INTOUCH _ JAN_ 2021 _ 8X11.25 (English) PDF

IN TOUCH

Vol 5 Issue 4 l JANUARY 2021
An in-house newsletter of INEOS Styrolution India Ltd.

STELLAR
APPLICATIONS

Driving Success. Together.

TABLE OF 02
03
CONTENTS 04
06
Stellar applications 07
Clean actions 08
Cheer up 09
Community crusaders
Cool runnings
Beautiful Borsad
Reader’s recipe

EDITOR'S NOTE

Thinking out of the box delivers success. Hear from our Sales and Marketing team who introduced new grades to
suit the customer's need. The Research and Development team at Moxi refined our processes to develop eco-
friendly new products with low residuals.
The wellness quotient is high among colleagues, as we practice safe distancing, hygienic norms and invest in
keeping our mind, body and soul in a good frame. Virtual runs, art competitions and homemade recipes keep all
engaged in quality family time. We undertook social responsibility activities ring in the season of sharing and
caring and distributed ration kits to the displaced, homeless and needy.
Read it all in this issue. We look forward to hearing from you. Share your stories, artworks, photographs and
valuable suggestions to [email protected]
Happy reading and a Happy New Year.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Bhavesh Rajput I Harshal Shah I Hardip Shah I Dr. Kanak Dass I Partha Mohapatra I Mayur Parekh I
Ruchi Sharma I Shweta Vakil I Sanjay Parida I Dr. Shridhar Madhav I Pradeep Soni

MD's MESSAGE

Dear readers,
As we enter into the New Year with new hopes and resolutions, we can be proud as we look back at what we had
been able to achieve collectively in a turbulent 2020.
In this issue, you will read about how we persevered through the past year by improving and introducing new
product grades as well as new applications to create value for our customers.
I am happy with the synergistic efforts that our Sales and Marketing, Research and Development and Operations
teams had been able to achieve with the key objective of not only meeting, but also excelling the expectations of
our valued customers.
The Moxi R&D Centre has helped develop clean polymer products with reduced residuals, an achievement that is
appreciated and acknowledged globally, and earmarked for a podium finish at the Global IDA 2020 awards.
In our own way, the company has also contributed positively during these COVID-19 pandemic times, with our
products being used to make the housing used for hand sanitizer dispensers and allied healthcare products.
INEOS Styrolution India had also responded to the need of hour by donating ration kits and distributing food
packs to the needy in our communities as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
It is heartening to see how many of our colleagues continue to keep their spirits up and themselves healthy in the
midst of the lockdown and working-from-home arrangement. Sports activities find a virtual arena, as our
colleagues participate in virtual runs and sport challenges conducted by the INEOS Energy Station.
I would like to wish all of you a good start into 2021. Do continue to exercise safe distancing and good sanitization
habits. Be safe and I look forward to seeing each of you back in the office soon.
Sanjiv Vasudeva
MD & CEO,
INEOS Styrolution India Ltd.

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IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

Drip chamber application in Healthcare

STELLAR Sanitizer Dispenser application in Packaging
APPLICATIONS

New applications in the new normal during year 2020 Styrolux® 4G60 was finally chosen and commercialized. Partha
Mohapatra, Lead-Healthcare, Construction (India) & NBD,
Hand sanitizer dispenser: Specialties says, “We are proud to be the first success story for
drip chamber application in the Asia Pacific region. Drip
The hand sanitizer dispenser became one of the key survival chambers made with Styrolux® 4G60 ensure the solution
kit for everyone during this COVID-19 stricken time. In March, passing through remains PVC/plasticizer free. The product is
our India sales team tapped into the opportunity to speck our transparent, elastic and impact resistant.”
materials for the hand sanitizer housing application, in order
to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements including IV-tube set application in Healthcare
impact resistance and durability. The team proposed INEOS
Styrolution's ABSOLAC® 700IFB White / Parker White to our
customers. They were impressed by the material's intrinsic
high gloss with balanced mechanical and chemical resistance
properties and was very quickly adopted by the market.
Sanjay Parida, Head - Distribution & TSLO, Specialties says,
“The demand for our ABS products was really sluggish during
the lockdown period, but thanks to this successful
development, we got the much needed boost to our sales
and could recover the sales volume we had lost during the
pandemic.

Drip Chamber

A drip chamber prevents air bubbles from entering
intravenous tubes and it helps to estimate the administering
rate of fluid. Medical device manufacturers in India were
looking for an alternative polymer to replace Poly Vinyl
Chloride (PVC) based drip chambers. Three specific grades
from INEOS Styrolution's Styroflex® and Styrolux® range were
shortlisted for intensive laboratory testing and the new

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IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

RDC team (L to R) Prabhat Singh, Saurabh Mishra, Kirit Gevaria, Pankaj Rohit, Dr. Shridhar Madhav, Pankaj Bharadwaj, Mohit Shah, Pratik Bhavsar

CLEAN ACTIONS

Innovation for sustainability and improvement quality by regulating particle formation and controlling
oversized particle.
Our Research and Development Centre (RDC) in Moxi, India,
has successfully developed an innovative approach to Dr. Shridhar Madhav, General Manager R&D, says, “ABS
improve polymer products by reducing the amount of produced from this graft rubber will significantly reduce
harmful residuals in them. The proposed idea was tested via residuals, an indispensable prerequisite of many customers
laboratory trials at both regional and global RDCs, with the and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This
results of the trials demonstrating a substantial advantage in innovative approach will deliver more environmentally-
creating clean polymer grades. This path-breaking work by friendly products without compromising on properties or
our R&D team in India received acknowledgement as well as performance”.
a podium finish at the Global IDA 2020 Awards, the Oscars for
innovation and successful implemented projects at INEOS The positive impact of this innovative approach will be
Styrolution. reflected in multiple aspects of improved product quality with
low residuals, boosting production efficiency along with
Polymers synthesis requires monomer sub-units, but the creating a healthier workplace environment. On the other
efficiency of conversion is rarely 100 percent. Hence, the hand, Effluent Treatment Plan (ETP) efficiency will be eased
finished resins or products need to undergo cleaning and due to reduced residuals in effluent water.
refining steps to eliminate residual monomer content.
Residual monomer may contain hazardous compounds, and Team Effort
thus its levels need to be controlled carefully. Idea team Prabhat Singh, Kirit Gevaria,

Awareness towards health and environment have created a Dr. Shridhar Madhav, Pankaj Bharadwaj
significant need to develop safer polymer products for critical
applications. New laws and regulatory controls are enforced RDC team Prabhat Singh, Saurabh Mishra, Kirit Gevaria,
around the world to monitor and restrict harmful residuals in Pankaj Rohit, Dr. Shridhar Madhav, Mukesh Modi,
polymer products used especially in the food industry, Pankaj Bharadwaj, Mohit Shah, Pratik Bhavsar
packaging and automotive sectors.
03
To align with current market needs, an innovative idea from
RDC emphasises the use of a hybrid initiator system in graft
polymerisation to control residuals. This innovation will not
only reduce harmful residuals but will also improve powder

IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

CHEER UP

Colleagues at INEOS Styrolution India's plants count the How did you feel during the uncertain time?
positives in the midst of the COVID-16 pandemic
Mayur Parekh, Manager - SHE Katol, Operations
In early 2020, the (then) little known COVID-19 virus began to I experienced sweeping changes in my lifestyle during the
unleash havoc over lives, livelihoods and economies all around lockdown. For starters, everyone in my family were conscious
the world. As countries prepared to take guard against this of our hygiene habits and practiced all the measures of
invisible enemy, many governments announced lockdowns to safeguard against COVID-19. Being hygienic is no longer a
protect and limit exposure within the population, while hoping habit, but a survival skill. I am a sociable person and I can
tostop the virus from spreading further. On 24 March 2020, the connect with others betterwhen I meet them physically. With
Government of Indiaordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 the constraints of working-from-home, I had to adapt and,
days, limiting movement of the entire 1.3 billion population as and quickly ;earn to emote and communicate effectively with
a preventive measure against the pandemic. This meant that my colleagues over online platforms. Simple behaviours like
people were restricted from going into offices, schools, using 'handshakes', a fairly universal action to greet colleagues is
public transport and inter-city or international travel. now not possible with the safe distancing regulations and
now I retraced my Indian roots to gesture 'Namaste' instead.
Beyond the obvious fear andpanic over COVID-19, there was On the other hand, the number of BBSOs (Behaviour based
also widespread confusion on how to go about our daily lives safety observations) have greatly reduced at plants, asall
uncertainties on job security, and the time-frame of the colleagues were extra careful in wearing masks, gloves and
lockdown. Many saw this as a doomsday scenario, whileothers PPEs, following the new safety guidelines during the post-
accepted the situation and looked for hope and positivity to lockdown period.
outlast the pandemic and find stability in the new normal. What did you miss the most while being away from work?

INEOS Styrolution's colleagues across the Nandesari, Moxi,
Katol and Dahej sites share moments and experiences that
made them stronger when the skies were the darket.

Did the COVID-19 situation strongly influence your opinion
towards the company? If so, why?

Prasoon Godika , Reliability Engineer, Operations, Dahej Kirit Gevaria, Senior Manager, RDC, Specialties (Moxi site)

COVID-19 came like a jolt and before we knew it, the work
from home arrangements kicked in. During these months, I
heard about job losses, pay cuts and unsafe working
conditions from my friends working in other companies. At
INEOS Styrolution, I am glad to receive the required support to
work smoothly from home, relate to colleagues and have the
assurance of a secure job and timely salary payments. All this
helped me maintain a strong and positive frame of mind to be
at my best at work.

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The Research and Development Centre (RDC) at Moxi IN TOUCH | JAN 2021
overlooks a green garden with birds singing in it, while I am
mostly confined to the four walls of my room when working while eating luncheswas also limited to small groups with
from home. I miss the freedom to move around and breathe in appropriate distancing in between.I guess in these times,
fresh air without wearing a mask. I also used to be able to motherly instincts like being extra careful, protective and
integrate my fitness regime at my workspace by pacing in the empathic naturally seeps into my behaviour. Other
hallway and on steps of the RDC. Since working from home, I colleagues also discussed how to keep children safe and
had actually put on a few kilos, and I recently started exercising engageduntil schools reopen. I must say that I am glad to
and dieting to keep myself healthy. With Teams meeting taking beback with my second family (at work) andmy office space.
place online, I really missed physically seeing my colleagues
and the ability to share a spontaneous joke with them from Is there any change of focus in your life?
time to time.

How was it to be back at work in the office?

Helen Dmello, Officer Admin, Operations (Dahej site) Niraj Bhale, Director, ABS Manufacturing, Vadodara

Being a working mother, I had mixed feelings to resume work I reinforced the value of time management during this
at the office. The fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus and pandemic. This has also taught me to be more patient and
unknowingly and passing it on to children would be a meticulous, the core mantra to mitigate the challenges that
nightmare for anyone. However, after a day or two back at the this COVID-19 era has thrown our way. With most of the work
office, I was reassuredby the safety precautions implemented being virtual, I have a daily checklist to help me navigate my
and it felt almost back to normal again. Cubicle seating in the workday effectively and efficiently. This checklist also helps
office ensured at least a 1-metre distance from the next person me mind map and better monitor the status of each task. This
way I can be patient and confident that the work is in progress
instead of being irritated and waiting for work to be
completed. Social distancing may be keeping us apart
physically, but all colleagues are on the same wavelength and
attitude towards working in during the new normal.

How did you bridge this non-working time? Did try
out any new activity?

Nidhi Jethva, Engineer, (Moxi site)

When it as clear that the lockdown was going to last for months, I
invested in my health and wellness to be active and boost my
immunity. In my non-working time, I learnt yoga and devoted one
hour every day to practice yoga and meditation. Yoga has improved
my flexibility and aligned my breathing patterns. With meditation, I
can focus better. I know more meditation and breathing than I did in
the past three years. I can feel a boost of wellness and immunity
levels. Amidst this time of uncertainty, keeping our mind calm is of
utmost necessity and Ibelieve that meditation is the best thing to
include in our daily routine.

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IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

COMMUNITY
CRUSADERS

Ration kits distribution in Poicha village

INEOS Styrolution India extended its corporate social INEOS Styrolution teamed with the NGO Anand Ashram for a
responsibility (CSR) activities to help the needy second round of ration kits distribution during Diwali with the
duringCOVID-19 pandemic aim of bringing joy and hope to the lives of 600 impoverished
families, who lost their livelihoods during the pandemic. In
The COVID-19outbreak was acute in the villages around addition to the one-month ration, the NGO also distributed
INEOS Styrolution India sites in Nandesari and Moxi. Marked sweets, snacks and cakes to the children from these families.
as containment areas, the residents in sudden de-linking with KS Chabra, founder, Anand Ashram said, “This gesture goes
Vadodara city posed serious challenges for residents, a long way in helping families who cannot make their ends
including shortage of medicine, daily necessities and food. meet especially during these tough times.”
During the lockdown, many migrant labourers were
Our CSR teaminteracted with the village Panchayat displaced, with no place to live or shelter and unable to return
chairperson, the regional industrial association and to their villages. The Nandesari Industries Association (NIA)
government officials to assess the urgent requirements and operated a free-meal service for these stranded labourers
made plans to support needy residents from five villages. In and the needy living on the streets. INEOS Styrolution also
association with Mahavir International Trust, a non- donated Rs. 71,000 to distribute 1,600 food packets by
governmental organisation (NGO), INEOS Styrolution Mahadev Hospitality community kitchen.
conducted an outreach distribution of emergency ration kits
to 255 families in villages like Poicha, Senghwa, Mahapura Food packets preparing in Nandesari
and Khandi located near our Moxi plant. Each kit comprised -
a month's ration of wheat flour (5 kg), rice (5 kg), dal (5 kg),
sugar (1 kg), tea powder (250 gms) and cooking oil (1 ltr). The
NGO also distributed an additional 1,500 ration kits to needy
families in Nandesari and Vadodara.

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IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

COOL RUNNINGS

INEOS Styrolution India colleagues participated in the Nikunj Patel, Learning and Development, HR/Admin, ran the
INEOS Energy Station Virtual Winter Challenge in 10km race and says, “We were all looking forward to the
December sports activities from IES near Christmas time and , it has
become a regular festival ritual for the colleagues to
Fitness is probably one of the best gifts one can give to participate and pledge a healthy lifestyle.”
him/herself, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. With
the aim to warming up the winters, the INEOS Energy Station n a novel way to ensure safety in the midst of the pandemic,
organised a Virtual Winter Challenge 2020 from 12-13 Mathew Varghese, Product Manager, Business Management
December, inviting participants to walk, jog or run a distance of - Standard ran 10km indoor, on treadmill instead. He says, “I
5km or 10km. Opened to all INEOS colleagues, as well as their was totally motivated to complete my run with my team of
family and friends, this global sports activity allowed cheerleaders, including my wife and children, who clapped
participants to run their preferred route, at their own pace and and encouraged me on the completion of every kilometre.
time. Over217 participants clocked the 10km distance, while
205 completed the 5km dash.

Virtual runners (L to R) Mathew Varghese, Rohit Dadhwal and Nikunj Patel Participants 5km
10km
All participants received online support during their respective Rohit Dadhwal 10km
virtual runs via theMyTrace app. The participants could see a Nikunj Patel 5km and 10km
virtual map of their run progress in Hyde Park, London, even Mathew Varghese
though they could be running thousands of miles away. The Adil Marawala
app also provides a running commentary and a special Spotify
music playlist to pump up the runners' adrenaline and provide
them the motivation to finish the run. All finishers were also
greeted virtually at the end of their respective runs and
received their virtual finisher medals and certificates.

Runners in India relished this event to run together with
colleagues all over the world, yet keeping the mandatory safe
distancing regulations. Rohit Dadhwal, Supply Chain
Management-Planning, SCM, was ecstatic to complete his first
5km race. He says, “The lockdown confinements and working
from home had greatly restricted my exercise regime and I was
missing outdoor physical activities, particularly sports. With
this event, I am able to refresh and recharge myself with a much
needed brisk run.”

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IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

14th century stepwell in Borsad Sun temple in Borsad

BEAUTIFUL Harshal Shah is Manager Corporate Finance & Cash
BORSAD Management India and Asia, AR Management & Treasury at
Vadodara office.
A country road overlooking farmlands make for a great
weekend trip to Borsad

Vasu Soma ni vav is an ancient stepwell is located in Borsad
town in Anand district, Gujarat, India. Built in 1497 by Vasu
Soma and his family, this seven storied stepwell featuring 13
arches in a genuine example of sustainable architecture.
Historically, stepwells were built in villages to ensure clean
water availability, especially during the harsh summer seasons
in Gujarat. The stepwell also acts as a rainwater harvesting
reservoir, collecting plentiful rain water during the monsoon
season. The construction of the Vasu Soma ni vav is entirely
made with natural stone chiselled and assembled by local
artisans. It is also classified as a Monument of National
Importance (N-GJ-69), protected by Archaeological Survey of
India.

Borsad also has a rare Sun temple, designed in a shape of a
chariot, dedicated to Suryadev, the Sun-God. It is believed
that the Sun-God travels across the sky in a chariot pulled by
seven winged horses. The shadow of a central pillar in the
temple acts like a sundial, a way to tell the time in ancient
times. The temple also has an assembly hall commonly used
for community get-together events. A flower garden in the
premise is a popular playground for children in Borsad.

Borsad is located 40 km away from Vadodara, a short drive
along the Vadodara-Anand state highway. The Sun temple and
the Vasu Soma ni vav are a 5-minute walk away from the main
market.

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IN TOUCH | JAN 2021

Palak paneer; Cottage cheese cubes in spinach gravy

READER’S RECIPE

GROOVY GRAVY INSTRUCTIONS

Going green with palak paneer Blanch palak and add in ginger, garlic and green chillies.
Blend to make a smooth paste without adding any water and
The combo of palak (spinach) and paneer (cottage cheese) keep aside. Take a medium deep pan or a small wok to heat
does wonders to flavour and health. Palak is rich in nutrients oil, butter and roast the spices till its aroma begin to emanate.
and vitamins. It cleanses the cardiovascular and digestion Add in onion and sauté till it turns golden brown. Add tomato
system and is also beneficial in improving one's eyesight, and sauté till the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
bone strength and cognitive function of the brain. Paneer is an
excellent source of protein, particularly for vegetarians. Palak Mix the palak, onion and tomatoes paste in the pan, adding
paneer is a popular gravy dish prepared in India, best ¼ cup water and salt. Using a spatula keep blending and
complemented with rice or roti. adjusting to reach the desired consistency. Add cubes of
paneer and mix over slow flame to simmer for 5 minutes or till
INGREDIENTS the paneer absorbs flavour and becomes soft and fluffy.

• 5 cups water • 1 bunch palak • 1 inch ginger Turn off the flame and add in garam masala, kasuri methi and
• 1 clove garlic • 3 green chillies • 3 tsp oil cream, stir the mixture evenly.
• 1 tsp butter • 250 gm diced paneer • 1 tsp jeera (cumin)
• 1 inch of dried cinnamon • 4 cloves Transfer the gravy in a serving bowl and garnish it with a dab
• 2 pods elachi (cardamom) • 1 tej patta (bay leaf) of cream and sprinkle atop few split cashews. Palak paneer is
• 2 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves) ready to relish with hot roti or rice.
• ½ onion, finely chopped • ½ tomato, finely chopped
• ¼ cup water • Salt to taste Vikash Suthar is Instrument Engineer, Operations at
• ¼ tsp garam masala • 2 tbsp cream Vadodara
• 6 cashew nuts, halved

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FESTIVE ARTS

Sunil Devpura

Hitendra Shah Manish Patel Piyush Sangani

Pratik Bhavsar Ketan Shah Tanaaya Marawala

Archisa Anindya Pal Archisa Anindya Pal Brijendra Tiwari Dr. Kanak Dass