Intro: In the age of steel-driven infrastructure, coatings are no longer just about colour, they are about performance, longevity, and sustainability. Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. (KNPL), a trusted leader in India’s paints and coatings industry, has been redefining protection for steel structures through advanced chemistry and innovation. In an insightful exchange with SSMB, KNPL’s Prasad Talvelkar, Head – Protective Coatings, discusses the division’s technology focus, sustainability roadmap, and its growing role in shaping India’s industrial and infrastructure landscape.
Kansai Nerolac has long been a trusted name in coatings. How do you position the Protective Coatings division within the company’s broader portfolio?
We are among India’s leading players across automotive, industrial, and architectural coatings, and our Protective Coatings Division plays a vital role in safeguarding steel structures and heavy infrastructure. In India’s diverse climate, coatings must deliver both functionality and long-term protection. Our focus has been on premiumisation, introducing next-gen technologies, and expanding our network to deliver high-quality, high-durability coatings that meet the toughest industry standards.
How is Kansai Nerolac adapting its coating technologies to meet the needs of PEB, EPC, and infrastructure projects?
We have always followed a customer-first principle. Our approach is about delivering practical, high-performance, and sustainable solutions. We have adopted green fuel usage, recycled solvents, and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Our product line includes low-VOC, high-solids, water-based, and UV-curable coatings, aligning with India’s green building and infrastructure goals. These innovations help meet project demands for faster turnaround, durability, and environmental compliance.
“We are not just protecting steel, but enabling a sustainable, high-performance future for India’s infrastructure.”
— Prasad Talvelkar
What innovations or product technologies set Kansai Nerolac apart in the protective coatings space?
We have made major advancements in areas like anti-carbonation systems, fluoropolymer-based multi-coat technologies, and 2C-1B coating systems for internal pipes and industrial assets. Our partnership with Kansai Paint Japan (KPJ) enables access to world-class R&D and material science expertise. This synergy allows us to develop customised coatings for Indian conditions, ensuring consistent protection, even in challenging environments.
How does KNPL support clients and partners at the technical and site level?
Technical support is one of our biggest strengths. We have certified coating advisors (AMPP, SSPC) providing on-site assistance and post-sales support. We have also expanded manpower in new regions and enhanced dealer engagement through specialised communication strategies. Moreover, our collaboration with KPJ’s global network gives Indian customers access to cutting-edge coatings, colour trends, and application technologies used worldwide.
Sustainability is now at the forefront of industrial coatings. How is KNPL leading this change?
Sustainability is embedded in our R&D. We have eliminated heavy metals from our formulations and developed long-life coating systems that extend maintenance cycles. For instance, our high-performance coatings for semi high-speed railway coaches demonstrate this blend of durability and environmental consciousness. We have also earned EcoVadis ESG recognition, and we are working towards reducing GHG emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by FY2030. Our goal is to make every innovation a step toward a greener planet.
Which industries do you see driving the next wave of demand for steel coatings?
Several sectors like smart city infrastructure, renewable energy, EV manufacturing, oil & gas, data centers, and marine construction are expanding rapidly. These industries demand high-performance, corrosion-resistant coatings that ensure safety and long service life. As India continues its infrastructure push, we see protective coatings becoming a key enabler of sustainable, steel-intensive growth.
