Interview with Mr. Bharat Bajaj, Managing Director, Sonali Group
Established in 2005, Sonali Group is a trusted name in plastics manufacturing. Its product range spans masterbatches, polymer compounds,, multifilament yarns, and Narrow woven fabrics.
Polymart : Could you brief us about Sonali Group?
Bharat Bajaj : Sonali Group was established in 2005 with a humble beginning, operating with an annual production capacity of just 4,000 metric tonnes. Over the years, with a clear vision and commitment to quality, we have grown into a multi-faceted organization with a current production capacity of 75,000 MTPA. Our core expertise lies in manufacturing Filler and Colour Masterbatches, Additive Masterbatches, polymer compounds, PP Multifilament yarn and Narrow Woven Fabric, supported by advanced R&D at our Sonali Technology & Innovation Centre (STIC).
Today, we operate modern manufacturing units in Jaipur and Kolkata, catering to domestic as well as international markets, including Dubai, Qatar, Jeddah, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan etc. Beyond plastics, we have diversified into Food Processing vertical which included processing of Cashew Nuts and Almonds.
PM : What was the initial goal or mission of the company?
BB : When we founded Sonali Group in 2005, our mission was very clear — to create a trusted name in the plastics industry by delivering consistent quality and innovative solutions. At that time, the Indian plastic market was growing rapidly, but there was a clear need for a reliable supplier of masterbatches and polymer solutions that could meet global standards.
Our initial goal was not just to run a manufacturing unit but to build long-term relationships with our customers by understanding their challenges and offering value-added products. From day one, we focused on quality, technology, and customer satisfaction as the foundation of our business. This mission continues to guide every step of our journey, even as we diversify into new sectors also.
PM : What were the biggest early challenges the company faced in its journey?
BB : In the early days of Sonali Group, the journey was far from easy. One of our biggest challenges was establishing trust in a highly competitive plastics market, where customers already had long-standing suppliers. Convincing industries to try a new brand required unwavering focus on quality and timely delivery. Another major challenge was scaling up production with limited resources. From an initial capacity of 4,000 MTPA, we had to gradually build modern infrastructure, invest in advanced machinery, and train a skilled workforce to meet growing demand.
PM : What are the core products currently manufactured by Sonali Group?
BB : Sonali Group has evolved into a multi-divisional industrial group, and our core products reflect this diversification. In the plastics segment, we are primarily known for masterbatches, polymer compounds, and specialty additives, which are widely used in packaging, automotive, textile, and consumer goods industries. We also manufacture multifilament yarns, which cater to industrial and textile applications, ensuring high durability and performance.
PM : How do you maintain consistency and quality in your products?
BB : At Sonali Group, quality with consistency is non-negotiable. We maintain product consistency by combining state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, advanced testing equipment, and a highly skilled workforce. Every batch of material undergoes rigorous quality checks, from raw material inspection to in-process monitoring and final product testing. Our Sonali Technology & Innovation Centre plays a key role in maintaining quality standards. Here, our R&D and quality teams work together to develop new formulations, test performance under various conditions, and ensure compliance with international standards.
We are also ISO-certified, and our plants follow strict SOPs and process automation to eliminate variations. This disciplined approach ensures that every product that leaves our facility meets or exceeds customer expectations, whether it is a masterbatch, PP Multifilament Yarn or Narrow Woven fabric.
PM : Are there any recent developments or technologies you’ve introduced through R&D?
BB : Research and innovation are at the heart of Sonali Group’s growth. Through our Sonali Technology & Innovation Centre, we have introduced several specialized masterbatch solutions designed to address modern industrial challenges. Some of our recent developments include fragrance masterbatches, anti-rodent and anti-microbial additives, laser-marking compounds, hydrophilic and heat-aging masterbatches, and light-diffuser solutions for advanced applications.
These innovations not only enhance product performance but also help our clients achieve efficiency and sustainability in their operations. In addition, we are actively exploring recycling technologies and eco-friendly materials, aligning our R&D with global sustainability goals. This continuous focus on technological advancement ensures that Sonali Group remains competitive in both domestic and international markets.
PM : How do you stay competitive in the current plastic industry landscape?
BB : Staying competitive in today’s dynamic plastic industry requires a perfect balance of innovation, quality, and market adaptability. At Sonali Group, we constantly invest in research and development to introduce specialized masterbatches, polymer compounds, and eco-friendly solutions that cater to industries like packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Our commitment to consistent quality and timely delivery has helped us earn the trust of customers across India and in international markets. By combining advanced technology, strong customer relationships, and a focus on sustainable practices.
PM : What strategies do you use to meet changing customer demands?
BB : At Sonali Group, we believe that the key to meeting evolving customer demands lies in understanding their challenges and anticipating market trends. Our strategy begins with close collaboration with our clients, which allows us to customize solutions that perfectly match their requirements.
We continuously invest in research and technology, enabling us to introduce innovative masterbatches, polymer compounds, and sustainable materials that keep pace with industry advancements. Additionally, our flexible manufacturing capabilities and strict quality controls ensure that we can adapt quickly to demand fluctuations without compromising performance.
PM : Are there any upcoming trends in the plastic sector that you’re preparing for?
BB : The plastic industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and at Sonali Group, we are closely preparing for the shift towards sustainability and high-performance materials. Globally, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions, recyclable materials, and specialty polymers that reduce environmental impact while maintaining durability and efficiency.
We are also seeing a rise in customized masterbatches and functional additives, driven by industries like packaging, automotive, and consumer goods, which require products with enhanced performance features such as UV resistance, anti-microbial properties, and light diffusion.
PM : What are the key factors that have contributed to your business growth?
BB: The growth of Sonali Group has been the result of a clear vision, consistent quality, and a customer-first approach. From our early days, we focused on building trust in the market by delivering products that meet and exceed expectations. Over time, our investments in advanced technology, R&D, and skilled manpower have allowed us to expand our product portfolio from masterbatches and polymer compounds to PP Multifilament yarn and Narrow Woven Fabrics. Another key factor has been our ability to adapt to market changes, whether through product innovation, process automation, or exploring domestic and international markets.
PM :How do you differentiate your brand from competitors in the market?
BB : What truly sets Sonali Group apart is our commitment to delivering more than just products—we deliver solutions. While many companies focus purely on manufacturing, we emphasize innovation, customization, and reliability as the pillars of our brand. Our Sonali Technology & Innovation Centre (STIC) allows us to create specialized masterbatches, high-performance polymer compounds, and sustainable materials tailored to specific customer requirements, giving us an edge in diverse industries like packaging, automotive, and construction.
PM : What recent technological changes in India have positively impacted your operations?
BB: In recent years, India’s rapid embrace of Industry 4.0 technologies—from IIoT to smart automation and AI-driven quality control—has significantly elevated our operational efficiency. Adoption of smart sensors, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance has allowed us to reduce downtime, manage energy more efficiently, and maintain consistent quality across batches.The growth of factory automation platforms and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) has enabled seamless integration of ERP, IoT, and cloud, offering us a unified ecosystem that improves workflow visibility and traceability. India’s manufacturing landscape is also seeing increased deployment of collaborative robots and autonomous systems such as AMRs, which streamline processes and support agility in production layouts.
PM : Do you think Indian manufacturers are adopting new technologies fast enough to stay globally competitive?
BB : Yes, Indian manufacturers are increasingly recognizing that technology adoption is the key to global competitiveness, and the pace has improved significantly in the last few years. With the government’s Make in India and PLI initiatives, more companies are investing in automation, digitalization, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
While there is still room for faster adoption, especially among small and mid-sized enterprises, we are witnessing a strong shift towards Industry 4.0, smart production lines, and eco-friendly solutions. For Sonali Group, this technological mindset has been instrumental in maintaining international quality standards, reducing operational costs, and strengthening our export presence.
PM : What growth opportunities do you foresee in the Indian manufacturing sector over the next 5 years?
BB : The next five years present tremendous growth potential for the Indian manufacturing sector, driven by rapid industrialization, government initiatives like Make in India and PLI schemes, and a strong focus on exports. With global companies looking for reliable manufacturing partners outside traditional hubs, India has a unique opportunity to emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Sectors like plastics, packaging, automotive components, electronics, renewable energy, and infrastructure materials are poised for significant expansion. For companies like Sonali Group, this is an exciting time to leverage advanced technologies, expand capacities, and diversify into sustainable solutions that meet both domestic and international demand.
PM : How is Sonali Group preparing to meet the growing demand in domestic and export markets?
BB : At Sonali Group, we have a clear roadmap to scale our operations in line with the rising demand in both domestic and international markets. On the production front, we are investing in capacity expansion, advanced machinery, and automation to ensure that we can meet larger volumes without compromising on quality.
Simultaneously, our R&D and Innovation Centre continues to develop specialized and sustainable products that meet the evolving needs of global industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. In exports, we are strengthening our presence in existing markets, while also exploring new geographies in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
PM : What steps is the company taking to reduce plastic waste or encourage recycling?
BB: At Sonali Group, we practice responsible manufacturing with a strong focus on environmental care. Through our Green Soldiers Recycling division, we manage plastic, paper, metal, and e-waste, promoting reuse and responsible disposal. We also develop eco-friendly polymer compounds and masterbatches, while educating employees and communities on waste segregation and sustainability. Our goal is to drive a circular economy through innovation and awareness.