Mehul Parikh
President - Customer Service Group, Construction Chemicals, Pidilite Industries
How is the construction chemicals market doing presently in India?
The construction chemicals market in India is witnessing significant growth, driven by rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure projects, increased awareness about quality and durability in construction. The increased exposure of the industry to information about global best practices through news, research, web, implementation of RERA in multiple states with clearer accountability of quality with the developer/builders and creation of New Indian Standards as well as adoption of International codes where applicable, are all leading towards creating structures with better durability and higher performance, all of which enhances usage of construction chemicals. The sector is estimated to grow at a healthy pace of 13-14 % CAGR over the next few years estimated by various market sources due to government initiatives like Smart Cities, Housing for All, and large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, metros, and industrial corridors. Additionally, rising consumer awareness about the longevity and durability of structures is further fuelling demand.
The Union Budget 2025 has also given a significant boost to infrastructure, real estate, and urban planning. Key measures include substantial investments in metro expansions, expressways, and public transportation systems, enhancing urban connectivity. The introduction of the Urban Challenge Fund, revamped Udan Scheme and increased allocations for housing projects aim to transform cities into economic hubs. Additionally, tax reforms and incentives are set to increase housing affordability and stimulate demand. All these initiatives augur well for the growth and expansion of the construction chemicals industry.
How is urbanisation and infrastructure development driving the demand for construction chemicals?
Urbanization and infrastructure development are major catalysts for the growth of construction chemicals. With cities expanding and high-rise constructions becoming the norm, along with development of large warehousing spaces and data centres in the peripheral area of cities, the demand for high-performance building materials has surged. Many large infrastructure projects such as metro, bridges, etc are now increasingly being designed with expected design life/durability often exceeding 75 years, sometimes much longer period, which necessitates the use of high-performance concrete and adoption of measures to reduce risk of corrosion such as admixtures that reduce permeability of concrete, protective coatings such as anti-carbonation coatings and more advanced waterproofing solutions. Construction chemicals play a critical role in improving structural strength, enhancing durability, reducing maintenance costs, minimising downtime in service and ensuring sustainability. The need for faster construction timelines, energy-efficient roofs and facades, waterproofing solutions that can deal with the design complexities encountered in such large projects, and superior bonding solutions have all further accelerated the adoption of advanced construction chemicals across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
As built structures go through their service life, sometimes coupled with change of usage and requirements to improve energy efficiency, there is an entire new area of growing need for solutions for roof waterproofing renovation, roof upgradation, structural repairs, external façade renovation and floor coating solutions especially for owner managed structures in both private and government sectors.
What are the key products and solutions offered by the company in construction chemicals?
At Pidilite, we provide a comprehensive range of construction chemical solutions, including for waterproofing, repair, grouts, adhesives, roof insulation, energy efficient external façade solutions, exterior protective wall coatings, tiling solutions, stone care and industrial flooring. Our flagship brand, Dr. Fixit, offers extensive waterproofing solutions for basements to roofs, including podiums, roof insulation, wet areas and waterbodies. Dr. Cipy delivers high-performance industrial and commercial flooring solutions, while Roff provides innovative adhesives and grouts for diverse tile and stone applications. We also offer specialized stone care and finishing solutions through Tenax, and energy-saving solutions for façades and green building construction through Pidilite-Grupo Puma. Additionally, Pidilite supports projects from conceptualization to post-completion with design assistance, cost estimation, in-house waterproofing application team for specialised projects, a pan-India skilled applicator network, on-site QA/QC inspection support, training programs, and proactive maintenance, ensuring optimal management and long-term performance. As an industry leader, our commitment to sustainable innovation drives us to continuously develop products that meet evolving industry needs.
How do you highlight the importance of using construction chemicals in the quality enhancement and safety of buildings and structures?
Construction chemicals are not just an add-on but a necessity for quality and safety in modern construction. They improve strength, enhance durability, and prevent structural issues like leakage, cracks, and corrosion. Increased focus on the built environment and in ensuring comfort for occupants results in development and use of energy-efficient and environment-friendly as well as “Green” technologies where Pidilite has been pioneering, and without the right waterproofing and protective coatings, buildings are vulnerable to premature deterioration. At Pidilite, we actively educate stakeholders—architects, consultants, builders, contractors, and homeowners—on the long-term benefits of using construction chemicals through training programs, on-ground workshops, and digital platforms. Our goal is to shift mindsets from reactive repairs to proactive protection, ensuring sustainable and safe structures.
What are the growth opportunities of construction chemicals in future? What are your future plans?
The future of the construction chemicals industry in India looks highly promising. With increasing urbanization, stringent construction regulations, and growing demand for sustainable buildings, the industry is set for exponential growth. At Pidilite, we are focused on expanding our portfolio with innovative and eco-friendly solutions that align with global sustainability trends. Our future plans include investing in R&D to develop high-performance products, strengthening our distribution network for deeper market penetration, and driving awareness through technical support and training programs. We are committed to delivering solutions that not only enhance construction quality but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of our built environment.
