On the threshold of lead-free paints

The painting industry has, of late, come under the regulatory scanner for the use of unacceptable amount of lead in branded paints. In a One-On-One with ACE Update, Anil Parikh, director, Godavari Paints Pvt. Ltd, discussed at length the measures taken by the industry for a gradual phase out lead from paints and to form a legal binding on this. Edited Excerpts:
 
Godavari Paints is one of the leading manufacturers of exterior paints, admixtures and other building chemicals for construction and architectural industry. Brief us about your products portfolio.
Our group was the first Indian company to manufacture cement paint. We ventured into the market in 1960. From a single product, the company today has a very wide range of interior and exterior paints and textures, which are eco-friendly. Our products have a proven track record of meeting the requirements of low-end to premium-end paints and textures. We are providing total paint solutions to the architectural and construction sectors. The key products, which are used by leading construction houses of India and specified by leading architects and consultants, are:
•      Inspira -Made range of textures
•      Pearl – Acrylic paint
•      Klassic – Exterior emulsion paint
•      Godavari – Primers, distempers, emulsion paints for interiors
•      Supremcem – Cement paint
•      Uno – Waterproofing sealer coat
 
What are the prime advantages of the paints produced by you?
Being in the industry since 1960 and as a niche player in the decorative paint segment, serving the construction and architectural sectors, we have kept pace with the technology in the construction sector and the paint industry. So, we are in a position to offer our clients correct products to meet their requirements. Since we are up-to-date with the trends in both the sectors, we are better placed to offer paints, which give our clients value for money spent.
 
A recent analysis by QCI has revealed that there is unacceptable amount of lead in some popular branded paints. How do you react to this finding?
We, as an industry, have social responsibility and have taken up this issue seriously and are committed to ban the use of lead based raw materials, which are injurious to health. Our group has been focused in offering eco-friendly paints and our products are lead-free.
 
What are the quality control procedures followed by you?
Our company is ISO 9001 certified and we have stringent quality parameters and carry out tests at various stages, as per the international industry standards. As a result we are well positioned to offer high quality and consistency in our products.
 
Besides, we have our own research and development facility, which is equipped with required infrastructure to test the raw materials and finished products, as per the standards set.
 
It is reported that the Indian Paint Association has approached the government to phase out lead from paints and to form a legal binding on this. Can you highlight the probable impacts of this initiative, from a paint manufacturer’s point of view?
When you look at the paint industry, you can broadly classify them into decorative and industrial coatings. One can also classify them broadly into water-based and solvent-based coatings.
 
The decorative segment, which contributes 45% of the market, features more of water-based products. So, they do not have the issue of lead, which is a carcinogenic product.
 
Lead based raw materials have been used sparingly in industrial and solvent-based paints. However, as a social responsibility, industry has taken up the challenge and is working towards eliminating the use of lead-based raw materials. The research on this is ongoing and already a number of paints have been reformulated, eliminating the use of lead-based raw materials. But, there is an upward cost impact.
 
Finally, how did your company perform during 2010 and what is your target for 2011?
In 2010, the industry as a whole has performed well. We are not an exception to it. However, 2011 will definitely not be as good as 2010, as regards to bottom-line is concerned, due to the pressure of high cost of inputs.

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