“Aludecor is the first and only brand in the industry to have collaborated with an Institute like IIT to manufacture the best FR-grade ACPs in the country”, Ashok Kr Bhaiya, owner and CMD of Aludecor Lamination Pvt Ltd

Ashok Kr Bhaiya, owner and CMD of Aludecor Lamination Pvt Ltd, has an inspiring story of re-introducing ACP in India and reaching the pinnacle. In 1999, while managing the import-export business, this promising material caught his eye. The millennium was changing then, and so was the lifestyle. He travelled to various parts of the US, Europe & Asian Nations to learn about the production technology and other nitty-gritty used in ACPs. In 2002, he re-introduced this high-potential product in India with state-of-the-art ACP manufacturing facilities, advanced equipment & futuristic technology, along with a coil coating line in Haridwar under the brand name of Aludecor.

AL Circle: How do you foresee the demand for aluminium composite panels for building facades and interiors in India this year?

Ashok Kr Bhaiya: The demand for ACPs has seen an upsurge in its initial days and continues to remain a favourite choice for fabricators, design consultants and even architects. However, different types of composite panels are being introduced in the industry, such as CCP (Copper Composite Panel) and ZCP (Zinc composite panel). In a price-sensitive market, the demand and supply of these composite panels will vary, but ACP will remain irreplaceable, given the balance between its functionality and cost-effectiveness.

AL Circle: The construction sector accounts for 50 per cent of world steel demand. Do you think aluminium will ever come close to it?

Ashok Kr Bhaiya: The range of steel and aluminium applications is vast; however, there are places where steel will remain irreplaceable. But, if you look back into earlier constructions, there are many options which have been replaced by aluminium. Having said that, aluminium is not just used in the construction industry. The automobile industry has started using aluminium instead of ferrous alloys – and that has created a big demand. Steel is highly durable, strong, and can be up to 97% recycled, while aluminium is 100% recyclable and meets the highest eco-friendliness standards. While aluminium may become more widely used in construction and other industries, it is unlikely to come close to steel in terms of demand anytime soon.

AL Circle: Has the conscious effort towards sustainability in India increased the usage of aluminium in the building & construction sector?

Ashok Kr Bhaiya: Yes. In fact, about 30% of the metal used in the industry comes from recyclable metals. To join the steps of sustainable practices, we have always focused on research and development that contributes to a greener ecosystem. In fact, there has been a huge unmet demand for zinc as well – and it is a sustainable choice of metal. People want forests to remain forests. And it is possible when the need for mining decreases. Recyclability is the way forward, and every industry - in fact, every individual – should get into green habits. Every single step counts when it comes to maintaining the sustainability of our planet.

There has been a conscious effort towards sustainability in India's building and construction sector. You can clearly see the rise in the concept and implementation of sustainable certification among project builders. There has been a growing emphasis on green building practices, energy efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of buildings.

Achieving sustainable development in construction requires considering ecological, economic, and social perspectives. It's important to approach construction projects with conscious and responsible methods that take into account environmental impacts, economic viability, and social well-being. This involves incorporating sustainable building practices, using environmentally friendly materials, promoting energy efficiency, minimizing waste generation, and prioritizing the welfare of communities. By addressing these factors, we can achieve sustainable development in the construction industry. Aluminium's lightweight property contributes to reducing the overall weight of structures, resulting in potential energy savings during transportation and installation. It also requires less maintenance and offers good corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity and durability in building facades and structures.

AL Circle: You have allied with IIT Gandhinagar to conduct extensive R&D on the Fire Retardant properties of Aluminium Composite Panels. Can you please share an update on the project?

Ashok Kr Bhaiya: To have the best minds in academia showing interest in Aludecor’s products is something that we really were thrilled about. We have focused on the importance of continuous research and development, and when it comes to our indigenous FR products, the collaboration was indeed fruitful.

The Fire Engineering Research Laboratory (FERL) at IIT Gandhinagar employed their best minds to conduct tests on non-FR and FR ACP sheets manufactured by Aludecor. This collaboration aimed to explore and develop fire-resistant ACP sheets, addressing the crucial aspect of fire safety in building materials. The study aimed to enhance the fire performance of ACP sheets and contribute to the advancement of safer construction practices. We are immensely proud of the fact that Aludecor is the first and only brand in the industry to have collaborated with an Institute like IIT to manufacture the best FR-grade ACPs in the country.

AL Circle: In 2022, you built your third manufacturing unit in Haridwar, India, estimating the creation of 350 direct jobs. Could you deliver on that estimate?

Ashok Kr Bhaiya: Yes. Our employability spreads across various departments, and the number of direct jobs created since 2022 has crossed 350. I want to assure you that we take our commitments and estimates very seriously. We understand the importance of job creation and the impact it has on the local community and economy.

Additionally, we invest in training and development programs to enhance the skills of our employees, ensuring that they have the necessary expertise to thrive in their roles. We also prioritize maintaining a healthy and inclusive work environment that fosters productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.

AL Circle: What are the innovations Aludecor has done for the architectural industry?

Ashok Kr Bhaiya: Over the course of our 20-year journey, we have achieved numerous significant milestones, reflecting our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer service. Our constant drive to push boundaries has resulted in remarkable industry firsts and groundbreaking advancements.

Pioneering the introduction of the Double Coat Double Bake line, we revolutionized the manufacturing process, setting a new standard for quality and durability. As trailblazers in the industry, we established an in-house coil coating facility, empowering us to maintain meticulous control over every aspect of production.

Our dedication to innovation further shines through in the development of world-class products such as the revolutionary sand finish ACP, a first of its kind. In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we undertook indigenously researched and developed India's first FR grade ACP, harnessing the capabilities of our state-of-the-art R&D lab.

Setting ourselves apart in the composite panel sector, we take immense pride in being the sole manufacturer of FR core through indigenous means. Our commitment to superior coatings is evident in our textured series, featuring masterpieces like Wabi Sabi and Cortina, showcasing the remarkable advancements achieved in our paint formulations.

Looking towards the future, we eagerly anticipate the introduction of our honeycomb panels, a testament to the ingenuity of our state-of-the-art R&D lab. Remarkably, our honeycomb core is also the result of our indigenous research and development efforts, making us the sole industry player with such a distinctive combination for honeycomb panel manufacturing.

At every step, our unwavering dedication to innovation, cutting-edge research, and development has positioned us as leaders in our field. We remain committed to redefining industry norms, raising the bar, and consistently providing our customers with unparalleled products and solutions.