India’s first Sustainable PU and Foam Expo to take place in Mumbai

The Indian Polyurethane Foam Market is projected to reach a market value of USD 5.18-billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 8% between 2024 and 2031.

Matthew Barber, global events director at Crain Communications said, “India's fast-growing foam and polyurethane market, along with its robust construction sector underscores the significant potential of the ISPUF Expo. With the construction industry's market size estimated to reach USD 1.4-trillion by 2033, the demand for polyurethane foam is set to surge across key sectors. India's adoption of sustainable practices and the government's production-linked incentives (PLI) schemes for industrial manufacturing are further driving the polyurethane foam market growth.”

A roundtable discussion was held on 15 May in Mumbai, addressing critical issues concerning the construction sector's adoption of sustainable practices, particularly in utilising polyurethane materials. 

The discussion addressed the need for sustainable practices in the construction sector. Buildings contribute nearly 40% of CO2 emissions, and as India rapidly urbanises, there's a growing focus on making buildings more environmentally friendly. ISPUF brings crucial discussions to the forefront, highlighting how materials like PU foam can lead to long-term cost savings.

Mahesh Bangad, chairman, of the Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association said, “Polyurethane foam finds applications in various sectors including shoes, wall panels, insulation, and mattresses. Today, it's also used extensively in the packaging and electronics industries. In construction, PU foam is effectively utilised to reduce the weight of skyscraper walls, in warehousing, and for sealing airport roofs and gaps between windows and doors.”

“PU foam currently holds a small market share in India; however, industry experts are optimistic that within the next 10 years, it could capture 30-40% of the market, particularly in fire insulation and other critical applications. The upcoming UTECH India - Sustainable Polyurethane and Foam Expo from December 4 to 6, 2024, in Mumbai, will provide an excellent platform to explore PU foam's potential and its role in sustainable construction practices," he added.

Furthermore, the expo will showcase innovations in product sectors such as antistatic foam, defoamers, polyester foam, polyether foam, spray foam insulation, specialist foam packaging, moulds, machinery & handling equipment, casting & moulding technology, robotics/materials handling equipment/control systems, cutting equipment, and more.

Taher Patrawala managing director of Media Fusion, said, "With the Indian economy expected to grow by 6.4% in 2024, the demand for polyurethane foam is set to surge across key sectors such as construction, packaging, furniture, and footwear. UTECH India - Sustainable Polyurethane & Foam Expo comes at a crucial juncture, offering a platform to explore the latest trends and innovations in the polyols and polyurethane market.”

The ISPUF Expo 2024 presents a golden opportunity for industry stakeholders to explore groundbreaking innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and drive the foam and polyurethane industry forward into a new era of excellence.