There has been a long history of WPC/PVC product in world market because it is being widely use in different applications such as Decking, Outdoor Furniture, Façade, Kitchen and Doors in many countries. Its demand has grown with the growth of civilization, and it has become an alternative of wood and wood products, where the material required as resistant to water/moisture. But, this product is in nascent stage in India, or you can say it is just 4 to 5 years old for Indian furniture industry. An estimated study by BSMR hints that PVC/WPC is the one of the fastest growing furniture material at around 1000 cr market size with presence of around 100 establishments. With small investment and no strict norms for setting up plant or availability of raw materials, its manufacturers are mushrooming almost every corner in India.
Right from the beginning, Indian PVC board producers are promoting this product as an alternate to plywood and they are drumming it as crusader of environment as it saves wood. Even Plywood, MDF and Particle Boards are eco-friendly products because it is made of plantation timber, grown by farmers, and also saves forest wood and environment. However, WPC/PVC boards are successfully created its space among pan India plywood shops, although it is very small, because the quality of genuine grade marine IS 710 plywood is being detoriated to worst level and market is flooded with fake IS 710 grade plywood. These products reach to users through the same plywood dealers and carpenters. This development has given a route to WPC/PVC products in furniture industry resulting to a successful growth story of this product in India in short period of time.
This product is in nascent stage in India, or you can say it is just 4 to 5 years old for Indian furniture industry. An estimated study by BSMR hints that PVC/ WPC is the one of the fastest growing furniture material at around 1000 cr market size with presence of around 100 establishments. With small investment and no strict norms for setting up plant or availability of raw materials, its manufacturers are mushrooming almost every corner in India.
With growing competition and increasing awareness among consumers, answers are sought. People are asking like; What is the difference between WPC and PVC foam boards? Which are tools suitable for assembling these boards, Nail or Screw or right adhesives for pasting mica on it? Query to find actual density, or dealing on weight parameter to judge quality is enough? Ply reporter findings show that PVC foam boards market is flooded with many spurious materials and same thickness boards are available in 20 to 30 kg weights on varying price levels. The Ply Reporter feels that ‘Absence of BIS standards, lack of standardised test for mechanical features of boards or doubts of emission on high temperature etc are need to be prepared by the industry’. The growing culture of promoting/offering these materials in Kg/Rs will hamper its image in future, the manufacturers should be cautions, and prepare guidelines for its promotion with honest effort that will only make WPC/PVC sector sustainable.
GST is supposed to be rolled out from July 1, 2017 and this tax reform will completely change the way of business ahead, hence in this April issue, a report has been published on “few key highlights on GST” for wood panel industry and trade, prepared with the help of tax related experts. The issue has also featured a growth story of Timex Doors and vision of their Director Mr. Mahendra Gala. Besides, there are lots of news reports, announcements, product launches and happening in this issue.
Wishing prosperous financial year ahead !
Rajiv Parashar
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