Indo GSP DEP is the Soul of Incense Sticks : Ashish Bhuva
DEP (Diethyl Phthalate) is an essential component in incense sticks manufacturing. Without DEP the long-lasting fragrance of incense sticks is not possible. This component helps air incense fragrance far and wide. Indo GSP Chemicals Pvt Ltd. is a front-runner in manufacturing and supplying DEP and other Plasticizers in India as well as exporting to 40 countries for the incense industry. In a conversation with Sugandh India, Ashish Bhuva, Managing Director, Indo GSP said, “Our mission is to provide the best quality reliable products and best service to the industry. This is the reason why the best and biggest names in the incense industry are our consumers.”
Ashish Bhuva is the third-generation business leader in the family business. Since the 1960s, the family has been into supplying high quality chemicals and plasticizers to the fragrance industry. Later the firm switched its name from Indo Nippon Chemical Company to Indo GSP in 2015. Operating from Mumbai and Ahmedabad, they have a chemical plant in Vadodra (Gujarat).
Describing DEP in his own words Ashish Bhuva said “, The lifeblood of any incense stick is DEP. Hence it is a high-quality product and the better the quality, the better the aroma the incense stick will give.” He further stated that INDO-GSP mainly supplies to the incense and fragrance industry. DEP is used to maintain the fragrance for longer periods in an incense product as well as for the wider spread of fragrance after burning. During the making of incense sticks, raw incense sticks are dipped into the perfume solution that contains DEP as well.
Talking about changes in the incense industry Ashish Bhuva said “, Some three to four decades ago, incense stick manufacturing was restricted to south India, especially Karnataka. The region between Bangalore and Mysore shared the monopoly. All that has changed now. The business has moved on to Gujarat and Maharashtra. In fact, Almost all states manufacture and sell incense sticks.” Talking further he said “, The dynamics are different now. Demand for raw materials is unthinkable compared to what it was 20 years ago. Ongoing experiments in churning new fragrances synthesized with; newer methodologies in product and packaging development have led to a massive surge in demand. Such changes have motivated us to produce more and better essentials.”
Replying to a query on inflation Ashish Bhuva said “, Inflation is shooting prices of everything. Raw materials, essential oils, chemicals… everything is pricey. The ever-increasing gap between Rupee & Dollar and increasing crude oil prices are the major factors contributing to inflation.” He informed that the prices are stabilising but will take time. He said “, Frankly speaking, inflation did not disturb our business even during COVID and Lockdowns. In fact, we were filled with orders in that period. DEP then was used more in manufacturing hand sanitisers.”
Sugandh India on quoting that their products are pricey, Mr Bhuva responded “, Our DEP oil (Diethyl Phthalate) and other formulations are second to none in the market. We have a strong foothold in the domestic market, and it is growing.” Taking a cue on ‘being expensive’ Mr Bua remarked “, To tell you the truth, even the manufacturers producing economical incense sticks also prefer to buy from us. They have a reason. They know the benefits of a premium quality DEP oil and the wonders it does to their products. Mixing the best quality DEP changes the identity of their products. Adds to their business. So being pricey is of no consequence to us!” Adding further he said “, We pay huge taxes. On-the-contrary post introduction of GST, our prices are more reasonable. Whosoever buys from us— Stays with us. Price, quality and prompt delivery are reasons enough for our buyers, to enjoy profitable relations with Indo GSP.”
And lastly, on the export scene Ashish Bhuva explained “, the Export market is different. Unlike domestic needs— feeding incense stick manufacturers; overseas market’ needs are majorly confined to fragrances. He said that the company keeps its products ready in advance according to the capacity and needs of its consumers.
When asked about expansion plans, he informed “,We are planning for wide network of distribution and the management is planning to appoint active distributors in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and some other states, who can assess the needs, and potential of the consumers and the company. It is necessary to have storage capacity and a strong distribution network.”
