta, Financial consultants, K C Mehta & Sons on Current Economic Crisis- Trying time or time to reap', and Mr. Vishal Mehta, GM-Consulting Solutions 9Chemicals, IBM on mastering carbon management-balancing trade-offs to optimize supply chain efficiencies among others.