Sanitation is crucial, particularly in rural areas where access to safe and hygienic facilities remains limited. Recognising this need, AM Foundation has been working towards improving sanitation standards to promote better health, dignity, and quality of life for underserved communities.

Sanitation in Schools

There correlation between lack of proper sanitation facilities in rural government schools and absenteeism is long established, particularly among girls. To address this challenge, AM Foundation has built gender-specific sanitation blocks in government schools across Tamil Nadu. These were built with the support of our corporate members as part of their CSR initiatives.

These newly constructed sanitation blocks provide a clean, safe and private space for students, removing at least one deterrent to them attending school regularly. The introduction of these facilities has significantly increased school attendance, particularly for girls, in the communities we serve. Significantly, the toilets we have built also ensure access to proper hygiene facilities during menstruation, helping to break a stigma exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure.

Sanitation for Households

In addition to schools, AM Foundation has extended its efforts to provide hygienic sanitation to households in underserved areas. By constructing private toilets for families, we are improving access to safe sanitation in communities where open defecation is still prevalent.

This initiative ensures that families have access to private, hygienic toilets, which in turn helps reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and improves overall public health. Significantly, it also enhances personal dignity, particularly for women and children, who are often the most vulnerable in areas without proper sanitation.

Clean Water Initiatives

AM Foundation’s work in sanitation is complemented by its clean water initiatives, which aim to ensure that communities have safe drinking water. By providing clean water to schools and local communities, we address health and hygiene challenges at the broader level.

Access to safe drinking water helps prevent waterborne diseases, which are a very real concern in many underserved regions. Our clean water initiatives are designed to compliment our sanitation efforts seamlessly, fostering healthier and more resilient communities.

Impact to Date

We are proud to state that AM Foundation has made significant strides in transforming the lives of many households. We have built sanitation blocks in more than 50 government schools, benefiting more than 40,000 students. Our household sanitation programme has provided hygienic toilets to numerous families, ensuring better health and dignity.

By improving sanitation and access to clean water, the AM Foundation is contributing to better health outcomes, and supporting educational attainment and social equity. These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that every individual has access to basic sanitation facilities, which are critical for health, dignity, and well-being.

Looking Ahead

Good sanitation facilities are integral building healthier, more equitable communities. While significant progress has been made, there is still a lot to be done.

At AM International, we believe in empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential in a supportive and growth-oriented work environment. Becoming your best self at work is not just a personal aspiration; it’s an essential part of driving organizational success. Cultivating productive habits, fostering open communication, and maintaining a balanced routine can lead to a rewarding professional journey.

Here are five steps to help you develop into your best self at work:

1. Plan and Structure Your Tasks

Effective planning is a critical skill in the professional world, and it starts with breaking down larger tasks into manageable parts. Developing a structured approach—monthly, weekly, and daily goals—helps you stay on track and maintain clarity on your priorities. At AM International, we encourage setting realistic timelines and focusing on gradual progress. Breaking down tasks minimizes stress and provides a sense of accomplishment with each milestone achieved.

Moreover, planning proactively allows you to visualize the road ahead and avoid last-minute scrambles. Meeting deadlines is a priority, and thorough planning significantly reduces the chances of needing to rush. By maintaining this approach, you will not only meet deadlines more comfortably but also deliver quality work consistently.

2. Revisit and Adjust Timelines

Planning is not a static process. Tasks and goals may evolve over time, and staying adaptable is essential. Regularly revisiting your tasks helps you gauge progress and assess if you are on track. If adjustments are necessary, it’s important to communicate these changes to your supervisor or manager promptly.

When deadlines need to be adjusted, re-evaluating timelines and managing expectations is crucial. This proactive approach avoids last-minute stress and ensures that quality standards are maintained. Clear communication and realistic re-planning enable a more efficient workflow, benefitting both the individual and the team.

3. Seek Help When Needed

Workplace challenges are a natural part of the job, and addressing them effectively often requires collaboration. If you’re facing a roadblock, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from colleagues or senior team members. At AM International, we emphasize a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to support one another and share knowledge.

Many professionals hesitate to ask for help due to concerns about appearing inexperienced or burdensome. However, we view reaching out as a positive step toward growth and learning. Seeking assistance can provide fresh perspectives and help resolve issues more swiftly. Remember, it’s not about knowing all the answers but rather about finding solutions together. Embracing this approach contributes to a resilient and cohesive workplace culture, reinforcing a sense of shared purpose and unity within the team.

4. Maintain a Healthy Routine

Balancing work and well-being is a fundamental part of long-term success. A consistent routine that incorporates self-care is essential, and it’s equally important to maintain this balance outside of work. Starting the day with mindful activities—whether it’s exercise, meditation, or a brief period of quiet reflection—can set a positive tone. Ensuring adequate rest, staying physically active, and nurturing connections with family and friends help you recharge, fostering both mental and emotional resilience.

At AM International, we recognize that employees who take care of their well-being are more engaged, productive, and motivated.

By establishing and sticking to a healthy routine, you’re investing in a sustainable work-life balance, ultimately enhancing your professional performance and personal happiness.

5. Seek Support When Necessary

Maintaining mental and emotional well-being is essential in today’s fast-paced environment. If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or any kind of emotional discomfort, seeking external support is a proactive step. At AM International, we advocate for open discussions around mental health and encourage employees to seek help from family, friends, or professionals when needed.

Whether it’s counseling, medical assistance, or simply a conversation with someone you trust, addressing personal challenges can lead to a more positive mindset and improve focus at work. By acknowledging when support is necessary, you are taking a responsible step toward well-being. At AM International, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to prioritize their mental health without stigma or hesitation. Becoming your best self at work is a continuous journey, one that thrives on self-discipline, open communication, and a balance between work and personal well-being.

Incorporating these practices is a shared commitment, one that defines our collective journey at AM International. Embrace these principles and witness the transformation, both in your professional growth and in the positive impact on our organizational culture.

The recent Investor Meet provided a comprehensive overview of Manali Petrochemicals Limited’s (MPL) growth strategies, market positioning, and sustainability initiatives. As the flagship company of the petrochemicals segment at AM International, MPL leads efforts in innovation and market expansion.

Key speakers included Mr. Ashwin Muthiah, Chairman of MPL; Mr. Hugo Chardon, Head of Strategy at AM International; Mr. Tobias Tasche, CEO of PennWhite and Chemicals and Mr. Gurumurthy Nagarajan, Managing Director of Notedome. Both PennWhite and Notedome are MPL’s UK-based subsidiaries.

We share the key highlights of the presentation:

PennWhite: Expanding in Specialty Surfactants

PennWhite manufactures specialty surfactants for industries including wastewater, food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Mr. Tasche shared the company’s growth strategy, highlighting efforts to strengthen market presence and expand globally through MPL’s support.

Key points include:

• Market Position: PennWhite’s focus remains on foam control and specialty products for industrial applications. Its customer base includes sectors requiring technical expertise, which adds to customer retention and positions PennWhite to capture additional market share in high-value segments.
• Expansion into Asia: While it has already established an Indian subsidiary, PennWhite aims to increase its footprint in Asia, leveraging MPL’s existing resources. Establishing a local manufacturing hub is also under consideration to support this strategy.

Notedome: Advancements in Polyurethane Solutions

Notedome specializes in cast elastomers with applications across automotive, construction, and other sectors. Mr. Nagarajan discussed the company’s operational strategies:

• Product Range and Market Coverage: Notedome supplies cast elastomers used in high-demand industries. Its approach emphasizes supply chain efficiencies and a strong customer focus, resulting in positive market positioning.
• Future Growth Initiatives: To expand its product portfolio, Notedome is focused on entering the renewables market and optimizing production processes. Investments in greener operations and supply chain management support this goal.

ESG Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships

Sustainability remains a primary focus for MPL. The company recently partnered with Econic Technologies to integrate CO₂ as a feedstock for polyol manufacturing, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. MPL is also transitioning to renewable energy sources and advancing towards near-zero liquid discharge (ZLD) in its processes, aligning with its environmental goals.

Financial Position and Expansion Plans

MPL’s financial health, marked by low debt and strong liquidity, supports its ongoing expansion, which include:

• Capacity Expansions: MPL is increasing production capacity in propylene glycol (PG) and polyester polyols, with new facilities planned in West India. This expansion is expected to meet rising demand in local markets, particularly in the construction and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Market and Operational Adaptations: To counter challenges from imports, MPL has focused on operational efficiency and optimizing product portfolios. Additionally, MPL is working with government entities to address import dumping and support the domestic market.

Strategic Outlook

The company remains focused on growth in both established and new markets, with ongoing investments in technology, process improvements, and customer-oriented solutions.

In summary, the MPL Investor Meet reinforced the company’s emphasis on operational efficiency, sustainable practices, and consistent investor engagement. The updates provided by MPL’s leadership outline a strategic direction aimed at long-term growth and resilience in the petrochemical sector.

In today’s corporate landscape, gender equality stands as a defining pillar for progressive organisations. For the manufacturing sector in particular, where gender balance has historically lagged behind other industries, creating equitable and inclusive workplaces remains both a challenge and an opportunity. Women’s Equality Day serves as an annual reminder of the journey towards gender parity and inspires us at AM International to reaffirm our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as core business values.

A Workplace for Everyone: AM International’s Commitment to DEI

Our DEI goals have become integral to our corporate vision, shaping initiatives designed to ensure that both our offices and manufacturing units are secure, supportive, and encouraging spaces for female employees.

Research underscores the impact of diversity on organisational success, and a gender-balanced workforce has been shown to foster better decision-making, innovation, and productivity. A recent study by McKinsey & Company reveals that organisations in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the lowest quartile. When women participate meaningfully at all levels, they bring unique perspectives that spur creativity and drive transformation. AM International embraces this data-driven insight and strives to cultivate a meritocratic culture that nurtures talent irrespective of gender.

Championing Women in Manufacturing

In the manufacturing industry, gender representation has often lagged, with women comprising only around 30% of the workforce globally and less than 10% in production roles. Despite these statistics, AM International has embraced a pioneering approach to gender parity in this traditionally male-dominated field. Our commitment to DEI is best exemplified by the recent commissioning of Triumph, the brand of Greenstar Fertilizers’ water-soluble solution plant in Tuticorin, managed entirely by an all-women team.

The success of the Triumph brand stands as a testament to the fact that women in manufacturing can and do excel, when provided with the right support, training, and encouragement. AM International is committed to replicating this model across our other verticals, including companies such as SPIC, Manali Petrochemicals, Tamilnadu Petroproducts, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Greenstar Fertilizers, creating a consistent environment of equal opportunity.

Empowering Women Across Roles and Functions

Beyond specific initiatives, AM International has embraced a holistic approach to women’s empowerment by encouraging more women to take on roles across a wide range of functions. Whether it’s overseeing high-stakes operations in our plants or leading strategic projects, female employees are stepping into positions of influence throughout the organisation.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap at the current pace. While there is still much progress to be made, at AM International, we are actively accelerating this timeline within our sphere of influence. Through DEI-focused policies and practices, we are building an environment where women can advance their careers confidently, empowered to take on responsibilities traditionally seen as male-dominated.

A Supportive Ecosystem for Career Growth

To foster true inclusivity, we recognise the importance of supporting women through the various milestones in their lives. We are proud to create a nurturing ecosystem that offers female employees the flexibility and support they need, especially during key phases like marriage, motherhood, and parenting. At AM International, we strive to accommodate personal and professional needs with policies that support parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive return-to-work programme, allowing our workforce to balance career and personal life effectively.

Our approach is rooted in understanding that gender inclusivity doesn’t only make moral sense; it also enhances our organisational health and sustainability. Studies from Harvard Business Review suggest that inclusive organisations enjoy a 17% increase in team performance and a 20% rise in innovation, both of which are critical to staying competitive and agile in today’s business environment.

Celebrating Progress and Continuing the Journey

Women’s Equality Day is more than a commemoration for us at AM International; it is a call to action. As we celebrate the achievements of our female workforce, we also acknowledge that this journey toward true gender parity is ongoing. By setting benchmarks in gender inclusivity in manufacturing, we hope to inspire other companies in the sector to follow suit.

As a conglomerate committed to progress and innovation, we recognise the business advantages and social impact of gender equality. Through initiatives that support women in our workforce and leadership, we aim to set a precedent in the manufacturing industry, showing that an inclusive and equitable environment is not only possible but also beneficial to long-term success.

A Vision of Equity

As we look to the future, AM International remains steadfast in its vision to create a workplace where every employee, regardless of gender, is empowered to realise their potential. With every small step towards gender equality, we move closer to a future where workplaces across industries embrace true inclusivity.

This Women’s Equality Day, let us not only celebrate the progress we have made but also rededicate ourselves to the road ahead – a path where equality is not just an ideal but a reality for everyone.

We have some good news to share on our fight against hepatitis, a silent killer whose march can be halted with a few simple steps. India accounted for 11.6 per cent of the world’s hepatitis cases in 2022, according to 2024 Global Hepatitis Report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Hepatitis is a viral infection that damages the liver. It leads to chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis and even cancer. There are many different strains of the hepatitis virus; some can be countered with a vaccine, while others can be treated and managed with early detection and anti-viral medication. But the key here is awareness.

AM Foundation, our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, has built strong ties with the communities around our plants in Tamil Nadu. As part of our robust CSR initiatives, we have firmly maintained our focus on improving the health of these communities and raising sanitation levels. We have also taken some positive steps in our campaign against hepatitis.

Prevention starts with awareness, and AM Foundation has made a concerted effort to educate the communities we work with, on viral hepatitis, its impact, how to lower its incidence, and how to treat and manage the disease. Our efforts have focused on driving home the message, ‘One liver, one life’, a fact many realise only when it’s too late.

We have engaged communities in Chennai and Thoothukudi with dynamic and interactive sessions designed to highlight the prevalence of hepatitis and its complications. To make these sessions and their message memorable and to maximise impact, our staff and associates used creative methods such as puppetry, skits, street plays, focus group discussions, and poster campaigns to disseminate crucial information. These efforts were followed by meaningful discussions on various aspects of the disease.

Now these communities know, for instance, that they can vaccinate their babies against hepatitis B, protecting them against liver cancer. They are also aware of simple yet critical preventative measure such as not reusing needles and making sure that sharp instruments are sterilised at medical clinics.

Viral hepatitis is known as a silent killer because a large number of cases go undetected for years and symptoms surface only when the disease is advanced. For instance, globally, hepatitis B and C account for nearly 8,000 new infections every day, most of which go undiagnosed. But when organisations work with economically disadvantaged communities at the grassroots level, they can bring hope to millions of individuals, elevate their health status, and help to eliminate a killer in our midst. Together, we can drive positive change!

There’s an adage that goes: ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’. This piece of social wisdom embodies the message and the spirit of World Youth Skills Day, observed by the United Nations on July 15. It underlines the importance of equipping the youth with the skills needed to become employable and to create sustainable livelihoods.

The challenge, though, is to leverage this demographic dividend by helping young people become job-ready. This is critical as it helps achieve the twin objectives of personal development and fulfillment, and the nation’s sustainable economic goals.

At AM International, we are constantly aligning our goals with the larger goals of sustainable development. To this end, we regularly conduct training, reskilling, and upskilling programmes across our operating companies, across operations, and across verticals. By making training a priority and investing in our people, we seek to not only enhance the productivity of our companies and keep them competitive, but also make our employees better professionals.

Corporate businesses are the third tier in a hierarchy that must be invested in skilling our youth. The onus of making sure that young Indians acquire the competencies they need in order to become employable and to thrive in the workplace lies with two other stakeholders in the economy, that is, our educational institutions and the government.

India is home to educational institutions of international repute but the educational system, by and large, must be realigned to keep it current and to foster skills that will make our graduates employable. Through school and college, we must equip students with a suite of skills that prioritises creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This approach would help young men and women thrive in the real world and stay ahead in a workforce that is fiercely competitive.

In doing so, it renewed its focus on establishing a vocational and technical training framework. Then, in 2015, the government launched the hugely ambitious Skill India Mission, which aimed to train 400 million Indians in various skills by 2022. The mission includes various programs to create a workforce that meets the demands of different industries and encourages entrepreneurship. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, for instance, encourages industries to engage apprentices and provide them with practical training, thus bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world skills.

India is currently a services-orientated economy, with 30.7 percent of the workforce employed in this sector, according to the International Labour Organization. However, the government is determined to make India a global manufacturing hub as well, powered by its ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ agenda. This super-ambitious agenda will work only if a Young India is skilled enough to leverage the massive employment opportunities being unlocked.

The demands of the modern workplace are constantly evolving and the pressure to succeed is intense. The need for a skilled workforce that is young and driven cannot be overstated, a prerequisite if India is to remain globally competitive in the manufacturing sector. Developing such a workforce through government, private, and public partnerships will drive innovation, productivity, and social inclusion, and ultimately help achieve the country’s global development goals.

At AM International, we are always looking to stay ahead of the curve. While we are constantly pushing the envelope to maintain our leadership position in the industry, we realise that being future-ready also means nurturing the right leadership to take our legacy forward.

It is therefore with great pride that AM International welcomes Alagu Ashwin Muthiah, to the group. Representing the fourth generation of the group’s founding family, Alagu embodies the progressive spirit of the next generation.

Alagu has joined the group as a non-executive and non-independent Board member of Wilson International Trading Private Limited. A leading commodity trading company that provides supply chain support to group manufacturing facilities in India, Wilson deals with fertilisers and raw materials, petrochemicals, and industrial chemicals. She will work with the Wilson team on both the Singapore and international business initiatives.

Having studied at the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, Alagu interned with LunaJets, a leader in private jet charter solutions, and at the Four Seasons Hotel, a leading hospitality chain. Earlier, she was part of Julius Bär’s ‘Young Partners Program’ in Switzerland. She also interned with Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific in Singapore, and The Hindu daily in Chennai, India.

AM International has a long tradition of nurturing fresh talent. Investing in the younger generation to stay future-focused is part of our business ethos. It ensures that growth, governance and grit go hand in hand. It was therefore an honour to welcome Devaki Ashwin Muthiah to the AM International fold last year. Devaki joined the group as a non-executive and non-independent Board member of our India and UK entities. She has been working closely with the Chairman’s office in Human Resources, Corporate Policies including Governance and Digital Transformation.

Besides serving strategic priorities such as leadership diversity and a forward-looking focus, the induction of dynamic young talent demonstrates our commitment to goals that go beyond the bottom line.

With the next generation joining the business, AM International aims to:

• Instill its philosophy of building businesses trusted by society
• Embed its focus on sustainability and R&D-driven innovation in all future actions
• Mentor the next generation and learn from their fresh perspectives

AM International has always invested in fresh, young talent as we believe it brings in innovative perspectives and new ideas, fostering creativity and growth. Young talent is also more adaptable and tech-savvy, and it helps us stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

For Mr Muthiah, the induction of the two young leaders is an important milestone, both personally and professionally. He says the next few years will be spent grooming them as they navigate the road ahead with confidence, agility and a forward-thinking mindset.

AM International is committed to building businesses that are trusted by society. We believe in driving growth based on our superior products, services and strategy. We also place a premium on cultivating ethical stakeholder relationships. This approach has been paramount in creating long-term value. Hence, as we groom future leaders and embrace new ideas and perspectives, our core values will hold firm.

AMIH continues to set benchmarks in environmental sustainability because we invest time, resources and R&D in pursuing our ESG agenda. On World Environment Day, a look at some of our unique eco-initiatives, proving that the manufacturing sector play a significant role in promoting sustainability.

AM International Holdings (AMIH) is continuously setting an example on how the manufacturing industry and environmental sustainability can work together to achieve positive results. For years now, our environmental stewardship has been an inspiration, even as our group companies consistently set benchmarks in areas such as carbon neutrality, water conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste management.

As we relentlessly pursue an sustainable strategy to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment, we discovered two compelling truths: one, we could achieve our green goals only if we integrated the necessary technology into our manufacturing operations; and, two, we would have to make sustainability a part of our DNA.

Natural Gas: Green Raw Material

In March this year, AMIH hit yet another ESG milestone, when group company Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation Limited (SPIC) completed its transition from naphtha to natural gas as a raw material source in the production of urea. The company began its transition to natural gas in March 2021 and completed it in two phases at its plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

The move has been a game-changer. It helps SPIC align with the Indian government’s energy-related policies, which are pushing for a shift from high-cost to low-cost fuels and raw materials. The robust supply of natural gas through Indian Oil’s cross-country pipeline also makes SPIC’s operations highly sustainable while being environmentally friendly.

Carbon-Neutral Soda Ash: A Global First

Only a few months earlier, in November last year, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers (TFL) achieved a global milestone in sustainable manufacturing, by becoming the first company in the world to produce green soda ash, or carbon-neutral soda ash. Manufactured at its plant in Thoothukudi, this batch of soda ash is used to make products of everyday use such as detergents, window panes and batteries. The TFL team realised that producing green soda ash would have a multiplier effect due to its widespread application.

We went the extra mile to achieve this milestone. Leveraging the latest technology, TFL set up a CO2 recovery plant to capture carbon from coal used as fuel in its boiler for steam production. The carbon was converted into biomass fuel to eliminate fossil-fuel usage, thus achieving carbon-neutrality in the manufacturing process. It was a great R&D effort!

Green Polyols: Towards A Circular Economy

AMIH took another giant step forward in its ESG agenda when Manali Petrochemicals Limited (MPL) partnered with UK-based Econic Technologies to produce CO2-containing polyols two years ago. This step will help in developing a carbon-neutral footprint by reducing GHG emissions, thus contributing to a circular economy. It has also made the production of polyols cost-effective. Polyols are the building blocks of polyurethanes, which are used in a wide range of everyday products, from mattresses and automotive interiors, to building insulation and refrigeration, and a host of industrial products.

Floating Solar Plant: A Record In India

That same year, SPIC set another benchmark in clean energy. Its captive floating solar power plant went on stream at its manufacturing facility at Thoothukudi. This state-of-the-art, 25.3 MW plant is among India’s first and largest floating renewable energy initiatives to optimise energy production in industrial plants. It can generate 42 million units of electricity every year. The power it produces is used in the manufacturing activities of SPIC and Greenstar Fertilizers, resulting in considerable energy savings.

The upshot is that floating solar projects provide higher yield than land-based solar plants, enhancing energy generation and minimizing the loss of water through evaporation. Once again, SPIC went all out, and sought out a global leader, France-based Ceil and Terre, to design, engineer and anchor the floating islands and the supply floats.

Urban Renewal: The Miyawaki Way

Another eco-initiative led by Manali Petrochemicals Limited is the reforesting of a part of Manali New Town in Chennai, near the company’s plant. In collaboration with the local municipal authorities, MPL has used the highly effective Japanese Miyawaki technique of tree plantation to in the region. MPL is proud to join other business entities and NGOs deploying this technique to help India keep its commitment under the Paris Agreement to increase its green cover from 25% to 33%.