Indian Chemical Firms Must Shift from Scale to Problem-Solving: BCG

A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) urged chemical companies to integrate into capex super cycles early to capture returns in the 2030s, along with many other recommendations to improve growth.

With the domestic market projected to exceed USD300 billion by 2030, incremental growth is no longer sufficient, the report said.

India's chemical sector has delivered two decades of strong growth and world-leading shareholder returns, it noted.

"India's chemical industry is at a decisive inflection point. ChemCos today have the capability, capital, and credibility. What they need next is bold ambition and deliberate choices. The next global chemical giants can be built from India, but not by doing more of the same," said Amit Gandhi, Managing Director and Senior Partner, and India Lead for Chemicals at BCG India.

It asked companies to scale cash from the boring parts of the value chain and decide how much to invest in core value pools.

"Scout value in mid-sized European, Japanese firms and acquire select companies, especially family-owned, for IP, brand and market access. Build teams that understand brand, sales and digital presence especially for global markets," the firm shared its strategy.

It called on companies to improve margins by 200-300 bps with digital+AI at the core and transform the full operating model ranging from production, NPD, supply chain and sales.

"India already has the capability to compete globally in chemicals, but scale will now be determined by how companies rewire their operating models," said Amita Parekh, Managing Director and Partner, BCG India.

Parekh said improving margins through digital and AI, investing consistently in R&D, and building strong global partnerships are no longer optional but indispensable to long-term competitiveness.

- IANS