With MNCs rushing to India with their sourcing plans, India is emerging as a key player in specialty chemicals.As global sourcing is gaining momentum across the nations, opportunities are queuing up in offshore manufacturing for India. After the stupendous success of IT, BPO, and auto components sectors, it is the turn of specialty chemicals to grab the opportunity in the current manufacturing boom in India.

The specialty chemicals focus more on the industry-specific needs as against basic chemicals. They include paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, additives for pharmaceuticals, lubricants, catalysts, water treatment chemicals, and plastic additives. Differentiated products with high degree of value addition, smaller production facilities when compared to the basic chemicals, and fewer imbalances in supply and demand, are the characteristics of this segment. Though with low capital requirements, high investment in the R&D and new product development is crucial for specialty chemicals.