BRIDGING THE GAP IN RESIDENTIAL WATER CONSERVATION

“The primary challenge lies in raising awareness about water conservation in domestic households. While industries extensively discuss water conservation, residential water management remains fragmented and underemphasised. Unlike electricity, where usage is centrally monitored, water is managed separately across kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas, limiting a cohesive approach,” explains SHAILABH RATHORE, Director of Fluidmaster India, in an exclusive interview with ADITI THAKUR.

What are the current trends in the water solutions industry that are shaping the market?

The water solutions industry in India is witnessing significant advancements, driven by pressing issues like water scarcity, rapid urbanisation, and industrial growth. There is a growing demand for advanced, intelligent water solutions with Internet of Things (IoT) integration, enabling users to monitor and manage water consumption efficiently.

A key focus area is desalination and water reuse, with technologies like desalination plants and wastewater recycling gaining traction to ensure water availability for agriculture and industrial purposes. Energy-efficient and modular systems are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in urban areas, for their flexibility and sustainability benefits. Emerging niche applications, such as zero-liquid discharge systems, solar-powered water purification, and eco-friendly treatment processes, are also gaining momentum. These solutions cater to high-demand sectors and offer sustainable alternatives for water management.

How have consumer preferences shifted in aesthetics and functionality over time?

Consumer preferences have undergone a remarkable transformation. With increased technological awareness, people are comfortable adopting solutions that monitor and control water usage, reflecting a heightened consciousness about water conservation. Consumers are seeking products that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. Minimalistic and clean designs are in high demand, offering practicality and visual appeal. Sustainability has also become a priority, with eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and water-saving solutions gaining popularity. Personalisation is another trend; consumers want products that reflect their unique tastes and lifestyles. Moreover, features such as durability and intelligent water-monitoring technology are now considered essential, along with enhanced comfort and ease of use. This shift underscores a preference for products that combine utility, design, and eco-consciousness to cater to modern lifestyles.

How is technology influencing the design and functionality of modern water solutions?

Technology is revolutionising the water solutions industry, making systems more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly. Smart sensors, advanced purification methods, and IoT-enabled systems address global challenges like water scarcity, contamination, and climate change.

At Fluidmaster, our manufacturing facilities are fully tech-enabled, incorporating AI-powered automation to optimise processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. By leveraging technology, we improve operational efficiency and contribute meaningfully to sustainability goals. Technological advancements are steering the industry toward creating more adaptive and environmentally friendly water solutions that align with the evolving needs of consumers and businesses.

What are challenges the you biggest have encountered in creating water-resilient products?

The primary challenge lies in raising awareness about water conservation in domestic households. While industries discuss water conservation extensively, residential water management must be more cohesive and emphasised. Unlike electricity, where usage is centrally monitored, water is typically managed across areas like kitchens and bathrooms, limiting a holistic approach.

Another challenge is designing sustainable products that balance cost and functionality. Developing eco-friendly products involves extensive research, testing, and development, increasing costs. While Fluidmaster absorbs some margin losses to promote sustainability, many customers remain price-sensitive, often prioritising cost over long-term benefits. This makes it challenging to push eco-friendly solutions in a cost-driven market.

What new design elements are being incorporated to enhance the overall bathroom experience?

Bathrooms are evolving into multifunctional spaces that merge luxury, functionality, and sustainability. Smart technologies, like touchless faucets and showers, make bathrooms more efficient and user-friendly. Wellness features, such as steam showers, aromatherapy, and heated floors, transform bathrooms into spa-like sanctuaries.

Innovative storage solutions and enhanced lighting designs are also gaining prominence, ensuring that spaces are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Universal design principles, catering to people of all ages and abilities, are becoming standard. Materials like marble, brass, and quartz add sophistication, while multifunctional layouts integrate spaces for vanity, laundry, or even small work areas. These trends underscore a move toward bathrooms that offer personalisation, comfort, and sustainability.

ADVOCATING FAIR PLAY IN SECONDARY STEEL SECTOR

“The major hurdle for the secondary steel sector lies in the government approval process, which often lists specific brand names instead of focusing on product specifications. This practice can be limiting, as it excludes other eligible suppliers who meet the required standards,” notes YASH ANIL GOYAL, Executive Director, Kalika Steel Alloys Pvt. Ltd. during
an exclusive interaction with MEENAKSHI SINGH

Can you tell us about Kalika’s legacy in the once fragmented and now consolidated Indian steel industry?

Kalika Steel has a rich legacy spanning 21 years. We began manufacturing ingots, progressed to rolling mills, and operate a fully integrated plant today. This remarkable plant stands out as the first Siemens unit in the secondary steel sector across India. Such advanced technology is typically found only in the primary sector with industry giants like JSW and Tata Steel. Our rolling mill, furnaces, and other operations are Siemens-based, operating under the Primetals banner, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of steel products. Over two decades, we have made significant strides, establishing ourselves as a trusted supplier across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa. Our relentless focus on quality and innovation has helped us build a reputation as a market leader.

What key challenges do secondary steel manufacturers like yours face in a market dominated by the Big 3?

The most significant challenge is maintaining the focus on quality amidst price-driven competition. Many buyers prioritise cost over the value of quality, and educating the market on the importance of quality is an ongoing Yash Anil Goyal effort for us. Another major hurdle lies in the government approval process, which often lists specific brand names instead of focusing on product specifications. This practice can be limiting, as it excludes other eligible suppliers who meet the required standards. If approvals were based on specifications rather than brand names, it would foster a level playing field, benefiting suppliers and consumers.

How challenging is it to keep pace with innovations, and how are you integrating technology to achieve efficiency in steel manufacturing?

Innovation lies at the heart of our operations. In 2014, we adopted Siemens technology to ensure we stayed ahead of the curve. Innovation is essential to remain competitive; with it, costs stay high, and efficiency increases. One of our key milestones has been the implementation of slit-rolling technology. Initially, we produced 8mm steel in three passes. After two years of technological advancements, we improved this process to five passes and have now achieved six passes. This progression has significantly boosted production within the same unit, exemplifying our commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the steel industry.

How are you accommodating the necessity of sustainability and carbon neutrality in steel making?

Sustainability is a crucial focus for us at Kalika Steel. Our unit in Jalna, Maharashtra, primarily uses industrial scrap, 80 percent scrap and 20 percent sponge iron, minimizing reliance on natural resources. Our emission levels are 50 percent lower than primary steel production, aligning with our sustainability commitment. We proudly identify as a “Green Steel” company, environmentally producing certified products. Moreover, we actively monitor and reduce our CO2 emissions every year. Although our electricity supply from MSEB isn’t green yet, we are actively exploring renewable energy options to further our sustainability goals. Our ultimate aim is to achieve net zero emissions in a few years.

“Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our operations. We’ve significantly reduced carbon emissions by implementing energy-efficient solutions and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global sustainability goals.”

What new technologies are being integrated into steel manufacturing, and how do they enhance product quality and user experience?

Kalika Steel’s integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as Primetals Technology (Siemens-VAI), has transformed our operations, improving product quality and customer satisfaction. One of the critical advancements has been adopting advanced automation systems, enabling precise control over the steel composition. This ensures the steel is more robust, consistent, and error-free during production. Automation also reduces downtime, allowing us to deliver high-quality products faster. Another significant advancement is our use of digital technologies and advanced metallurgy, which provide flexibility to customise products for specific customer requirements. Whether creating specialised alloys or tailoring steel properties for unique applications, we can seamlessly adapt to diverse needs.

Additionally, sustainability remains a cornerstone of our operations. We’ve significantly reduced carbon emissions by implementing energy-efficient solutions and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. From a user perspective, these innovations improve operational efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, and result in faster turnaround times. For our customers, this means dependable solutions catering to their needs.

How are you enhancing the durability of steel for the real estate and construction sector?

We are proud to incorporate advanced technologies such as the Integrated Steel Melting Shop (SMS), Primetals Technology, and the Pomini Quenching System (PQS) to enhance our steel products’ durability and ease of maintenance. The SMS ensures consistency by streamlining the melting, refining, and casting processes. This reduces internal defects and inclusions, resulting in more reliable products that require less maintenance over their lifespan. For example, billets produced in this facility are less prone to structural issues, making them ideal for applications where longevity is critical.

Primetals Technology further enhances steel quality by offering precise control over its composition. This improves mechanical properties such as corrosion and fatigue resistance, enabling our steel to endure harsh conditions and demanding applications. For instance, infrastructure built with this steel experiences less wear and tear, ensuring long-term durability.

The Pomini Quenching System provides advanced heat treatment, significantly increasing the steel’s hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance. This makes our products ideal for heavy-duty applications like construction, where materials must withstand high stress and pressure. Steel treated with PQS is especially suited for creating high-strength bars that resist fatigue and endure rigorous environments. Through these innovative treatments and technologies, we deliver steel products that are robust, long-lasting, and maintenance cost-effective, offering our customers superior durability and reliability for their diverse applications.