Rajesh Rajgor spoke with Dr. Nilesh Kurkalyekar, Business Director for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa; Christophe Cazabeau, President of Performance Materials; and Milan Vignjevic, Regional Commercial Director for APAC, to explore Envalior’s role in sustainable mobility. They emphasized the company’s focus on lightweight hybrid materials, recycled components like upcycled fishing nets, and safety through flame-retardant materials for electric and hydrogen vehicles. The company is also ready to meet India’s diverse automotive needs, from traditional combustion engines to emerging EV and hydrogen technologies, highlighting the importance of partnerships with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers for efficient, safe solutions.
Envalior is shaping the future of mobility through innovative material solutions tailored to the automotive industry’s evolving needs. At the Expo, Dr. Nilesh Kurkalyekar, Business Director for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the company’s commitment: “We’re not just innovating materials; we’re reshaping how industries approach sustainability, safety, and performance.”
The company’s light-weighting efforts were a focal point, emphasizing how hybrid materials like aluminum-plastic blends enhance vehicle efficiency. “Turning metal components into hybrid materials significantly reduces weight, improving EV range and supporting our sustainability goals,” Nilesh explained. Recycled materials, such as upcycled fishing nets, further underscore Envalior’s sustainability approach.
Safety is equally critical in Envalior’s strategy. Christophe Cazabeau, President of Performance Materials, remarked, “For electric and hydrogen vehicles, safety begins at the material level. Our flame-retardant materials minimize thermal runaway risks, ensuring an essential layer of security.”
Envalior’s success extends to diverse automotive applications. Discussing high-performance materials, Nilesh elaborated, “Our PA46 material is widely used for bearing cages in Indian OEMs, offering unmatched heat resistance and durability for high-friction applications.” Similarly, the company’s expertise in gear systems for two-wheelers reduces friction and noise while enhancing efficiency. “Lightweight gears not only boost performance but also reduce operational noise—a win-win for manufacturers and consumers,” he added.
Commercial vehicles also benefit from Envalior’s tailored solutions. “For external rearview mirrors, we’ve provided UV-stable materials that withstand vibrations and harsh terrain,” Nilesh shared. These innovations exemplify the company’s ability to meet specific challenges across segments.
Envalior’s presence in India is strategically designed to address local challenges. Christophe emphasized, “Our R&D center in India plays a pivotal role in adapting global technologies to local conditions, such as road infrastructure and noise-vibration requirements.” This localized approach ensures solutions are both practical and effective.
India’s dynamic automotive market presents vast opportunities, from two-wheelers to commercial vehicles. Milan Vignjevic, Regional Commercial Director for APAC, highlighted the company’s readiness to meet these needs: “India is the third-largest automotive market globally, and electrification is gaining momentum despite infrastructure challenges. We’re positioned to support every powertrain, from traditional combustion to emerging hydrogen and EV technologies.”
Milan also highlighted the importance of collaboration. “Partnerships built on trust enable us to provide the lightest, safest, and most efficient solutions, ensuring long-term success,” he noted. By working closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, Envalior is able to optimize design and accelerate time-to-market. “Innovation is not just about materials; it’s about delivering solutions that meet the unique demands of each market,” Milan added.
Through its strategic blend of global expertise and local innovation, Envalior is not only addressing today’s challenges but also paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future in mobility.