The extreme high gloss finish and 90 degree bendable has given an initial edge to PVC laminates in Indian market. The PVC range has not only become a 'must keep folder' on every retail shop but it also has started going bold with beautiful. Despite the fact that PVC laminate does not stand a chance if compared with HPL in terms of uses, toughness, flexibility, economy, availability etc, the plastic based decorative sheets have gained some initial grounds in retail markets. Though in entire decorative surfaces segment that include a dozen of material in interior applications, PVC laminates have hardly gained some market pie that may not even reach to 1.0 percent, but it has evidently scratched the supremacy of HPL.
During last two years, there are around 24 manufacturers who have entered in PVC laminates. In present times, estimates suggest that PVC laminate sheet market has carved a pie of 2.0 percent from the HPL segment. Despite of various new applications visible of PVC laminates like in fancy bags, gift boxes, shoes and apparels, Tent and marriage hall canopies etc, it is no denial that 60 percent of PVC sheets sold in India every month are being used in place of decorative laminate sheets only.
Now with texture foils entering in India, the PVC sheet target is certainly staring at more of 1.0 mm share. The market of Acrylic sheets that were largely used by readymade furniture makers has also seen a flow and increased uses of PVC sheets thus replacing Acrylic in price sensitive markets. The texture trends that has given a wider choice to Indian retail customer with more of anti - scratch finish may snatch some of wardrobe and paneling share market which was largely dominated by 1.0 mm laminates or decorative veneers.
There have been instances where a middle - class wood veneer user has turned towards PVC laminates because of gloss level and looks, time saving and cost saving. On the contrary the manufacturer and retailer have gained in these sales probably even better than veneers. In Bangalore and Pune there are many points where PVC sheets are doing better in walls and wardrobes of a 3 BHK apartment applied by some designer. The quick paste without polish and imitation and looks near to wood veneer or a branded high gloss laminate makes PVC laminates a quick choice for new age customers revealed a Bangalore based retailer.
Echoing similar views a Mumbai based designer said that 'I use PVC mica on places where client has small budget yet his dream home should carry appeal of a classy furnished place.' He adds that PVC laminates take lesser time to be pasted and has no match when it comes to gloss level. Finding similar views from retailers in big and small town, what look imminent is HPL is certainly going to have a product in competition where it will always win on price and functionality but there will be few who may opt for some thing different.
The Ply Reporter estimates that PVC laminates are going to be a category where HPL makers can not just afford to be mere spectator. The awareness, design options, availability and competitiveness in PVC laminates is growing with each that is why various laminate companies are launching PVC laminate folders every month. The Ply Reporter estimate that by 2020, PVC laminate market will be crossing 8 lacs sheets due to growing demand of new designs in Kitchen panels and Wardrobes.
Since 35 to 40 % of the PVC decorative sheets are from imports hence there will be check on prices of Indian brands PVC mica. The importers based in Mumbai and Delhi are of view that imported material will have advantage in PVC liner and whites but the design and new textures will alter the market scenario. One can conclude that Compared to last year the PVC laminates have gained significant rise in acceptance hence there are better designs, better quality and attractive folders. In a way, it is simply hitting the shell of HPL slowly, silently.