At Plastindia 2026, specialty chemicals manufacturer Shivtek used its participation to highlight both product innovation and its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing of specialty chemicals. In an interaction with The Packman, the company’s managing director Amitt Nenwani, discussed the company’s product focus, its emphasis on niche chemical grades, and the broader opportunities emerging for Indian manufacturers in a rapidly evolving global supply landscape.
Nenwani said the primary objective of participating in the exhibition was to showcase both the company’s existing capabilities and the products it plans to launch in the near future. “Our objective is to showcase our products, which we are launching in the future and which we are already doing. That is the objective of Plastindia – to showcase our strengths and also to observe other people’s strengths so that we can strengthen ourselves further,” he said.
At the show, Shivtek placed the spotlight on two key product areas. One is a green plasticizer designed to be 100% biodegradable, reflecting the industry’s increasing focus on environmentally responsible materials. The second is chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), a material widely used in applications such as PVC modification and impact resistance. Nenwani emphasized that the company is positioning itself as the first manufacturer of this material in India. “Till now, it is still coming from China. But we will be the first company in India to produce it locally,” he said.
The company’s differentiation, according to Nenwani, lies in its focus on specialty grades that are not widely available in the market. Shivtek concentrates on developing niche chemical formulations that address specific industrial needs. “We produce certain specialty grades which nobody else is producing. That is why we are able to sell those grades worldwide,” he said. In some cases, he added, the absence of these grades in the market can directly affect downstream manufacturing operations. “There are certain grades where, if we do not supply them, some factories have to shut down because of non-availability. So we focus on specialty chemicals, which nobody else is doing.”
Nenwani also linked the company’s strategy closely with India’s broader push toward manufacturing self-reliance. By developing products that are currently imported, Shivtek aims to contribute to the national objective of strengthening domestic production capabilities. “Our primary focus is India. We are trying to bring those products to India that are not made here. In that way, we are supporting the objective of Make in India and building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
Reflecting on industry trends over the past two to three years, Nenwani observed that India has begun to shift toward greater innovation in manufacturing. According to him, platforms such as Plastindia have helped stimulate this transition by encouraging companies to explore new technologies and product developments. “In the last couple of years, I see a lot of innovation happening in India which we were not doing in the past,” he said. “Now we have realized the potential we have. India has its own demand, and today we are producing not just for domestic consumption but also for the global market.”
Research and development remains central to Shivtek long-term strategy, particularly in emerging areas such as green chemistry and advanced specialty materials. While Nenwani did not elaborate on specific chemical processes, he indicated that the company has strengthened its scientific leadership to accelerate innovation. “We have a very senior PhD scientist who has joined our board, and he is looking after the chemistry,” he said. “We are slowly trying to innovate certain chemistry that has never been done in the world.”
Despite the optimism surrounding India’s manufacturing potential, Nenwani pointed out that regulatory processes remain a major challenge for companies attempting to develop new chemical products. In particular, he highlighted the time required to obtain approvals from regulatory authorities such as pollution control boards. According to him, these processes can significantly delay R&D initiatives. “The basic problem in India is that when you try to do something new, it is very difficult to get clearances because the departments do not understand the product,” he said. “Sometimes it takes one to two years just to get a license for R&D, and that delays everything.”
Nenwani suggested that policy reforms could help accelerate innovation in the sector. He urged authorities to create mechanisms that allow companies to undertake research activities more easily, particularly when working on new chemistry. “If companies are doing R&D on certain products, the licenses should be given more easily,” he said. “The government should come up with initiatives where R&D can be allowed immediately.”
Looking ahead, Nenwani expressed strong confidence in India’s position in the global manufacturing landscape. In his view, the shifting dynamics of international supply chains are creating a significant opportunity for Indian industry. His message to the industry, he said, is clear: strengthen domestic manufacturing while expanding export capabilities.
“My message is loud and clear,” he concluded. “Do whatever it takes, but try to make everything in India. Make yourself less reliant on imports and focus more on exports. The more we manufacture in India, the more it will help the Indian economy and also the world. Global demand is shifting to India, and the next 10 to 15 years belong to India – so we must take full advantage of it.”
