Crafting Resilience In The Chemicals Revolution

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I bring close to three decades of experience in specialty chemicals and building materials, including more than 10 years in senior leadership roles. My career includes leadership roles at Grace/GCP (now Saint-Gobain), Sika, Fosroc Chemicals (now Saint-Gobain), and Infra.Market (VC-funded start-up), followed by my role as CEO of Horizon Performance Polyurethane. 

I currently work as an independent consultant, advising companies and investors regarding strategic and operational issues across the chemical sector. My industry expertise includes construction chemicals, polyurethane systems, and specialty building materials, with exposure to applications in construction, footwear, and automotive. 

Q2. What percentage of feedstock cost inflation (isocyanates/polyols) can be passed to footwear and auto clients within 60 days, and where does margin compression hit hardest?

Over the last six months, Indian polyurethane formulators have had to navigate sharp ups and downs in raw material prices, freight costs, and currency fluctuations. Most suppliers can pass along about 75% of feedstock price hikes to their customers within roughly two months. In cases where contracts include a formal raw material or foreign exchange indexation clause, they may recover …