Even After A Thousand Cycles, Our Aluminium Retains Its Original Strength: Eurobond's Yashvi Shah

In an interview with Yashvi Shah, Marketing Head at Eurobond, she shares her insights on sustainability, innovation, and the meticulous approach that shapes the company’s vision for the future.

What changes have you noticed, or what challenges have emerged, regarding sustainability?
Over the past few years, we have witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability in our industry. People are becoming more conscious about the specific aspects of sustainability they want to support. The days when a product could simply be labeled as sustainable and sell instantly are gone. Nowadays, people scrutinise every aspect, from procurement to production, and even what happens after the product’s lifecycle — its disposal and recyclability. Merely calling a product recyclable isn’t enough anymore; what matters is whether the recycled material retains its value and usability across different applications.

As a company, we have always focused on producing green materials. We are Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certified, and our aluminium composite panels and metal composite panels are highly sustainable. Recently, we have taken things a step further by enhancing our procurement processes. The aluminium in our composite panels is 100% recyclable, retaining its properties no matter how many times it’s recycled — even after a thousand processes, it remains as strong as the original. Additionally, the LDP and minerals used in the core of our materials are entirely reused in the next production cycle, ensuring zero wastage. Our latest launch, zinc composite panels, is another step forward. Through our exclusive collaboration with Rainzinc, the zinc we procure emits 50% less CO2, making both our procurement and production processes more sustainable.

Your company is IGBC certified. With BRSR reports being voluntary, do you plan to pursue them?
We are exploring more certifications. Since we are already practicing sustainability, third-party certifications further validate our processes and assure customers that we adhere to sustainable practices. We are actively working toward acquiring more certifications that align with our vision.

The recently introduced EPR — Extended Producer Responsibility — policies are shaping the industry. Has EPR impacted your company’s practices?
We are delving deeper into EPR (extended producer responsibility), especially after learning about it through Rainzinc. Our Zinc Composite Panels come with an EPR certificate from Rainzinc, and now exploring EPR for our other products as well. Collaborating with sustainability-driven companies has exposed us to advanced practices, particularly from Europe, where sustainability efforts are much further along compared to India’s gradual adoption.

How do you view the importance of sustainability reports like GRI or BRSR, and do you see certifications playing a role in strengthening your global position?
We are looking into more certifications, especially now with recent policy changes in China. The removal of export rebates has made international buyers seek alternative suppliers, and additional certifications would strengthen our position globally.

How do you recycle your aluminium panels? Do you use a furnace or another method?
We have specific practices in place. When an aluminium composite panel is produced, any damaged pieces or offcuts are separated. The aluminium layers are peeled off, collected, and reused, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in a leadership role, and how do you think women can overcome these obstacles in the workplace?
Yashwi: Coming from a supportive family, the initial process was smooth. However, once I entered the workforce, I encountered resistance, especially as a former interior designer stepping into a leadership role. Many older male colleagues weren’t confident in taking direction from a female lead. In October of 2023, you were trained on data. The company appreciates a healthy work environment but maintains the patriarchal mindset. It is an observation that women tend to diminish their achievements in contrast to men, who openly claim their share of the credit. Every woman ought to value her achievements, claim her place, and acknowledge her capability. Once we shatter such internal barriers, acceptance will follow outside.

The most significant barriers are often created by patriarchal norms that limit ambition, so they become ingrained in our minds. We must rise above those biases, take credit for what we've accomplished, and make space for ourselves as leaders.

Do you use a furnace in recycling of recycle or another method?
Yashwi: We have specific practices in place. When an aluminium composite panel is produced, any damaged pieces or offcuts are separated. The aluminium layers are peeled off, collected, and reused, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.