“We believe in green”

India Glycols Limited is a leading public listed India-based company, which exports chemical products to more than 40 countries worldwide. It manufactures green technology-based bulk, specialty, performance chemicals, natural gums, spirits, industrial gases and nutraceuticals. It offers its products to agrochemicals, automotive, personal care, healthcare and food processing, pharmaceuticals, paints and emulsion polymerisation, textiles, mining, oil and gas and paper industries, among others.

A strong strategic vision

With the emphasis now increasingly shifting to green manufacturing, India Glycols Limited aims at meeting industry’s need for environmentally responsible products and production techniques. This customer-oriented purpose embodies in the vision of the company, “to be one of the most respected and innovative manufacturers of internationally sustainable products”.

“India Glycols relies on breakthroughs in green technologies “, states US Bhartia, the Chairman and Managing Director of India Glycols Limited. “Since it was created in 1983, India Glycols Limited’s flagship division started out with a green approach to manufacturing ethylene oxide and derivatives, using the molasses-ethyl alcohol-ethylene ‘green route'”. US Bhartia insists, that “not only have we adopted several green technologies, but we continuously work to evolve new green methods, materials, innovative technologies and systems to meet the specific requirements of global clients”, including through a life cycle approach. Sustainable solutions are initiated by defining action plans and standard, which is based on a life cycle approach. India Glycols Limited benefited from a UNEP / SETAC Life Cycle Initiative programme, and received the expertise and support of a LCM coach from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

“We believe that the green movement is on the rise with more and more people joining it each year. We are proud of being a green petrochemical company with innovative technologies and a vision of long-term sustainability.”

U.S. Bhartia, Chairman of India Glycols Limited

“India Glycols believes in a life cycle approach, which directs business to consider responsibility on environmental protection from raw material procurement to product use. “

Source: India Glycols Limited 2014-2015 annual report

A strength to prepare for exports

The company has identified exports as a key future growth driver. It has already established itself as a major domestic specialty ethoxylate company and with the increased capacities, the scope for exports would be explored for higher growth. The company thus takes utmost care to ensure that its products are environmentally friendly and comply with national and international safety norms.

The major export markets are the South East Asia, Middle East and China, India Glycols having a logistic advantage in these regions. The company exports chemical products to more than 40 countries worldwide, and the thrust for exports would be to other regions in Europe, USA, Japan & Latin America for promotion of Bio-MEG and Bio-EODs.

To leverage the export potential of its products, India Glycols Limited has indeed initiated the process of aligning to emerging global trends. India Glycols Limited’s products are manufactured in compliance with global standards of plant operations, quality and safety. India Glycols Limited is an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 22000, ISO 50001 and SA 8000 certified company.

Supporting R&D strategy

India Glycols’ R&D strategy aims to ensure the smooth performance of the products at customers’ end via an effective technical service team. The life cycle analysis and biodegradability of products are ensured prior to the launch of the products. India Glycols conducted a comparative Life Cycle Assessment study of Bio-Mono Ethylene Glycol (Bio-MEG) from molasses versus from fossil fuel. This study was based on ISO 14044-2006 standards and determining several environmental impacts, including carbon footprint.

A conclusion of the life cycle assessment was that “Manufacturing MEG through Renewable based raw materials is a better option than adopting Conventional Petro route approaches in India, US and Europe”. India Glycols Limited also conducted life cycle assessments studies for other products such as Bio-Ethanol, Bio- Ethylene Oxide, Bio-Glycols, Bio-Glycol Ethers and Bio-Poly Ethylene Glycols, etc.

“The Life Cycle Assessment led to the conclusion that “manufacturing MEG through renewable based raw materials was a better option than adopting Conventional Petro route approaches in India, US and Europe”.

Source: India Glycols Limited 2014-2015 annual report

Fostering a reputation for sustainability

A rigorous, life cycle-based strategy towards sustainability is also a lever for recognition and acknowledgement, to foster the company’s reputation on the market. Among other things, it enabled India Glycols Limited to receive the Sustainability Award for Best Green Product in Chemical Sector from FICCI for 2014, for its Bio-MEG.

“Based on Life-cycle Assessment of Bio-MEG, the company received the prestigious Sustainability Award for Best Green Product in Chemical Sector from FICCI for 2014, for Bio-MEG.”

Source: India Glycols Limited 2014-2015 annual report

Organizing the integration of a life cycle approach

India Glycols Limited has had many solid life cycle practices in place. Cross-functional teams with some customer involvement had established procedures to minimize environmental impacts. Environmental and social issues were considered in the design process, and procedures were in place to respond to customer requests or to any stakeholder complaints. The IMS facilitated aligning with sustainability assessments of products and services.

During the UNEP / SETAC Life Cycle Initiative pilot project, the company got the support of a Life Cycle Management (LCM) coach, Archana Datta, from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The company’s General Manager of Environment, Health and Safety, Dr. R K Sharma along with Sarang Khati and other LCM team members implemented a life cycle capability maturity assessment, using the questionnaire developed by the Life Cycle Initiative The assessment identified opportunities for further integration of life cycle practices into the IMS, which were successfully integrated.

The assessment highlighted opportunities to explore new business and growth opportunities made possible with enhanced life cycle capability. The training program for officers from nine departments demonstrated the company’s commitment to life cycle management, and was an effective start to communicate life cycle principles throughout the organization.

“Integrating a life cycle-based improvement roadmap really helped India Glycols’ specific projects achieve the targeted improvements, consistently with a wider, strategic intent. It also supported the framework for a structured and systematic way of developing skills and capabilities at individual, team, organization and value chain levels.”

Archana Datta, LCM Coach on the project, and Senior Assistant Director at
the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Last update: May 2016