MR NARENDRA JAIN, DIRECTOR, DEXARTE PVC LAMINATES, shares that the penetration of PVC laminates in the interiors and 2/3-tier cities have just begun,
COMPANY – Dev Enterprises (IMPORTER)
BRAND – Dexarte PVC laminates
LOCATION – Mumbai NO. OF DESIGNS IN FOLDER – PVC : 100, PETG : 70, PP: 14, Acrylic : 24, PS: 99
SPECIALTY OF THE FOLDER – Copy right protected designs, premium quality products, wide colour palettes, varied choice of surface finish (high gloss, super matt, velvet touch, scratch resistant)
How did you come into PVC laminate trading business?
Being into the polymer industry since last 40 years as importers, we have been dealing in all types of polymers. The inception of DEXARTE driven by the jest for bringing new and innovative products in the ever increasing decorative market, happened with the introduction of 19 designs in PVC laminate in 2014 graduating to more than 300 products today.
According to you how much PVC laminate sheets are being produced in India and what is the strength of imports?
With production units being setup in India, the importers of the same although have come down but it hasn’t affected those working in premium quality segment.
What would be the ratio of white, off white and design laminates sales?
White and off-white surely sell in bigger numbers in any decorative products. Also, solid colour sells more as compared to designs with more than 60% sales in solid colours. 50% of plain colours contribute to the white / off-white.
How do you see the future of PVC laminate in India?
The penetration of PVC laminates in the interiors and 2/3-tier cities have just begun. India being such a huge market the consumption surely is to rise gradually; mainly due to the high glossy nature of the surface and big scope for a variety of digital designs with great colour depth.
PVC Laminate’s application has limitation. What do you say?
The application is horizontal as well as vertical. Most designers suggestdifferent materials for table top applications, other than that the application is vertical and horizontal both. As compared to regular laminates we don’t see any disadvantages in the application point.
In the last two year what were new trade developments?
Most developments that have come up in the last couple of years have been in highlighters section, like charcoal panels and planks which does not directly affect the consumption of laminates in a bigger scale. Apart from that PVC laminates have created for itself a space in the market and that is increasing at a good rate.
According to you why should a customer choose PVC laminates for their laminating needs?
The biggest advantage being 90 degree bendable, high gloss, digital designs, high glossy as well as super matt surface finish, colour depth and bigger scope in digital designing are the advantages of PVC laminates apart from being cost effective too.
Architects and OEMs are not much fascinated or aware about using PVC laminates. What is your view?
There was a time when due to price competition many importers resorted to lower quality products to sustain the price war. Thinner surface film and poor quality base did affect the overall image of the product. It’s a classic case of once bitten twice shy. Those who happened to use such material were/are apprehensive about using again. This poor quality of material stayed for hardly brief period thus damaging the image. But, those who have always dealt in good quality material never faced such issues of yellowing, cracks at bend etc..
PVC laminate productis designed for 90 degree bending and this is definitely not a problem where the quality of the base and the film are good
There are many application aches, like scratches, problem in cutting, not proper bending/pasting and grooving. What is your message to your customers?
The PVC laminate productis designed for 90 degree bending and this is definitely not a problem where the quality of the base and the film are good. The thickness of the film used in the making plays an important role. Another important factor is the skill of the carpenter. It isn’t difficult to the master the skill of making proper groove on the back with 45 degree router or cutting blade. Once this is understood the process is totally hassle free and easy. So at the end more the carpenter is willing to learn more the people will be happy applying these laminates. And regarding scratch, at heavy traffic areas these laminates are no different from conventional laminates. More and more companies are coming up with scratch resistant surface too.