WPC – PVC foam board producers gathered in New Delhi on 18 November for a meeting, which was attended by more than 60 producers from all India. The main agenda of the meeting was “The development of WPC-PVC product & Industry challenges and problems” and formation of association and election of its office bearers.
Apart from the key agenda a discussion on ‘setting up quality parameters for sustainable market development’ was also conducted in which the association decided for quality parameters e.g Product density should be of Min 0.55 (+ 5%), Thickness must be mentioned on the product, Screw Withdrawal or Minimum withdrawal unit to be specified, Surface Hardness - Shore A or Shore B and 100% invoicing etc. Besides, many more points were discussed at length.
After discussion it was concluded that if any association member adopts all these five parameters as per defined standards, he will be given a GREEN MARK by “Entire India PVC-WPC Manufacturers Association” (EIPWMA). Altogether the members felt that said parameters are must to make this product grow in future. Association has plans to promote and educate the importance of GREEN MARK among consumers and users through different media, channels, seminars and exhibitions. The members raised the topic of ‘shortage of technical men power specially operators for the smooth functioning of PVC manufacturing process’. They expressed that many times they are compelled to pay undesired high salary because of technical people tactics and lack of communication among manufacturers. In solution to this, EIPWMA decided to exchange information among members before appointing a new operator. The PVCWPC Manufacturers Association also advised to go for two lab testing agencies, NTH (National Test House) and CPET (Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology) for testing of materials.
On the issue of growing import of PVC boards at cheaper dump affecting South India markets, the members sought to make efforts for implementation of Anti Dumping Duty to shield local producers. The Association promised that they would pursue the case on behalf of all the members. With increasing prices of raw material, which has led to increase the input cost of finished products, the members advocated to increase the prices with immediate effect. The Association has decided to increase the prices by 5% with effect from 1st December 2017. Mr. Tom Feng of Zhongsu Machine (China) and Mrs. Serena Hu of Demaji Screw also addressed the manufacturers and explained the benefit and use of their machines and technology for making good quality WPC and PVC.
The members collectively revived their Association – Entire WPC PVC Manufacturers Association and formed new office bearers and executive body for taking care of this sector for further growth. Mr Pawan Garg, MD, Alstone has been unanimously elected as President. The new office bearers and executive members are as follow.