The Plastics Export Promotion Council unveils 5-year plan to target USD 25 bn of plastics exports by 2025

 

Mr. Ravish Kamath, Chairman, PLEXCONCIL

Focuses on 18 plastic parks, 50 value-added products and identified products for Atmanirbhar Bharat and the champion sectors  

National, 30 October 2020 (HPN): The Plastics Export Promotion Council of India (PLEXCONCIL), the apex trade body for plastics exports sponsored by the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has unveiled plans to target plastics’ exports of USD 25 billion by calendar year 2025 – while posting 20% growth in plastics exports during FY21 and FY22. 

Backed by strong government support-planned investment of USD 6.2 mn and 18 plastic parks being set up to boost domestic production, employment and achieve environmentally sustainable growth. PLEXCONCIL has mapped out 50 value-added plastic products in which India has a good standing and can easily expand its presence to other geographies. PLEXCONCIL identified products for Atmanirbhar Bharat are: PVC Films; Petrochemicals - Styrene Monomer, Maleic Anhydride, Propylene Glycol Titanium Dioxide; Plastic films Nylon High Tenacity UV Yarn. PLEXCONCIL is in the process of identifying the champion sectors. 

PLEXCONCIL has been organising virtual Interactive Sessions, Seminars, etc., with the manufacturers / exporters / related associations & organisations along with the State Governments to create awareness and to provide necessary assistance to exporters/manufacturers. The PLEXCONCIL mobile app has been unveiled for plastic exporter members and trade fraternity. 

Mr. Arvind Goenka, Vice Chairman, PLEXCONCIL

Mr. Ravish Kamath, Chairman, PLEXCONCIL, said, “India is well positioned as a key plastic manufacturing base for corporations relying on global value chains in a dynamically evolving world trade scenario. Recent policy announcements during the lockdown and unlock phases underscore Indian Government’s focus on domestic manufacturing and opening up of new opportunities. India has undertaken several business-friendly reforms in recent years to enhance ease of doing business. Various alternatives for leveraging India as a part of the supply chain are available --- 100% owned Manufacturing; Manufacturing through JVs; and Contract Manufacturing. India needs to boost domestic production of polymers, so much so that surplus quantity is available within the country thereby making availability of polymers at competitive rates.” 

Talking about further support needed from Government, Mr. Kamath adds, “Plastic exporters have to be given the option to continue with MEIS or with RoDTEP and the RoDTEP rates should be fixed liberally to help them complete internationally. PLEXCONCIL has been requesting Govt to appoint a Shipping Regulator body since a long time. Free Trade Agreements need to be Renegotiated for Plastic goods especially with major export destinations such as Europe (which accounts for 24% of India’s plastics exports), North America (16%) and WANA region (14%) amongst others.”

Mr. Arvind Goenka, Vice Chairman, PLEXCONCIL, added, “PLEXCONCIL is in the advanced stages of holding a B2B meeting with buyers based in the leading international markets such as the US, Egypt, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Our plan is to have at least 10 virtual B2B meetings with overseas buyers by December 2020. PLEXCONCIL has also written to Indian embassies and High Commissions. The PLEXCONCIL has approached three organisations to help build an export strategy for plastics with an objective to increase exports namely IIFT, New Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad and EXIM Bank of India.”

PLEXCONCIL is targeting higher exports to Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turkey with details of potential products.

Mr. Sribash Dasmohapatra, ED, PLEXCONCIL, said, “During the first half of 2020-21, India exported plastics worth USD 4.77 billion witnessed a fast recovery post lockdown and recorded a positive growth of 7.9% in September 2020.  During the first half of 2020-21, certain product panels like Raw materials; Polyester films; and Human hair witnessed a positive growth in exports. We are hoping that the remaining panels, particularly, Consumer & house ware; Writing instruments; Woven sacks / FIBCs; Floor coverings, leather cloth & laminates; will pick up in the second half of FY21.” 

India has 2,000+ exporters across the country - 15 large industrial groups in polymer manufacturing, 30,000 plastic processors, 7,500 units in recycling, Packaging, infrastructure, industrial sectors agriculture, textile fibers, electronics and automotive amongst others. PLEXCONCIL Members suggested that the Government should reduce the lead time for refunds (MEIS / GST) for exporters and also reinstate GSP. They have also sought availability of containers in order to avoid expiry of LC’s and breaching of delivery schedules. As India is import dependent on polymers, import shipments are not getting loaded at ports in Europe, USA & NEA for India leading to an unprecedented hike in polymer prices -specially for PVC Resin wherein India produces only 45% of its mammoth consumption of more than 3 MTPA.ENDS

The Finch: Blockbuster reopening as the New Mixology Culture club of Mumbai with Magician of Spirits Ron Ramirez @30th Oct. - 1st Nov. : The only ‘Mixology Culture Halloween Party’ in town on Sat 31st Oct.

Finch

Mumbai, 26^th October 2020 (HPN): The Finch will have a blockbuster reopening on the weekend of 30^th October (Friday) to 1^st November (Sunday) in a totally new never-before avatar as the New Mixology Culture Club (#NewMixology@Finch) hosted by the world-renowned Magician of Spirits Ron Ramirez (Creative Director of Mixology and Beverage, Bangkok) flying down to the megapolis for the first-time ever! Alchemist & Artiste Ron Ramirez will conjure up an eclectic Mixology Mix along with Culinary Discovery experiential menu and the one-of-its-kind Finch Sub-Zero Ice Series, featuring four seasons of microbrewery - Summer in Bavaria; Spring in Brussels; Fall in New York and Winter in London - all available here in Mumbai. The Finch Ice Series infusion denotes a scale of temperature on which flavored water freezes at 32° to capture the essence of ice.

#NewMixologyCulture@Finch urges people - “Don’t be afraid of being different! Be afraid of being the same as everyone else!” As a responsible and socially conscious citizen of the City, The New Mixology Culture 2020 consists of the Art Series (a Michelin Star collection) comprising a serial collection of award-winning cocktails such as the Bird Cage, Box of Desire, The Cure, etc., from around the world from mixologists. The Finch signature dining comprises a premiere private and custom menu, focused on upscale designs of dining experience unlike any other menu with the emphasis on guest experience and the open setting coupled with guest interactions with classy chefs. And yes, Our (Finch) Way of a progressive Indian food menu with an adorable twist!

Alchemist of Asia Ron Ramirez

The Finch will host the only ‘Mixology Culture Halloween Party’ on Saturday, 31^st October to ward off/ spook/ shoo away the ghosts of COVID-19 pandemic and usher in Mission Begin Again to welcome a new era of Peace, Prosperity and Popularity for the People of the Maximum City. Connoisseurs and aesthetes can experience spooky, scary, horror, hulky, groovy and gory themes (from Frankenstein to the Joker) while sampling a daringly different creative interpretations of a mesmerizing mix of speciality Mixology Bartending, Bespoke Beverages, Fantabulous Food and Microbrewery Mixology series capturing the true essence of ice. Experience the world’s most freaky mixology cocktails and sub-zero ice series mocktails!     

The Finch pledges to maintain all rules and regulations of social distancing as prescribed by the Central & State Government in order to arrest the spread of COVID-19 global pandemic.   Alchemist of Asia Ron Ramirez, a pioneer and culinary mixologost, will unveil the New Mixology Culture 2025 Beverage Art Prediction uncorking a series of latest innovations, trends and future mixology scene for India known for its spices and its intriguing and exotic flavours.

Finch

International bar aficionado Ron Ramirez is considered to be an artiste whose concoctions are revered and respected by extravagant hotels across South East Asia and the notable Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower in Bangkok (immortalised in the Hollywood superhit film 'The Hangover'). He happens to be a member of the Committee of the World's Best Bar, which nurtures the art and science of the finest mixology clubs across the globe. Ron will unleash his technique of culinary mixology, using gastronomy and science to experiment with cocktails on a molecular level. The Finch will tap and leverage the pioneering, innovative and thought-leadership touch of the Magician of Spirits to raise not just Mumbai but also India's culinary and mixology scene.

Celebrities, socialites and fashionistas are already making a beeline for the New Mixology Culture Club of Mumbai. Watch this space as the action unfolds from now to the new year.

The Finch, Shah Industrial Estate, Opposite to Huntsman Building, Saki Vihar Rd, next to John Baker, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072 Website: thefinch.in Call: Phone: 02228578300/9920910619 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinchmumbai/ Instagram & Twitter: @thefinchmumbai Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-finch/about/ ENDS

TiE Mumbai continues to nurture the entrepreneurship ecosystem

FireSide Chat between Karan Bhagat and Dhanpal Jhaveri - the Masters of Aggregation Food & Hospitality Industry

Mumbai, 22 October, 2020 (HPN) : The coronavirus has proven to be the ultimate disruptor, stronger than any technology in the global economy. While we are adopting various ways and means to make businesses resilient, the pandemic presents a true test of our ability to find ways to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. 

“Through real life examples, case studies, experience sharing, masterclasses and development programs, TiE Mumbai is continuously striving to mentor Startups and drive business recovery from the impacts of COVID.” said Naveen Raju, Executive Director, TiE Mumbai. 

Some of the online sessions organized in the past month by TiE Mumbai were –

Chat with the Masters of Aggregation Food & Hospitality Industry- This session focused on tips on Scaling Up and Turnaround Strategies from Industry experts who were instrumental in creating noteworthy brands like Lemon tree Hotels and Uber in India. They spoke on how to build sustainable long-lasting brands, focused on Green shoots in co living space & hospitality & tourism industry, ways to scale up and what the future of the cloud kitchen industry may look like.

FireSide Chat between Karan Bhagat and Dhanpal Jhaveri

Venture Investing Masterclass with Sanjay Mehta- Running a business is very different from investing in one. So how do you make money from investing in early-stage startups? What sets successful startup investors apart? Should you pick your own investments, or rely on an angel network? This course helped the participants to learn to source quality deal flow, ask the right questions before making an investment, support portfolio companies through the lifecycle, and enable highly profitable liquidity events. In addition to the critical pre-investment topics of deal flow, due diligence and negotiation, this course covered post-investment topics including governance, fundraising and exit, as well as hands-on practice in evaluating opportunities. This was a professional development program aimed at helping one take the next step in their venture capital career.

Entrepreneurship through the eyes of Tanmay Bhat- Tanmay Bhat is an ace comedian and entrepreneur. This exclusive session detailed the Life and experiences of a creator, positioning & pitching oneself, starting Up again - Zero to 2 million on Youtube, how should brands create content and collaborate with creators?, Power of Community, performing artist in the tech enabled startup world and money & finance.

Rizwan Koita in conversation with Ganesh Natarajan- Rizwan Koita is the Co-founder & CEO, CitiusTech and he spoke on How to build, manage and succeed in multiple businesses, how to truly dominate in a business domain and gave valuable Insights for entrepreneurs on knowing the right time to sell your       stakes. 

Discover your untapped potential; Reinforce your leadership style with Resolving Problems through Sensitivity in Startups with Ragini Rao – Ragini is a Psychotherapist & Trainer- Training & Supervising Transactional Analyst. This program took the participants through a journey of introspection to evaluate where one stand vis-a-vis key personality traits seen in successful entrepreneurs; and what one would like to develop as their own unique style, to be successful. The program used the framework of Dr. Eric Berne's world-renowned theory of Transactional Analysis, taking the participants through some core concepts which helps understand one’s own personality. 

One on One Mentoring Session on Financial Growth Hacking – this session covered topics like Revenue Optimization, Business Model Review, Financial Management & Cash Flows, Scaling-Up & Growth, Partnership & Alliances, Organization Building - People & Process and Funding & Capital Management.

Emerging Opportunities for SMB's from IT & ITES- With the emergence of digital technologies, the IT&ITES industry has seen disruption in recent times. The industry is at the cusp of transition, with many companies creating enabling environments to harness productivity. Business leaders are looking at technological solutions and cranking up their innovation game to move ahead in a post-COVID 19 economy. This session explored how the IT & ITES industry can make use of innovative technologies to ensure continued business growth. ENDS

About TiE Mumbai

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. Since 1992. TiE has been supporting entrepreneurs by offering education, mentorship, networking and funding opportunities. The mission of TiE is to foster entrepreneurship globally through the 5 pillars of TiE : mentoring, networking and education, funding and incubation. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community. TiE’s focus area is to generate enable the next generation of entrepreneurs. There are currently 11,000 members, including over 2,500 charter members in 60 chapters across 17 countries. TiE’s mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, and education. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiE’s focus is on generating and nurturing our next generation of entrepreneurs.

V. N. Finance opens new branch office in Kalamboli Navi Mumbai

 

Mr. Mohit Kakkad charts ambitious growth plans for Tech-enabled NBFC including insurance broking, digital/mobile personal and business loans

MUMBAI, 21 October 2020 (HPN): V. N. Finance, the tech-enabled NBFC, opened its new branch office in Kalamboli (Navi Mumbai) for giving secured and unsecured loans as well as gold loans to address the financial services needs of the mid-bottom of the pyramid. By expanding its network, V. N. Finance is getting closer to its target customers comprising MSMEs, entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, small businessmen and women, start-ups, contract/ migrant workers, financially challenged, etc., and get them financially included. The new branch is located at Shree Apartments, Shop No. 17/18, Plot No 05, Sector 1, Kalamboli.

Mr. Mohit Kakkad, Founder-MD, V. N. Finance, says, “We have grown exponentially in the last two years and now it’s time to expand our network to get closer to our customers. We have a unique asset light-business model. We leverage technology to develop proprietary credit evaluation algorithms, which enable us to serve our target segment quickly with the right balance of managing risks.” He adds, “Our next frontier is insurance broking. We shall soon unveil other loan related services by leveraging technology and digital tech.  Of course, AUM will increase by multi-fold in the gold and personal loan segments.”

“We are transforming the financial sector by reaching hitherto unbanked section of society. Currently we are targeting business and personal finance. Our unique value proposition for our target segments --- who are less educated/ have less access in/ to financial services --- is to provide comfort to the client and quick decision,” says Mr. Vijay Kakkad, Chairman, V. N. Finance, “We have made our processes so customer friendly that even the uneducated customers can navigate through our system with utmost ease. Moreover, we are extremely fast in credit assessment and disbursal. More than 90% cases take less than 24 hours for final decision and disbursement.”

Mr. Vijay Kakkad, the key guiding force of the Company, is a sharp entrepreneur with unparalleled business acumen. He has more than 30 years of experience of running different businesses. Mr. Mohit Kakkad is a young dynamic entrepreneur with a vision to reach out to every person, who is not able to fulfil his/her dreams for lack of finance. He appreciates the power of technology and is an avid learner with a number of successful businesses under his belt. V. N. Finance seeks to deploy best-in-class cutting-edge technology and digital solutions to keep up with its mission of providing the best-possible customer experience and lightning fast decision making in loan appraisal and disbursal processes. It has created benchmarks for the processes, which are monitored religiously and constantly upgraded to the next level.

V. N. Finance recently announced Gold Loan to help people unlock their dreams instantly from anywhere anytime. It helps them to get the best and highest (possible) loan to value (LTV) ratio on a 24X7 basis and to sail through their urgent financial needs smoothly within a short period of time. Those people, who need unsecured loans and have no security or no existing assets, can directly (or through intermediaries) approach V. N. Finance and share their creditworthiness and repayment capacity. They will get the funds at the best of terms to achieve their dreams. V. N. Finance offers pre-payment option-without any penalty; optimal documentation; shorter response time; and safe custody for family jewels and gold jewellery. Just call 022-20877888…

VN Finance also offers secured loans such as Loan Against Property (LAP) and Loans against Inventories. V. N. Finance's professional team fully understands business needs and provides funding against the goods and inventories already lying in the shops/godown. The small business owner just needs to furnish the inventory list, its value and their needs. It is also taking its social responsibility seriously with an initiative to help NGOs and self-help groups in assisting migrant labour and other poor & needy. It recognised that every customer’s needs are different with different context --- so 'one-size fits all' approach doesn’t apply. ENDS

V. N. Finance Pvt. Ltd. (VNF) is an innovative financial company Incorporated in March 2019 as a Non-Deposit taking NBFC (ND). The company is founded by 31-year old Mohit Kakkad with a vision to use technology to provide finance to hitherto unbanked section of society. The Company is mainly engaged is providing the small and medium size ticket loans on secured and unsecured basis. Unsecured loans are being provided based on creditworthiness and repayment capacity of the borrowers. The senior management of the company consists of senior leaders from banking industry and mentored by some of the highly qualified professionals. V. N. Finance has put in place an interest rate policy, adopted by the Board, taking into account relevant factors such as, cost of funds, margin and risk premium, etc and determine the rate of interest to be charged for loans. It has a robust KYV Policy, Fair Practices Code and Corporate Governance Policy. Mr. Vijay Kakkad (Chairman) and Mr. Mohit Kakkad (MD) of V. N. Finance Pvt. Ltd. have been honoured with the prestigious Economic Times (ET) Industry Leaders West Award 2020 --- V. N. Finance has been recognised by ET as Emerging Firm in Tech-Enabled NBFC category. 

Macans Cyber Clinic offers cure for Cyber Threats & Cyber Psychology known as Digital Detox (“The Ultimate Guide for beating Technology Addiction)

 

L-R: Mrs. Sridevi Shetty Wagh, Mr. Sagoon Wagh andMr. Makarand Wagh, Co-Founders and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech

Macans Infotech prevents Cyber Frauds through Forensic Investigation & Data Theft & Restructuring of Data from Mobile Phone & Cloud

Mrs. Sridevi Shetty Wagh and Mr. Sagoon Wagh, Co-Founders and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech

 L-R: Mr. Makarand Wagh,  Mr. Sagoon Waghand 

Mrs. Sridevi Shetty Wagh

 Co-Founders and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech

National, 22nd October 2020 (HPN): The soaring number of cases of cyber threats, cyber frauds and data theft targeting companies, entrepreneurs and individuals, has resulted in over 12+ crore Indians losing over Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in 2019. Macans Cyber Clinic now offers a one-stop full-fledged clinical remedy & cure to all problems related to cyber threats and cyber psychology known as Digital Detox – the ultimate guide for beating technology addiction. Macans Infotech prevents cyber frauds through forensic investigation and data theft and restructuring of data from mobile phone and cloud.

Co-founders & Directors Mr. Sagoon Wagh and Mrs. Sridevi Shetty Wagh (renowned for their work in the film industry as well as producers) incubated Macans Cyber Clinic Pvt. Ltd. & Macans Infotech Pvt. Ltd. along with Technocrat Cyber Security Expert Mr. Makarand Wagh, an ex-law Enforcement Officer and Digital Fraud Investigator. 

“We are proud to be associated with Makarand Wagh, who is one of the biggest names in India for Cyber Forensics as he consults for various State Governments and his investigative skills in the Techno Legal aspect are extremely rare in the country. Our Motto is to create a revolution in today’s society to provide tips to avoid being a victim of these scams and secure their data in this Digital era. This will be the fasting growing business in the coming years as all the companies will require our service and guidance to protect their data as well as be alert on Cyber Frauds,” saysMr. Sagoon Wagh, Co-Founder and Director, Macans Infotech & Macans Cyber Clinic.

Macans Cyber Clinic constantly spreads awareness on Digital Cyber Crime through services such as Live Seminars, Workshops, Training Programmes, Live Webinars and Online Learning Programmes for all public and private enterprises in diverse business sectors. In the digital era, the firm helps tackle Digital Crimes, Social Media Frauds, Mobile App Frauds, Online Banking Frauds, Virus and Cyber Crime against Women & Harassment in Digital Space. 

Mr. Makarand Wagh, Co-Founder and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech,

Mr. Makarand Wagh, Co-Founder and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech, says, “National Cyber Security Strategy is the need of the hour along with adoption of regular cyber security audits and data protection initiatives and policies that shall protect the privacy and interests of individuals and companies. Macans aspires to solve problems of vulnerable people who are either victims and help them to avoid becoming a victim by taking adequate precautions. We are all about how to be safe & be alert before crime happens. Our intention is to educate people on digital Cyber Crime Risk and Fraud - which is need of an hour. Data, Ideas and IP are modern-day equivalent of gold and we work hard and smart to provide impenetrable cyber security at all times. We have Licensed Tools from Israel and any Investigation is done on Electronic Devices with the help of higher end Licensed Forensic Tools.”

Mr. Makarand Wagh is an Electronic Engineer after which he has been serving in Police Department as an Anti-Swat and Anti-Terrorist handling high profile clientele as an expert & Digital Cyber Crime Expert. He was in the Anti-Terrorist Squad, Confidential Unit, Crime Branch and a Special Unit Team tackling cyber–crimes and frauds. He also worked closely on the case of the “Terror Attacks in Mumbai”. Presently, he is working on Digital Forensic Investigation with many private and public companies in India and abroad. Mr. Wagh has trained officers of many agencies on digital fraud investigation and worked for many government agencies in investigation of high profile cases. He helped throw some light on the digital investigations being undertaken recently including high profile cases in association with the Central Agencies - Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation & Narcotics Control Bureau.

Macans tries to neutralize cybercrime, which is defined as a crime in which a computer/ mobile/ digital device is the object of the crime (hacking, phishing, spamming, etc.) or is used as a tool to commit an offence (child pornography, hate crimes) by criminals who perform these illegal activities (often referred to as hackers). The various types of cybercrimes include: Hacking, Salami Attack, Malware dissemination, Software Piracy, Obscene or Offensive Content, Pornography, Cyber Sex Fraud, Phishing, Spoofing, Spam, Denial of Service, Threatening, Net Extortion, Cyber Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, Cyber Warfare, Cyber Stalking, Cyber Defamation and IRC Crime. 

Macans Infotech works with leading companies such as NSE, TATA Motors, Aditya Birla Group, L&T Group, Kawasaki and Central-State bodies such as Maharashtra Police amongst others.

Macans Infotech is a specialist in Computer Forensics (otherwise known as "digital forensics"), which is a process of electronic discovery to acquire digital evidence, analyse facts and report on a case by examining digital devices such as computers, hard drives or any other storage media or network conducted by a suitably trained computer forensic analyst in order to investigate a claim or allegation. Forensic Investigation comprises Computer Forensics, Cyber Crime Investigation, Mobile Forensics, Forensics Data Recovery, Secure Data Eraser, E-Discovery, E-mail, Investigation, Digital Forensics Investigation, Information Security Audit Gap Analysis, Cloud Forensics, Robot Forensics, Drone Forensics, Mac Analysis, CCTV Analysis and Corporate Investigations amongst others. 

Macans Cyber Clinic is specialist into providing remedy for all problems by creating Awareness Programmes on Cyber Frauds and Cyber Psychology in Schools/Colleges/Companies/Banks/Parents/Teachers through Webinars, Seminars/Online Course/Workshops guiding on different types of Frauds increasing related to Cyber. Macans mission is to become the customer’s number one choice when it comes to building a software defined Datacenter. It provides consulting, professional services and Training of exceptional quality with speed, which help customers in meeting their business objectives. More info on website : www.macansinfotech.com/www.macanscyberclinic.com

R.S.V.P. SRIDEVI SHETTY - Co Founder & Director Macans Cyber Clinic Pvt. Ltd. Mobile No: 8779535511/9321879634; Email Id: info@macanscyberclinic.in 

Blue Star launches new products and solutions with Virus Deactivation Technology (VDT)

 

B Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Limited

MUMBAI, 7 OCTOBER, 2020 (HPN): Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration major Blue Star Limited announces the launch of a wide range of new products and solutions with Virus Deactivation Technology (VDT).

Virus Deactivation Technology (VDT) 

Blue Star’s new range of products and solutions with Virus Deactivation Technologies (VDT) has the capability to deactivate viruses including COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) with up to 99.9% efficacy, when air passes through these systems.

VDT will be a part of the Company’s new range of solutions specially designed for the new reality. Most of the VDT components have also been designed to be easily retrofitted into existing AC systems, both central and unitary, in the field. These VDT solutions will be useful for all air conditioning applications, be it at homes, ATMs, showrooms, restaurants, offices, or large commercial spaces like malls, cinema theatres and airports. It is pertinent to note that the product is not a substitute to the mandatory precautions prescribed by the Government such as wearing masks, social distancing, usage of hand sanitisers and surface hygiene practices.

One of the following components forms the critical part of VDT:

1. ‘Livinguard’ Filter:

Blue Star offers the ‘Livinguard’ filter which, through its positive charge, attracts the negatively charged viruses including COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and other microbes, like a powerful magnet, and completely deactivates them when air passes through this filter.  

2. UVC Emitters: 

Blue Star has also integrated Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation or UVGI technology into its VDT range of solutions. The UVC emitters that are placed in the air conditioning systems irradiate viruses including COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) by altering their DNA/RNA. This effectively deactivates the virus present in the air which passes through the air conditioners.

Blue Star’s new range of VDT products and solutions 

• Room ACs with Livinguard filter: The virus is deactivated when the air passes through the filter. The filter is washable and has a long life of at least 3 years*. One of the product variants also assures an air purification level of PM 2.5.

• Room ACs with UVGI: The virus is deactivated when the air passing through is exposed to the UV lamp. Retrofitting on existing machines is possible.

• Ducted ACs with Livinguard filter: The virus is deactivated when air passes through the filter inside the indoor unit. The filter is washable and has a long life of at least 3 years*. Retrofitting on existing machines is possible.

• Ducted ACs with UVGI: The virus is deactivated when the air passing through is exposed to the UV lamp installed inside the indoor unit. Retrofitting on existing machines is possible.

• UVC Tower with Ozone generation:  This intelligent, movable and CE certified UV Tower dynamically computes the dosage required to de-activate the viruses and bacteria. It is augmented by an Ozone generator for full disinfection in difficult-to-reach spaces.

Other unique services and solutions offered by Blue Star

Blue Star also offers solutions that help improve indoor air quality, disinfect air and surfaces, and augment fresh air in large conditioned places thereby preventing the spread of viruses including COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, in these closed spaces, be it at home, workplace, or commercial spaces like hospitals and malls, amongst others.

Duct cleaning: Blue Star is a certified member of National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association (NADCA). The Company’s Air System Cleaning Specialists certified by NADCA, render efficient service every single time regardless of the complexity of the project. With the cleaning of the duct, the entire air distribution system eventually gets cleaned.

Hand-held surface disinfectant wand: These solutions decontaminate surfaces infected with mould, bacteria or viruses by using hand-held devices. The wand may be used in any type of residential, commercial, industrial or institutional building to provide a fast-acting, portable method of decontaminating tabletops, walls and other surfaces.

Portable air and surface disinfectant: This is another way to decontaminate surfaces infested with mould, bacteria or viruses. Mobile units are equipped with multi-patented, high output UVC technology. The entire unit moves on a set of castor wheels and is a portable         in-room unit.

Fresh air ventilation solution: Treated Fresh Air Units (TFAs) provide a solution for dilution of the conditioned air with induction of fresh air. The fresh air ventilation system can reduce the intensity of transmission of infection aerosols by dilution of air. TFAs, besides ensuring continuous dilution, will also help in prevention of infiltration or contamination from other zones on account of additional positive pressure built-up in the area.

B Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Limited, adds, “Virus Deactivation Technology provides additional protection against viruses including COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), in air conditioned spaces. Apart from being completely safe for humans, the above technology deploys components that are non-hazardous, eco-friendly, proven and accepted across the world. The new range of products and solutions, when used while adhering to the safety protocols mandated by the government, will provide additional protection to human beings inside air conditioned spaces.” ENDS