FRP Sheets: The Future of Sustainable Building Practices

In an exclusive interview with Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO, Shiv Shakti Fibre Udyog, he shares his insights on how the construction sector grows in tandem with the development of new innovative materials. He also addresses the trust issues arising from the lack of well-defined regulatory guidelines.

The FRP sheets market in India is growing steadily, driven by increased demand for lightweight, durable, and sustainable construction materials. How do you see its growth?

The growth of the FRP sheets market in India is very promising. With the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials in the construction sector, FRP sheets are perfectly positioned to meet these needs. Their lightweight nature, coupled with their durability and resistance to corrosion, makes them ideal for a range of applications, from roofing to cladding. As awareness about sustainability continues to rise and industries seek more environmentally friendly solutions, we foresee a significant acceleration in demand for FRP sheets.

High production costs limit the affordability of FRP sheets in India. What technological advancements or economies of scale can make them cost-effective for widespread use?

While the production costs for FRP sheets are relatively high due to the materials and technology involved, we are actively working on advancing our production capabilities. The advancements allow makers to reduce costs without compromising quality. Additionally, as domestic demand for FRP sheets grows, the increased volume will help further reduce unit costs. They are also focused on exploring new raw materials and manufacturing techniques that will bring down production costs, enabling wider adoption in the Indian market.

The non-biodegradable nature of FRP sheets poses waste management challenges. How can innovations improve their recyclability and alignment with sustainable construction practices?

To address the matter of sustainability, manufacturers are exploring innovative recycling methods and are collaborating with industry leaders to develop more eco-friendly composites. They are also focusing on designing products with a longer life cycle, which reduces the need for disposal. Additionally, ways to improve the recyclability of FRP sheets at the end of their useful life are also being looked at, ensuring that they can be repurposed in other applications, aligning with the principles of circular economy and sustainable construction practices.

Conservative attitudes in the construction sector hinder FRP adoption. What initiatives or training programs can encourage builders to transition from conventional materials to FRP sheets?

The construction sector in India has been slow to adopt new materials like FRP due to traditional practices and a lack of awareness. To overcome this, Rooffit is actively involved in educating and training industry professionals through workshops, seminars, and collaborations with industry associations. We are focused on showcasing the benefits of FRP sheets through live case studies and demonstrations, highlighting their durability, low maintenance, and sustainability. Additionally, we believe that incentivizing the use of FRP through government support, coupled with more widespread technical training, will help builders transition from conventional materials to FRP sheets.

India’s reliance on imported FRP sheets increases costs and carbon footprints. How can domestic manufacturing capacities be developed to strengthen the supply chain?

India’s reliance on imported FRP sheets indeed adds to the cost and carbon footprint. However, this presents a significant opportunity for domestic manufacturers to step up and cater to this growing demand. Innovation and efficiency must be at the forefront, and production capacities must be increased to reduce reliance on imports. Additionally, by optimizing supply chains and local sourcing of raw materials, costs must be lowered, and carbon emissions must be reduced. Expanding domestic manufacturing will not only strengthen the supply chain but also create jobs and stimulate local economies.

Ambiguities in FRP standards reduce trust among stakeholders. What regulatory frameworks or certifications are needed to ensure safety and sustainability in their usage?

The lack of clear and consistent regulatory standards for FRP materials is a challenge that affects trust and confidence in the industry. To ensure further trust in the industry, it is essential that there is a uniform regulatory framework for FRP materials, encompassing safety, performance, and environmental standards. We are working closely with industry bodies and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to help shape these standards and encourage their adoption across the industry. By establishing clear guidelines and certifications, we believe that we can build more confidence in the usage of FRP materials and drive broader acceptance in construction projects.