Latest news with #SharadMalhotra
Entrepreneur
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Can Nippon Paint Tap Into India's PPF Market
The paint protection films(PPF), launched by Nippon Paints, will be available across India and is expected to be present in more than 100 cities by the end of this year Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The paint protection films(PPF) market in India is a burgeoning industry. The automotive sector accounts for a significant share of the paint protection film market. PPF is highly used to protect vehicles from road debris, scratches, etc and a rapidly expanding automotive industry is expected to boost its demand. With an eye on developing and expanding the market in India, Nippon Paints, under the n-SHIELD brand, has launched its own PPF. "Our films cover all categories in the market, not just the premium. We plan to ultimately manufacture these products in India, in line with our Make in India philosophy, mirroring the government's efforts to bring international manufacturing to India," said Sharad Malhotra, director of Nippon Paint India. PPF is a thermoplastic polyurethane film that can be applied on the painted surfaces of a car to protect the paint from stone chips, reduce abrasions and wear and tear. The PPF market in India is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 31.9 million by 2030. From 2023 to 2030, a compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of 7.6 percent is expected in India, according to estimates by Horizon Grand View Research. The company has set up basic concept plants at the moment to manufacture this product in India. The product caters to mass, premium and luxury segments and is priced between INR 65,000 to INR two lakh. Nippon Paint has multiple sites for developing these films. Currently the products being launched in India are sourced from Japan and China. The paint major is actively seeking to develop new partnerships in India for strategic manufacturing of the product. "It's still at a concept stage because this is a new technology. The kind of investments, opportunities we see are still evolving. Conceptually we are aligned that this should be manufactured in India but in terms of plant designs, plant sizes, investment sizes it's still a work in progress. If the product takes off very well, we can start manufacturing in the next two to three years. It depends on the adoption rate," Malhotra added. The current investment is primarily R&D focused. Nippon Paints has been developing the PPF for four years. It started the film business division in Japan way back in 2021. In the middle of COVID as a part of the strategic review in the business, the company decided to enter the film business. India is the largest automotive aftermarket business in Nippon Paint Group and is the second region where the brand promises grand entry with films. First PPF was launched in Thailand. The PPF comes with a five, seven, ten years warranty and is found in gloss, matte and colored ranges. The company is yet to finalize its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners. The entire detailing range consists of tyre dressers, dashboard cleaners, fabric cleaners, etc. Nippon Paint is also launching a host of other films including the headlamp film for which it has already received OEM endorsements. "We want to be a one stop solution, the car dealership or the detailing centre doesn't have to look out to multiple vendors. Nippon is there to serve them as a single source. This is a time where actually a player like Nippon Paint can add a lot of value, set standards, establish benchmarks, create ecosystems for the entire industry to benefit," he added. This product will be available across India and is expected to be present in more than 100 cities by the end of this year. Not only cars, these films will be available for two-wheelers, bikes and trains as well. In India right now the market is only two percent to three percent for cars and is expected to reach four percent to five percent in the next couple of years, estimated Malhotra. The paint protection films market is consolidated in nature. Some of the major players globally include 3M, Saint-Gobain, Avery Dennison Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, XPEL, Inc., among others.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Nippon Paint launches n-Shield PPF in India, eyes car surface care leadership
For over 140 years, Nippon Paint has built its reputation on protecting surfaces through coatings. Now, in a calculated extension of that legacy, the Japanese major is taking the leap from paint protection to paint protection film. Its newly launched brand, n-Shield, marks a strategic and ambitious foray into the growing world of automotive surface care. At a packed event in New Delhi, the message from the company's top brass was clear: this is not just a product launch — it's the beginning of an entirely new business vertical. Nippon Paint has launched its n-SHIELD paint protection film (PPF) brand in India, aiming to formalise the country's fragmented vehicle surface care market. With India as the global hub, n-Shield offers films, coatings, and detailing products backed by warranties and trained applicators. The move comes at a time when India's market for Paint Protection Films (PPF) is still underpenetrated, fragmented, and dominated by unorganised players. Today, less than 2–3 per cent of new vehicles in India opt for PPF, compared to 20 per cent and rising in mature markets like China and the U.S. Most of what is available to Indian consumers comes from low-cost Chinese imports, with no warranty backing, uneven product quality, and application inconsistencies, the company noted. Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING VinFast VF e34 41.9 kWh 41.9 kWh 318 km 318 km ₹ 25 - 30 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Hyundai Stargazer 1493 cc 1493 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 10 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Tata Altroz Racer 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 9.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING MG Baojun 510 1998 cc 1998 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 11 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 3.54 Cr Compare View Offers Lamborghini Huracan STO 5204 cc 5204 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 4.99 Cr Compare View Offers Nippon Paint wants to change that — and in doing so, institutionalise a segment that has remained informal and niche for far too long. 'Paints were always about protection and aesthetics. Now, we can protect paint itself — and that's where films come in," said Sharad Malhotra, President, Nippon Paint India Automotive Division. n-Shield is the outcome of four years of R&D, carried out across Japan, China, and India, with its India launch following an international debut in Thailand. From its new global business unit in Manesar, the company is placing India at the heart of this transformation — not just as a consumer base, but as a hub for product development, training, distribution, and future exports. Why now? India's moment in the PPF evolution The company's timing isn't coincidental. India's car market is maturing. Vehicle ownership is stretching beyond five years, buyers are more resale-conscious, and aesthetics now carry weight in both urban and semi-urban pockets. At the same time, the current PPF value chain is heavily fragmented — dominated by unbranded, inconsistent products, installed by poorly trained applicators. 'There's interest but no institution," said Rakesh Handoo, Director – Marketing & Surface Care. 'This is where Nippon brings structure, trust, and a brand promise." Also Read : Ceramic coating vs PPF: Which paint protection to choose for your car While countries like China are seeing high double-digit PPF penetration, India is just beginning to build awareness. But Nippon Paint isn't waiting for the market to mature. It wants to shape it — by creating not just a product line, but an entire surface care ecosystem. More than just a film: Inside the n-Shield portfolio At the core of n-Shield lies a portfolio that goes well beyond the conventional definition of paint protection. Developed with India's diverse climate and challenging road conditions in mind, the offering includes paint protection films in a variety of finishes — gloss, matte, coloured, and even custom design variants. These are aimed not just at shielding vehicle surfaces, but also offering a level of personalisation that reflects the growing sophistication of Indian car buyers. The range is complemented by headlamp protection films, designed to combat heat-related deterioration and the yellowing often caused by prolonged UV exposure — a recurring issue in India's high-radiation zones. In addition, there are dedicated films for sunroofs and windshields, intended to reduce chipping and retain visual clarity in regions where dust and gravel are part of everyday driving conditions. What rounds out the offering is a suite of ceramic coatings and detailing products — from shampoos and waxes to quick-detailing sprays — clearly aimed at customers who view vehicle upkeep as an extension of personal care. This is all supported by 5-, 7-, and 10-year warranty options, backed by a QR code-linked digital e-warranty system. This is a notable departure from the largely informal structure that governs the current PPF segment in India, where documentation and accountability have often been afterthoughts rather than standard practice. Features that aim to set a new benchmark What sets n-Shield apart in an increasingly crowded and loosely organised market is the depth of technical intent behind its development. Unlike many imported films that are simply rebadged and redistributed, n-Shield has been engineered by a company that knows coatings inside out. This understanding of surface chemistry, durability and weathering gives Nippon Paint an inherent advantage — resulting in films that combine hydrophobic behaviour, self-healing properties, and resistance to UV degradation, all tailored for India's uniquely harsh driving and climate conditions. Just as critical as product quality is application — an area where the PPF space in India continues to fall short. Recognizing this, Nippon Paint is creating a branded chain of n-Shield Studios that will deliver high quality and service on a consistent basis by geographies. These franchise outlets will be backed by specialized training academies where applicators learn the subtleties of film handling, cutting accuracy and bonding — abilities that have a direct impact on performance and satisfaction. The company says that paints were always about protection and aesthetics. Now, we can protect paint itself — and that's where films come in. (L-R) Rakesh Handoo, Director – Marketing & Surface Care and Sharad Malhotra, President, Nippon Paint India Automotive Division (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) The company has already roped in 40 distributors, with plans to reach 100 cities by the end of 2024. This is not an opportunistic rollout. It reflects a clear intent to create an ecosystem where standardisation, warranty-backed assurance, and consumer trust are non-negotiables. For Nippon Paint, the ambition is not just to sell protective films — it is to build a credible and scalable category around them. Market positioning: Mainstream premium with structured value In a market where low-end Chinese films compete on price and international brands on aspiration, n-Shield aims to build a 'mainstream premium' identity. Full-body wraps will cost between ₹65,000 and ₹1.2 lakh, depending on the grade — affordable for premium hatchbacks and sedans, but backed by a brand name, service standard, and warranty. 'We are not here to be the cheapest. We're here to be trusted," said Handoo. He added, 'This is not just for luxury cars. This is for anyone who cares about how their car looks five years later." Interestingly, the company is not rushing into e-commerce or direct-to-consumer sales. Instead, it's building application-led touchpoints that offer both awareness and conversion — a model it believes is more sustainable in the long run. Also Read : Researchers develop car coating that can self-heal scratches in sunlight Cracking the PPF market: Organising what's been informal India's PPF space today mirrors what the car paint segment looked like two decades ago — fragmented, inconsistent, and devoid of brand equity. Nippon Paint sees a repeat opportunity — to organise, educate, and lead. The plan is to first capture aftermarket mindshare, and then move upstream into OEM partnerships. Work is already underway with select carmakers to co-develop films that can be applied at the dealer or even factory level — beginning with headlamp and roof films that demand higher adhesive stability and precision. 'OEMs are warming up slowly. They see the value but want reliable partners. That's what we intend to be," Malhotra explained. India as the global hub: Not just a market, but a mandate India is more than just a testing ground. It is now the global headquarters for Nippon's surface care business unit — responsible for product development, exports, and eventually, film manufacturing. Exports of aftermarket paints from India have already reached over 20 countries, and the same roadmap is being drawn for n-Shield. 'We're not exporting leftovers. We're exporting what we've developed in India, for the world," Handoo pointed out. Manufacturing of PPF films in India is also on the cards, though currently the films are being sourced from Japan. Localisation will depend on demand volumes and infrastructure viability. From paint provider to surface solutions partner Through n-Shield, Nippon Paint is recasting its identity in India's mobility ecosystem. No longer just a paint supplier to OEMs, it now wants to own a visible, high-trust space in the lives of vehicle owners. This is not about chasing volume alone. It's about building a repeatable, scalable, and trusted surface protection business — from the workshop floor to the customer's driveway. 'This is not a product extension. This is a new business," Malhotra summed up. 'And we're here to build it for the long term." Rethinking paint in an era of extended ownership While the spotlight was on paint protection films, Nippon Paint's core strength remains in coatings, and the company is equally focused on how automotive paint itself is evolving in the Indian context. As car ownership cycles get longer and consumers increasingly seek a 'new car feel" well into their vehicle's lifecycle, paint durability, colour consistency, and repainting quality are becoming key differentiators in the aftermarket. The Nippon n-Shield lineup will include PPFs, headlamp protecttion, sunroof and moonroof protection along with ceramic coatings (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) According to Malhotra, traditional repainting in India still suffers from inconsistent quality and low consumer confidence, especially at smaller workshops. Nippon sees this as an opportunity to bring OEM-level finish standards into the aftermarket, not just through products, but also through application systems, trained technicians, and water-based technology. The company has already begun pilot programs with MasterCraft, its branded body and paint workshop format, to deliver controlled, high-quality repainting experiences. These outlets are also being considered as future touchpoints for n-Shield installations — creating a seamless surface care experience from paint to film. From colour matching to carbon neutrality In keeping with global sustainability goals, Nippon is also pushing the envelope in introducing low-VOC and water-based paints in the Indian market. While solvent-based solutions still dominate, especially in the two-wheeler aftermarket, the company believes that stricter regulations and rising consumer awareness will drive gradual migration toward environment-friendly formulations. Internally, there is already a clear mandate: any new formulation, whether for OE or aftermarket use, must be future-ready, meeting the highest global benchmarks for durability, environmental impact, and application safety. The leadership believes that paint — once seen as a purely aesthetic product — will increasingly be judged on its sustainability credentials, particularly as OEMs move toward greener manufacturing.'Paint is no longer just about colour — it's about contribution," said Malhotra. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Nippon Paint introduces ‘n-SHIELD' paint protection films in India
Nippon Paint , Asia Pacific's largest paint manufacturer by revenue, has announced its entry into India's automotive surface protection market with the launch of its 'n-SHIELD' Paint Protection Films ( PPF ). The company marked the occasion by also unveiling its brand partnership with the India Champions cricket team . The launch, held in New Delhi, signals Nippon Paint's intent to expand its footprint in the growing but largely unorganised vehicle paint protection space. The company has been developing its film-based offerings over the past four years and is now rolling them out across India and other global markets, following an initial launch in Thailand. 'As we enter the film space, we are bringing our paint expertise to build top-tier products that cater to all segments, not just premium,' said Sharad Malhotra, Director, Nippon Paint India. 'We also plan to manufacture these products in India in line with the 'Make in India' initiative.' To promote its new automotive brand, Nippon Paint has roped in the India Champions team—comprising cricketing legends and favourites in the World Championship of Legends. The team's captain, Yuvraj Singh, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, 'We're thrilled to support n-SHIELD and look forward to another championship-winning performance.' Nationwide Expansion and Dealer Integration As part of its market expansion, Nippon Paint is onboarding distributors, car dealers, and detailing centres across India. It is also setting up n-SHIELD studios through franchise partnerships, offering consumers high-quality, end-to-end PPF and car care services. The n-SHIELD line includes gloss, matte, and coloured PPF variants, offering protection against UV rays, debris, and physical impacts. The company also offers ceramic coatings and detailing solutions under the same brand, supported by a global e-warranty system and advanced precision cutting tools for application partners.
News18
4 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Nippon Paint enters into paint protection film biz
Agency: PTI New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) Nippon Paint on Friday announced its entry into paint protection film business with the launch of n-SHIELD brand. With n-SHIELD, Nippon Paints, Asia Pacific's leading paint company by revenue, aims to develop and expand the market for paint protection films and other films in India and other markets around the world. The company said it is eyeing the growing market of vehicle paint protection, which is currently highly unorganised. Besides, Nippon Paint India also announced its association with the India Champions cricket team, together with its brand launch. Nippon Paint India Director Sharad Malhotra said, 'Our films cover all categories in the market,, not just the premium. And we plan to ultimately manufacture these products in India, in line with our Make in India philosophy, mirroring the government's efforts to bring international manufacturing to India." Nippon Paint is launching the n-SHIELD brand in several countries, with India being the second launch after Thailand. The n-SHIELD portfolio comes together with a full range of ceramic coatings and detailing products that cover the entire car care range. Nippon Paint is also launching a host of other films including the headlamp film for which it has already received OEM endorsements. PTI KRH HVA Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
From plate to gut: The silent threat of microplastics
This World Environment Day, the theme 'End Plastic Pollution' highlights a pressing issue: microplastics in our food. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, have infiltrated our diets, posing significant health risks. Microplastics are minute plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics. Due to their durability, they persist in the environment and have been found in various foods. Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & Director of Gastroenterology at Aakash Healthcare, says, 'Microplastics are minute plastic particles formed by the decomposition of plastics, which are widespread in nature and hence damage both wildlife and people. They have been found in a variety of foods and can also be inhaled.' Microplastics enter the food chain through various pathways: Seafood: Marine animals ingest plastic debris, which then enters the human diet. Salt: Sea salt, in particular, is contaminated due to ocean pollution. Drinking Water: Both bottled and tap water contain microplastics. Honey and Sugar: Studies have detected plastic particles in these sweeteners. Fruits and Vegetables: Crops irrigated with contaminated water accumulate microplastics. Plastic Packaging: Leaching from containers during storage or heating contributes to contamination. Dr. Bir Singh Sehrawat, Program Clinical Director & HOD of Gastroenterology at Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, explains, 'Microplastics consumed through food, water, or air may build up in the body, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract, raising the risk of certain health issues like gut inflammation, dysbiosis (imbalance in gut microbiota), and potentially increased risk of conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD). Microplastics may also give rise to systemic inflammation, leading to other chronic conditions.' The ingestion of microplastics has been linked to various health issues: Hormone Disruption: Chemicals like BPA and phthalates, associated with plastics, can interfere with hormone production. Immune System Dysfunction: Microplastics can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to immune system dysfunction. DNA Damage: Long-term exposure may lead to genetic mutations and increased cancer risk. Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Senior Oncologist at Art of Healing Cancer, warns, 'They can also cause DNA damage leading to cancers. They can interfere in our endocrine systems, that is production of hormones. Our immune system also comes under excessive oxidative stress and inflammation, which causes it to dysfunction.' Some finds to microplastics are worrying. 'In one study, scientists found microplastics in human blood for the first time. In another, they found plastic particles in the placenta of unborn babies. People who eat a lot of seafood or work in plastic-related industries may be at higher risk. In extreme cases, long-term exposure has been linked to problems like breathing issues, hormone imbalance, and even organ damage,' says Samiksha Kalra, Dietician, Madhukar Rainbow Children Hospital. To mitigate exposure to microplastics: Opt for Fresh Foods: Choose fresh produce over packaged items. Use Alternative Containers: Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel. Avoid Heating Food in Plastic: Do not microwave food in plastic containers. Choose Personal Care Products Wisely: Avoid products containing microbeads. Dr. Bir Singh advises, 'Opt for fresh food and ditch plastic water bottles, using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastics. Avoid heating food in plastic containers especially in microwave as the heat can cause the plastic to break down and leach microplastics into your food. Use glass or ceramic instead. Choose personal care products wisely as many face scrubs and toothpaste contain tiny plastic microbeads.'
