22, Jan 2025
1to1help’s 2024 Report Redefines Workplace Wellbeing with Focus on Counselling and Resilience Trends
[Mumbai, January 22, 2025] – 1to1help, India’s leading Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service provider, has published its yearly report titled “State of Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024”, focused on key trends and challenges around workplace mental health. Based on a substantial dataset of over 83,000 counselling sessions, 12,000 elective screenings, and 42,000 assessments from January to November 2024. The report reveals an increase in the uptake of counselling services among corporate employees. More interestingly, mental health concerns have risen to 15% and is one of the top 2 concerns for which employees reach out for counselling, as compared to previous years.
This also suggests that people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and no longer view it as taboo, which has led them to seek counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or stress.
Ms. Mahua Bisht, CEO of 1to1help, stated, “Last year, we embarked on the journey of providing industry leaders with authentic, reliable data and actionable insights based on our counselling sessions. Each year, we seek to improve the data we share as well as the impact we deliver, and you will see more granularity in the findings of this year’s report. What really stood out to me this year was that we were able to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, significantly and demonstrably for individuals struggling with these issues in as few as three sessions.
In addition, we found that managers can play a life-changing role, as over half of the manager referrals we received involved a presence of suicidal risk.
This shows the importance of organizations and crucially, of managers in helping employees reach the right support at the right time.”
Major Highlights from 2024:
1. Mental Health and Workplace Relationship-Related Concerns on the Rise
The support sought through counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress increased to 15%. While counselling related to workplace concerns constituted 11% of the total counselling sessions, workplace relationship-related discussions claimed the top spot, comprising 23% of all such discussions.
2. Gender-Specific Insights
Counseling uptake by men rose by 7%, with 70% of financial consultations being undertaken by men, reflecting their worries about financial anxiety and societal pressure surrounding their role as the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. Notably, there was a disproportionately larger representation of women in counseling with 52% of all counseling sessions being taken by women despite their lower representation in the workplace. Interestingly, 60% of relationship counseling was sought by women, affirming the emotional burden they often bear, in nurturing relationships.
3. Generational Differences in Mental Health
The findings reveal that signs of depression and anxiety were more pronounced among individuals under 30 than those over 45 years. This is likely attributed to stressors like relocation, career changes, and relationship difficulties in their early and mid-twenties. Organizations can support their young employees by facilitating open communication, demonstrating flexibility in work arrangements, and providing opportunities for growth within their organizations.
4. Distress and Suicide Risk Cases Surge
The data reveals a 22% increase in suicide risk and a 17% increase in distress cases compared to 2023. Alarmingly, 59% of employees referred by their managers showed signs of self-harm, reaffirming the need for manager training to help and support distressed employees. The report also reveals that the dependents of employees are at higher risk of suicide, stressing the need to extend emotional well-being assistance to employees’ family members as well.
5. Digital-Life Balance: A Growing Concern
According to the data, only 3% of individuals maintained a healthy digital balance, with most finding it challenging to disconnect from devices. This highlights the need to prioritize non-digital engagement and provide strategies to help employees manage technology use effectively.
6. Effectiveness of Counseling
98% of individuals achieved their goals or made significant progress within just three counseling sessions, underscoring the tangible impact of timely mental health support. Among those who initially screened positive for depression, 53% reported a significant decrease in depression symptoms, and 48% reported decreased anxiety. These results show that structured counseling can effectively address emotional challenges and promote well-being in a short period of time.
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22, Jan 2025
Ashirvad by Aliaxis and Jadavpur University Join Forces to Revolutionize Water Management
Kolkata, 22, 2025 – Ashirvad by Aliaxis, India’s leading provider of plumbing and water management solutions, has announced a collaboration with Jadavpur University, one of India’s most renowned institutions, to advance water management solutions. This three-year partnership, supported by a project funding initiative from Ashirvad by Aliaxis, aims to address critical water management challenges while equipping students with hands-on experience and insights from industry leaders.
The initiative will operate under an open innovation framework, inviting students to engage with real-world problem statements provided by Ashirvad’s experts. The project will focus on enhancing the efficiencies of water treatment processes and exploring innovative approaches to tackle existing challenges in sustainable water management. A key focus area will be advancing next-generation materials that address both environmental concerns and the increasing demand for cost-effective, high-performance piping solutions.
Dr. Shireesh Pankaj, Vice- President, Innovation, Research & Development at Ashirvad by Aliaxis, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Jadavpur University underscores our shared commitment to driving innovation in water treatment technologies and providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences. Through this initiative, we aim to explore advanced polymer and material breakthroughs for next-generation plumbing solutions and enhance water recycling efficiencies which contribute to a more sustainable future with water preservation. At Ashirvad by Aliaxis, we believe that cross-collaboration through industry-academia partnerships fosters fresh thinking, enabling us to tackle current challenges while preparing for future global demands. We are honored to collaborate with Jadavpur University, which is globally recognized for its groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary excellence. Together, we aim to strengthen the innovation pipeline and nurture talent that will shape the future of industrial advancements.”
Prof. Bhaskar Gupta, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University stated that “This Letter of Intent will go a long extent to build up mutual confidence between industry and academia. Such collaboration is the call of the future, which will greatly help in nation building through end used innovative research.”
Prof Amitava Dutta, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University shared, “I am extremely excited about the scientific and technical collaboration between Jadavpur University and Ashirvad by Aliaxis in the areas of mutual interests. I am sure that this will generate many opportunities of collaborative research and will remain as a landmark of translational research in the country. I wish the collaboration to grow in the future.”
22, Jan 2025
Frido Promotes Community Empowerment with Focus on Women’s Inclusion and Economic Development
India, 22nd January 2025: Frido, a pioneer in ergonomic solutions for over a decade, proudly celebrates its remarkable growth while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to community development. With its roots firmly planted in India, Frido is not only transforming lives through its innovative products but also through impactful initiatives that empower local communities and promote sustainable economic growth.
Frido’s success began with its impactful work in regions like Talegaon, where it created significant economic opportunities. Today, the company directly employs 300 individuals and indirectly supports over 1,000 people from various communities. By the end of 2025, this support is projected to extend to over 2,500+ individuals directly and indirectly across India, reflecting Frido’s dedication to driving nationwide empowerment and resilience.
Frido’s forward-thinking initiatives are redefining opportunities for local women by addressing key barriers to employment and enabling them to play an active role in their families and communities. Recognizing the need for inclusivity and accessibility in the workforce, Frido has introduced a unique model by renting large spaces in villages like Sathegaon, allowing women to manage packaging tasks close to their homes. This setup eliminates the need for women to travel elsewhere for dispatching the products as Frido’s team oversees the entire logistics process. By undertaking final value-added services (VAS) and receiving regular weekly payments, these women not only earn a reliable income but also develop essential skills. This initiative enhances their financial independence and fosters social empowerment, enabling them to balance professional contributions with household responsibilities seamlessly.
Sarpanch Varsha Swapnil Navegane of Sathegaon highlighted the transformative impact of Frido’s initiatives, saying, “This initiative has been a game-changer for our community. Our youth now have meaningful job opportunities right here, eliminating the need to migrate to cities like Pune and Mumbai. Women, too, are stepping into the workforce, contributing to their families’ well-being and driving a wave of positive transformation across our villages.”
In addition to these efforts, Frido has partnered with a women empowerment- focused NGO to foster skill development and inclusivity. The collaboration promotes stitching and packaging skills among women, equipping them to take on diverse roles in the workforce. This initiative not only boosts employability but also drives gender equality, creating a ripple effect of positive change across communities.
Ganesh Sonawane, Co-founder of Frido, emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment, “True success lies in the impact we create beyond the balance sheet. At Frido, we believe in empowering individuals—not just through jobs, but by unlocking potential and nurturing self-reliance. Every initiative we undertake is a step toward shaping a more inclusive, resilient future—where communities grow stronger, and lives are transformed.”
Frido’s initiatives are a testament to the company’s belief that sustainable growth is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the communities it serves. By fostering economic opportunities, promoting skill development, and championing gender equality, Frido is building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
22, Jan 2025
Aukera Marks Expansion with HSR Showroom and Fireside Chat on Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Featuring Abhirami
Bangalore, 22nd January 2025: Aukera, one of India’s leading lab grown diamond jewellery brands today launched its newest store in HSR Layout, Bangalore. As part of the expansion celebrations, Aukera hosted an enlightening fireside chat featuring acclaimed South Indian actress Abhirami (Divya Gopikumar) and Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder and CEO. The discussion revolved around the theme “Making Choices- Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds” and delved into dispelling the myths around lab grown diamond jewellery.
The newly opened store is located at a prominent shopping street in HSR Layout making it an ideal choice for shoppers. In line with other stores, the new store’s retail design seamlessly reflects the brand’s ethos of elegance and sophistication with a clean and minimalistic decor that further complements the beauty of the store. Offering a collection of over 1000+ unique designs, the store showcases an array of solitaire engagement rings, bridal jewellery, necklaces, earrings, and more that not only cater to a diverse set of customers but seamlessly blend exceptional design with international craftsmanship setting a new benchmark for aspiration and trust in grown diamonds jewellery category. With this new store Aukera now has 8 operational stores spread across Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Speaking at the launch, Lisa Mukhedkar, Co-founder and CEO of Aukera, said, “It has been our single-minded focus to be at the vanguard of the pathbreaking evolution of grown diamonds jewellery. Aukera’s vision to inspire women to make choices and reject compromise, is single mindedly committed to design and craftsmanship, offering women the highest standards of jewellery. We are delighted to have Abhirami, who epitomises choice and rejects compromise in everything she does. The launch of this new store is not only a testament to our growing trajectory but it also reaffirms our vision of seeing more and more women choosing quality, purity and design – and turning their back on compromised diamonds.
Growing ethical concerns regarding traditional diamond mining practices have contributed to the rising popularity of lab-grown diamond jewellery. During the Fireside chat between Lisa Mukhedkar, Founder and CEO of Aukera, and actress Abhirami on the topic “The Truth Behind Grown Diamonds: What Every Consumer Should Know”, the actress shared her own transformative shift from traditional mined diamond jewellery to grown diamonds jewellery after being aware of social and unethical impacts of mining. The fireside chat also served as a platform for the duo to start an open dialogue on how the jewellery industry can benefit from a greater understanding and acceptance of grown diamonds.
Actress Abhirami said, “I’m deeply inspired by Aukera’s vision and purpose, as it aligns perfectly with my personal values. It was an absolute delight to engage in a candid conversation with Lisa, who is passionately driving Aukera’s mission to enlighten consumers about the realities of grown diamonds which are far from the myths doing the rounds in the industry.”
22, Jan 2025
APAC Brands Can Unlock Engagement Opportunities with RCS, According to Infobip Research
India, 22nd January 2025: Global cloud communication platform, Infobip has unveiled a new report titled ‘RCS: A New Era of Customer Engagement,’ which highlights research by IDC on the transformative potential of Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the Asia-Pacific region. The research reveals how a global smartphone user base of 5.1 billion presents new opportunities for brands to deliver personalized, interactive, and secure messaging experiences through RCS, particularly in countries such as Indonesia (146.3 million users), Malaysia (28.6 million users), Philippines (60.4 million users), India (653.1 million users), and Singapore (6.4 million users). With iOS now supporting RCS, brands can reach a broader audience with rich, engaging content directly on users’ mobile phones.
As businesses increasingly adopt digital communication channels, the need for secure messaging has become critical with the rise in phishing attacks in 2024. With India, Japan, and Australia ranking among the top 10 most targeted countries, RCS helps businesses protect their customers from falling victim to phishing. By integrating verified sender IDs and brand logos, which add a vital layer of legitimacy to messaging campaigns, this security feature of RCS ensures that customers can easily distinguish authentic messages from malicious ones.
Beyond security, RCS empowers brands to deliver contextually relevant communication throughout the customer journey, fostering long-term customer value and loyalty. By 2029, the report predicts that 60% of G2000 firms will shift from traditional KPIs like sales and profit to experience-oriented metrics, such as customer journey analytics and omnichannel engagement. The effectiveness of RCS is already evident. In India, fintech platform BankBazaar saw an 80% higher click-through rate with RCS compared to SMS, which further increased to 130% with the use of GIFs. This innovation has doubled customer response rates and established RCS as a core component of their marketing strategy. Similarly, Niva Bupa, a leading insurance provider in India, achieved a 75% ROI and improved customer retention with RCS.
Ivan Ostojic, Chief Business Officer, Infobip, said, “As RCS becomes widely available on both Android and iOS, it is transforming the way brands interact with their customers. Highly personalized interactions have proven to be effective, with response rates several times higher than traditional communication channels, underscoring the value of tailoring communication to individual needs. With RCS, businesses can engage directly with customers through the native messaging app, delivering a more personalized and seamless experience.” He added, “RCS is not just a messaging channel but a vital component of a brand’s omnichannel strategy. In today’s competitive digital landscape, it empowers brands to build trust, drive engagement, and foster lasting relationships while meeting evolving customer expectations.”
22, Jan 2025
Daily Habits for Mental Wellness: Tips to Strengthen Your Mind
By Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery- Founder of Prayatna, Kochi, Senior Occupational Therapist and Honorary Secretary of All India Occupational Therapist Association (AIOTA)
Mental health has become as important as physical health in today’s fast-paced environment. Living a happy and healthy life involves managing stress, preserving emotional equilibrium, and being cognitively strong. You can foster your mental health and well-being by adding easy, daily routines into your life.
Here are some helpful recommendations to abide by:
1. Start Your Day with Gratitude: Every day, begin by thinking about the positive aspects in your life. This could involve employment, family, health, or even little pleasures like a hot cup of coffee. You can develop an attitude of abundance and satisfaction by writing down three things for which you are thankful every morning, instead of focusing on what you lack.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: By practicing mindfulness, you can lower your anxiety and remain in the present. You can enhance emotional regulation, lower stress levels, and clear your mind by practicing meditation, even for just five minutes each day. For beginners, guided applications such as Calm or Headspace can be useful resources.
3. Stay Physically Active: Mental and physical well-being are closely connected. Regular exercise, even if it’s just stretching or walking, releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. This improves mood, lowers anxiety, and gives you more energy overall. On most days, try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
4. Get Enough Sleep: Insufficient sleep can lead to irritability, poor decision-making, and inability to focus. Prioritize a restful night’s sleep by establishing a regular sleep pattern, making your home a peaceful one, and engaging in relaxation exercises before bed. Seven to nine hours of sleep per night is typically required by adults in order to function at their best.
5. Connect with Others: For mental health, human connection is essential. A sense of belonging can be developed by spending time with friends, family, and even by participating in community events. Take into consideration joining a group or taking part in online events if you’re feeling lonely. Emotional support and mood enhancement are two benefits of social contacts.
6. Set Boundaries and Manage Stress: Setting clear boundaries is crucial in a world where business and personal life can sometimes blend together. Limit work-related activities after hours, take pauses, and develop the ability to say no when necessary. Engage in stress-relieving activities like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or enjoyable hobbies.
7. Engage in Creative Activities: Painting, writing, or playing an instrument are examples of creative pursuits that can be very healing. You may improve your creativity, feel more accomplished, and regulate your emotions by taking up hobbies that let you express yourself. Make an effort to schedule time each week for something that makes you feel motivated.
8. Practice Positive Self-Talk: Your mental state is greatly influenced by your internal dialogue. Positive affirmations can take the place of negative ideas. When you notice yourself thinking negatively, stop, question the idea, and swap it out for a more sensible one. Your perspective on the world and yourself can be significantly altered by developing an encouraging and caring mindset.
9. Seek Professional Help When Needed: Seeking professional assistance if you’re having mental health issues is not a sign of weakness. Talking to a mental health professional, going to therapy, or counselling can help you process your thoughts in a nonjudgmental environment while also offering helpful coping mechanisms and emotional support. Maintaining your mental well-being is equally as crucial as maintaining your bodily well-being.
10. Practice Acts of Kindness: Acts of kindness can generate oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which can lower stress and promote emotions of connection. Doing something little, like holding the door or offering your time, can benefit the recipient as well as your own mental health.
11. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen use, particularly on social media, may negatively impact mental health and lead to stress. Establish screen time limits and make sure you balance online and offline activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity.
12. Learn to Accept Imperfection: Burnout and feelings of inadequacy can result from striving for perfection. Instead, focus on progress rather than perfection and accept that mistakes are normal. The secret to keeping a positive outlook is to practice self-compassion and forgiveness for previous mistakes.
22, Jan 2025
Sudeep Chawla Appointed Chief Marketing Officer at Sintex
Mumbai, 22nd January 2025: Sintex, part of one of the India’s fastest growing conglomerate, Welspun World, has announced the appointment of Sudeep Chawla as the Chief Marketing Officer, marking an exciting new chapter in the company’s journey towards unparalleled growth and innovation. With nearly two decades of experience in sales and marketing roles at renowned organizations like Cadbury/Mondelez and Pidilite, Sudeep brings a wealth of expertise in brand-building across both B2C and B2B spaces.
A passionate storyteller and advocate of marketing’s transformational impact, Sudeep has a proven track record of driving category creation and strengthening brand equity. Sudeep brings nearly two decades of expertise in sales and marketing. His commitment to nurturing the marketing community is evident through his weekly marketing podcast, his teaching roles at colleges and online platforms, and two impactful TEDx talks on marketing’s evolving landscape. With his unique blend of strategic thinking and a deep commitment to knowledge-sharing, Sudeep is set to bring fresh perspectives and drive exceptional outcomes in his new role.
Expressing his excitement about this new role, Sudeep shared, “It is super invigorating to join Sintex at such an opportune time, when it is set to unlock unprecedented growth. I look forward to contributing to the growth trajectory of the Sintex brand and further strengthening efforts at Sintex BAPL as well as Welspun World to continue being a great place to work for current and future employees.”
Ashish Prasad, CEO of Sintex, warmly welcomed Sudeep, said, “I am thrilled to welcome Sudeep to our leadership team as the Chief Marketing Officer at Sintex. His extensive expertise in marketing and brand management, coupled with his passion for customer engagement, will be instrumental in driving our transformation journey of Growth. We look forward to leveraging his skills and experience to elevate our brand and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.”
In his new role, Sudeep will spearhead Sintex’s marketing strategy, driving brand innovation, enhancing customer engagement, and fostering key strategic partnerships. His appointment underscores Sintex’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, ensuring it continues to lead in delivering value-driven solutions for its customers and partners.
22, Jan 2025
Indian Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Run in TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025 to Spread Cancer Awareness
January 22, 2025. Those who participated in the Dream Run category included 30 young cancer victors and some employees of ICS.
The effort was primarily aimed at spreading the spirit of fighting cancer through the runners who demonstrated that despite having gone through cancer they could run the Marathon like any other person. Their spirit generated hope and positivity and spread the ICS message that good lifestyle, eschewing risk factors for cancer such as tobacco, and early detection through regular screening can help in staying two steps ahead of cancer raising awareness and educating people on the importance of screening and early cancer detection.
Apart from individual supporters a big push came from Kotak Securities and Raymonds. About 100 members from Raymonds and 130 members from Kotak securities ran for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 supporting Indian Cancer Society to raise awareness.
22, Jan 2025
Dalmia Bharat Limited Delivers Impressive Results in Q3FY25 Highlights
Mumbai/New Delhi, January 22nd, 2025: Dalmia Bharat Limited, a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
| Particulars | Q3FY25 | Q3FY24 | YoY | 9MFY25 | 9MFY24 | YoY |
| Sales Volume (MnT) | 6.7 | 6.8 | -2.0% | 20.8 | 20.0 | 4.1% |
| Income from Operations | 3,181 | 3,604 | -11.7% | 9,889 | 10,384 | -4.8% |
| EBITDA | 511 | 779 | -34.5% | 1,614 | 1,985 | -18.7% |
| EBITDA/T (Rs/T) | 765 | 1,143 | -33.1% | 776 | 994 | -21.9% |
| PAT | 66 | 266 | -75.2% | 260 | 533 | -51.2% |
| Net Debt to EBITDA (x) | 0.55x | 0.16x | 0.55x | 0.16x |
Commenting on the performance, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “After multiple years of high growth, India witnessed a slightly slow start to the year, but government’s continuous focus on investment-led growth coupled with the strong structural growth drivers underpin my confidence in a rebound of the Indian economy. In this backdrop, I believe cement demand growth will regain momentum. Our capacity expansion plans are on track as we will reach 49.5 MnT by the end of this year.”
Mr. Dharmender Tuteja, Chief Financial Officer – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said “Cement demand growth in Q3 fell short of our earlier expectations. Our volumes de-grew by 2% YoY while EBITDA fell 34.5% YoY to Rs 511 Cr with persistent softness in cement prices. With demand now gaining traction and prices showing signs of optimism, we are confident about a stronger performance in the upcoming quarters.” He further added, “Our strong Balance Sheet with a healthy leverage ratio ensures that we are well-positioned to pursue the next phase of expansion.”
Key updates
- Completed debottlenecking at Rajgangpur, Odisha (0.6 MnT) and Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh (0.3 MnT). Total Clinker capacity increased to 23.5 MnT.
- In line with the commitment towards RE100 by 2030, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into multiple Renewable Power Agreements under the Group Captive, which will secure 21 MW of RE power. This is in addition to 278 MW of power agreements signed earlier in H1 FY25. Thus, we have collectively signed agreements for 299 MW of RE power. Commissioning of these are ongoing and will continue in phases in FY25 & FY26.
- Commissioned 4 MW captive solar power plant at Medinipur, West Bengal and 46 MW RE capacity under Group Captive, increasing our total operational RE capacity to 252 MW.
- ICRA ESG has assigned a Combined ESG rating of 78 (strong) to Dalmia Bharat, underscoring our status as one of the leaders in sustainability within the Indian cement sector.
Key Recognitions during the quarter
- Won 1st Prize in National Energy Conservation Award by Bureau of Energy Efficiency in energy conservation – Cement Sector for Kapilas Cement Works
- Won Tamil Nadu Best Employer Brand Award 2024 by HRD Congress
- Won ISEI Safety Award for excellence in Safety, Health & Environment for Dalmiapuram
22, Jan 2025
Hindustan Zinc Unveils Game-Changing Metal Portfolio for Automotive Industry at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025
New Delhi, 22nd January 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, displays its new & innovative zinc die casting alloy product range HZDA 3 and HZDA 5 (Hindustan Zinc Diec Casting Alloy) at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, along with its entire range of high quality zinc products for the auto segment. The company presented one of the world’s largest zinc product portfolios along with lead, silver and value-added products, tailored for the automotive industry at this global event for the automotive and mobility industry.
Zinc’s usage in the automotive sector, through galvanized steel, offers significant fuel and emission savings by providing a high degree of corrosion resistance to lightweight steel bodies (BIW or Body-In-White), ensuring durable, long-lasting vehicles with longer anti-perforation warranty against corrosion. The company’s Zinc Die Casting Alloys specially developed for the hot chamber die casting process are engineered to cater to the evolving needs of the automotive sector. Commonly known as ZAMAK in the market, Hindustan Zinc is the primary producer of these alloys which otherwise are imported into the country. Hindustan Zinc’s Die Casting Alloys offer exceptional castability, long-term dimensional stability, fast machining, and superior finishing for plating, painting, and chromate treatments. Both HZDA 3 & HZDA 5 provides higher strength, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and dimensional tolerance to automobiles. The company’s foray into superior die-casting alloys presents an opportunity for auto OEMs and component manufacturers to reduce imports from other countries and build a resilient value chain of high-quality products within the country.
Another big draw at the event was Hindustan Zinc’s low-carbon ‘green’ zinc branded ‘EcoZen’ that has 75% lower carbon footprint compared to conventionally produced zinc that can result in a total carbon emission avoidance of about 400 kgs in galvanizing one tonne of steel with EcoZen.
The company’s product range also includes lead, which is vital for automotive batteries, components and radiation shielding while silver enhances conductivity and efficiency in automotive electronics, including switches and relays. As the auto industry transforms with localization, electrification and stricter emissions regulations, domestically produced zinc, lead and silver present sustainable, high-performance solutions for the future.
Sharing his thoughts, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “The automotive industry is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future, and Hindustan Zinc is proud to be a partner in this journey. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that not only meet but exceed the industry’s expectations. Our vast product portfolio will play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, sustainability, and design excellence in automotive manufacturing. We are excited to showcase our diverse metals at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, a platform that mirrors our vision of co-creating a future beyond boundaries.”
Recent trends indicate a significant change in preferences of Indian car buyers who are actively seeking ‘corrosion-free’ or anti-perforation warranties from auto manufacturers, specifically offering rust-protection in addition to protection against cosmetic paint fading and peeling. Globally, cosmetic warranties typically last five years, and anti-perforation warranties extend up to ten years, necessitating the use of galvanized (zinc-coated) steel in car bodies. This shift is driven by visible rust on vehicles as early as within the first few months to 2 years of purchase, especially in India’s harsh weather conditions where cars are parked outdoors, exposed to the elements.
Using zinc-coated steel for auto bodies (Body-In-White or BIW) is the most effective solution against rapid corrosion for which Hindustan Zinc’s Special High-Grade Zinc (SHG) is an industry best-seller. Post-purchase paint or anti-rust treatments are inadequate for long-term protection, often chipping and exposing the steel to rust. Therefore, adequate corrosion protection in vehicles is becoming essential to meet evolving consumer expectations and international standards. Galvanized car bodies account for less than 0.1% of the selling price, which are quickly offset by optimised manufacturing processes by OEMs, reduced maintenance expenses by the customer and enhanced brand reputation due to superior vehicle safety and performance.
Nearly 70% of Indian cars manufactured for exports use zinc coated steel (galvanised or galvannealed steel) due to international quality standards. However, only about 25% of cars meant for Indian consumption use zinc-coated steel. Even in these, the amount of coated steel used may be about 3% to 50%, while for export models the body may be 70-80% zinc protected. Rust-protection of cars is soon becoming imperative for the discerning Indian car buyer.
Hindustan Zinc has been a long-time upstream partner to the auto industry, providing a diverse metal portfolio for various applications, from car bodies to batteries, chips, accessories, and most-importantly corrosion-resistant components. The company’s comprehensive portfolio of value-added zinc products is tailored for the Indian automotive sector, providing cost-effective solutions that meet performance, quality, and safety requirements.
Hindustan Zinc is focused on a ‘customer-first’ approach to product innovation. The company’s Customer Technical Services team works closely with customers to provide a seamless experience. Committed to providing topmost quality products, the company’s zinc and lead products are the first in the country to be verified by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), along with ISO and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certifications for quality. Additionally, the company also has REACH certification for exporting its products to Europe.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company has recently launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc, produced using renewable energy, that has a carbon footprint about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified 2.41 times Water-Positive company and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.
