Pulcra Chemicals, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has been at the forefront of innovation in the textile and leather industries for decades. With its deep-rooted history tracing back to its origins in Henkel, Pulcra has expanded its footprint across major textile and leather-producing countries, including India. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Umasankar Mahapatra, Managing Director of Pulcra Chemicals’ Indian operations, discusses the company’s global presence, product innovations, commitment to sustainability, and future growth strategies.
Global Presence and Market Expansion
Pulcra Chemicals operates globally, with major production units in Germany, China, Turkey, and the USA, alongside strong local manufacturing setups in India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. In India, Pulcra’s manufacturing facility in Boisar, near Mumbai, caters to three primary segments:
- Textile processing: Offering a complete range of chemicals for pretreatment, dyeing, printing, and finishing auxiliaries.
- Fiber finishing: Providing lubricants, anti-static, and cohesive properties for synthetic fiber spinning, including polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene. Pulcra also offers secondary spin finishes for spinning wool, linen, jute, acrylic, recycled polyester etc.
- Non-woven industry solutions: Supplying hydrophilic finishes for applications in hygiene products such as baby and feminine care diapers.
Pulcra also maintains a strong presence in the leather industry, providing specialty chemicals that enhance leather softness and quality.
Innovative Product Offerings and Technology Leadership
Pulcra Chemicals has a strong legacy of innovation, consistently developing cutting-edge products to enhance textile and fiber processing. Key products and technologies include:
- Selbana and Stantex Spin Finishes: Renowned products for fiber spinning, widely used for polypropylene, nylon, and wool processing.
- Stantex S 6327 Hydrophilic finishes: Used in hygiene products to improve liquid absorption in polypropylene-based top sheet materials.
- Sustineri Coloring Technology: A breakthrough coloring solution that combines pre-treatment and dyeing in a single bath for cotton, polyester and blends, leading to up to 50% of resource saving.
- Breviol DNV: A revolutionary product for the denim industry that minimizes water usage and indigo discharge, ensuring cleaner effluents.
Pulcra’s strategic acquisition of the Belgian company Devan three years ago has further strengthened its expertise in functional finishing. Devan specializes in bio-based chemistry, with products such as antimicrobial agents derived from linseed oil and phase-change materials for temperature regulation, aligning with global sustainability trends.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Pulcra Chemicals is deeply committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of textile processing. Key sustainability initiatives include:
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) compliance: Pulcra’s Indian manufacturing plant has been ZLD-certified for the past five years, ensuring no toxic effluent discharge.
- Bio-based and biodegradable raw materials: Many of Pulcra’s specialty chemicals incorporate bio-based components, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Sustainable textile processing solutions: Technologies that minimize energy and water consumption in fiber and fabric processing help customers achieve lower carbon footprints.
- Eco-friendly packaging solutions: Pulcra is actively working on reducing plastic usage by adopting recyclable and reusable packaging materials.
The Indian Market: Growth Opportunities and Challenges
India is a critical market for Pulcra Chemicals, with immense potential in textile, fiber, and specialty chemical applications. Mr. Mahapatra highlights key growth opportunities, including:
Expanding the synthetic textile industry: So far India is known for its expertise in cotton-based textiles. But there is a huge domestic and export market for synthetic based textiles. Pulcra has established a strong foothold in recycled polyester, polypropylene, and polyamide value chain – fiber to finish.
Enhancing competitiveness in garment manufacturing: While India excels in fiber and fabric production, improving cost efficiency in garment assembly remains crucial for global competitiveness. Specialty chemicals play important role of value addition during garment washing.
Import substitution: Developing high-performance technical textiles, including aramid, glass, and carbon fibers, to reduce reliance on imports.
Technical textile innovations: India has significant potential to expand its footprint in sports apparel, performance wear, and composite materials.
With its rich legacy, cutting-edge product portfolio, and strong focus on sustainability, Pulcra Chemicals continues to be a driving force in the textile and leather industries. The company’s commitment to innovation, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility positions it as a key partner for manufacturers striving for excellence. As India continues to strengthen its presence in the global textile value chain, Pulcra Chemicals remains dedicated to introducing sustainable and high-performance solutions that will shape the industry’s future.
