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COVER STORY

The Driving Factors chemicals. For example, researchers are exploring the use of
Listed below are some of the driving factors for construction nanomaterials in concrete admixtures, which could improve
chemicals in the country… strength and durability.
Growing demand for green building materials: One of the major Increasing demand from emerging markets: Finally, the
trends in the construction chemicals market is the increasing construction chemicals market is seeing increasing demand from
demand for green building materials. As sustainability and emerging markets. As developing countries invest in infrastructure
environmental concerns become more important to consumers, and building projects, the demand for construction chemicals
builders are looking for ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials is growing. This is particularly true in Asia-Pacific, where countries
into their projects. Construction chemicals manufacturers are such as China and India are investing heavily in infrastructure
responding to this trend by developing products that are low- development.
emission, non-toxic, and recyclable.
Rise in demand for self-healing concrete: Self-healing concrete Industry Insights
is a new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the Key manufacturers in the industry are leveraging these opportunities
construction industry. It uses special additives that can repair cracks by innovating new products. These new products comprise
in concrete structures on their own, without the need for human properties like watertight concrete, high strength, reliable, hassle-
intervention. This technology is gaining traction in the construction free floor concepts, which can easily be used in construction.
chemicals market, as builders look for ways to reduce maintenance Paint manufacturer Nippon Paint (India) Pvt Ltd recently unveiled
costs and increase the lifespan of their structures. plans to foray into the `12,500 crore construction chemicals market
Focus on energy efficiency: Another trend in the construction as it eyes to expand the product portfolio. With its entry into the
chemicals market is the increasing focus on energy efficiency. construction chemicals division apart from the current paint and
Builders are looking for ways to reduce energy consumption coatings product range, Nippon Paint would offer products and
in buildings, and construction chemicals manufacturers are solutions under dry mix, repair and maintenance, construction
responding by developing products that can improve insulation, chemicals and waterproofing categories. The products to be
reduce heat loss, and lower energy consumption. launched (in construction chemicals) would be focused on three
Technological advancements: Technology is playing an segments – during construction, post construction and taking up
increasingly important role in the construction chemicals market. repair and maintenance.
Advances in materials science, nanotechnology, and other fields Attributing to the increase in residential and commercial building
are driving the development of new and innovative construction constructions for its foray into the construction chemicals division,

14 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|APRIL 2023