19NOVEMBER 2025In an exclusive interaction with Industry Outlook, Subramanian N E, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain India - Insulation Business, shares insights on the pivotal role of quality insulation in improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. He discusses advancements in insulation technologies, retrofitting challenges, and their impact on operational performance, safety, and worker well-being. With over 25 years of experience leading high-performance teams in global corporations, Subramanian is an expert in P&L management, strategy development, business growth, brand building, and sustainability practices.INDUSTRY INSIGHTSTHE ROLE OF INSULATION IN ENHANCING EFFICIENCY ACROSS INDUSTRIAL SECTORSGiven the increasing energy costs and sustainability mandates, how are industries like Power and Oil and Gas adapting their insulation strategies to achieve compliance with stricter energy efficiency regulations?In today's drive toward sustainable industrial practices, the "3 R's"--reduce, reuse, and recycle serve as foundational pillars. By focusing on reducing energy consumption, reusing waste whenever possible, and recycling materials, industries can achieve a balance between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. To optimize energy use and efficiency, companies are employing methods that reduce energy consumption per unit of output, such as waste heat recovery and preheating. A focus on improving boiler efficiency and reducing temperature drops across pipe lengths can lower fuel consumption and lead to substantial energy savings. One of the important methods to achieve this is by investing in high-quality insulation, as it not only prevents unwanted heat loss but also extends the lifespan of equipment and lowers maintenance costs. When making purchasing decisions, it's beneficial to consider the total cost of ownership, which includes purchase, operating, and maintenance expenses, rather than focusing solely on initial costs. Quality insulation, paired with the right selection and proper installation, allows shorter payback periods, reduced process waste and downtime, lower risk of equipment corrosion, and decreased maintenance requirements.How are recent advancements contributing to increasing performance and reducing thermal losses during production processes?Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of prioritizing quality and focusing on lifetime costs. The government is also supporting this shift, which is evident in recent updates to the IS 8183 standard. The revised standard now covers applications up to 800°C, an increase from the previous limit of 750°C. With tighter tolerances for physical properties like density and thickness, clients can expect site performance to more closely match the engineering expectations set during project planning. Additionally, stricter limits on impurities such as chloride and sulfur will help the industry further reduce the corrosion-related wastage of metal components.A new trend is emerging among users and consultants, who are closely scrutinizing the effectiveness of insulation in specific applications. Advanced software tools are now capable of calculating thermal heat loss, surface temperatures, and temperature drops based on globally recognized calculation methods. Users can factor in multiple variables, such as ambient temperature, wind velocity, cladding material, and fluid temperature. This comprehensive approach enables them to choose insulation materials that best meet their needs for minimizing heat loss, controlling surface temperature, and managing temperature drops, all while accommodating space constraints.Subramanian N E, Managing DirectorSubramanian N E, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India - Insulation Business
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