Smart Cities Drive Demand For PVC

Siddharth Bansal May 18, 2023

Smart cities are emerging as a new paradigm in urban development, as governments and city planners are embracing innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanization. By leveraging technology, innovation and resources, these cities offer a comprehensive approach to creating efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environments.

Further, through the integration of various subsystems such as transportation, energy, waste management, and public services, smart cities can optimize resources and enhance the quality of life for residents. These cities can also drive economic growth and innovation by creating new jobs, attracting investment, and promoting entrepreneurship. Shaping the future of urban living, the Indian smart city market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 25.2 per cent from 2023 and reach US$ 47.8 Bn by 2031.

To achieve this objective, the Indian government launched the Smart Cities Mission, aimed at transforming 100 cities across the country into smart cities by 2024. This target requires a significant investment in infrastructure and a wide range of building materials, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is extensively used in various applications due to its distinctive properties. This makes it an ideal choice for use in infrastructure projects. As a result, the demand for PVC has increased significantly in recent years, with the industry expected to reach 7.03 million tonnes by FY2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.11 per cent as more smart cities are developed.

In construction, PVC products are used extensively for window frames, piping, insulation, roofing, and flooring. The durability and flexibility of the material make it ideal for withstanding the rigours of weather, temperature changes, and other external factors. PVC is also an excellent insulator, which makes it an effective material for reducing energy loss and enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings.

With respect to infrastructure, PVC products are used in the construction of bridges, tunnels, and other public works. PVC pipes also known as “infrastructure plastic,” are widely used for plumbing, drainage, and sewage systems due to their corrosion resistance, lightweight, and ease of installation. An excellent alternative to metal and concrete pipes, its lead-free feature ensures quality and consistency while maintaining good health.

Additionally, the construction of cable and wire insulation, which is crucial for the implementation of smart city technologies such as high-speed internet, wireless networks, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, also utilize PVC pipes in their formation. Being an excellent insulator, it can withstand high temperatures and protect cables and wires from environmental factors thereby ensuring reliable performance. Taking the sustainability level, a notch higher, PVC acts as a catalyst in the production of solar panel back sheets and green building materials promoting sustainability and environmental protection.

In addition to government projects, private sector initiatives are also driving demand for PVC pipes in the construction of smart cities. Real estate developers and infrastructure companies are increasingly using PVC pipes in their collaborative projects, recognising the benefits of this versatile material.

It is hard to build a smart city without PVC solutions! This is fueling demand for PVC and also driving investment in the segment. As the trend towards advanced cities continues to grow, it is likely that the demand for PVC will only accelerate driving the growth of this industry and its contributions to the urban development landscape.

The author is Director of Skipper