Knauf India has introduced Knauf Drystar, a next-generation drywall solution developed to meet the growing demand for durable, moisture-resistant building materials in modern construction. Engineered for wet and humid environments, the new gypsum board system is designed to deliver long-term structural performance while addressing critical requirements such as mould resistance, fire protection, durability and design flexibility.
The launch comes as India’s residential, commercial, healthcare and hospitality sectors increasingly adopt dry construction technologies that reduce project timelines while enhancing building quality. Knauf Drystar has been specifically developed for applications exposed to high humidity, intermittent water contact and challenging environmental conditions.
The fibre-reinforced gypsum board combines a specially engineered gypsum core with a moisture-resistant glass-fleece surface that minimizes water absorption while providing excellent resistance against mould formation. The product records water absorption below three percent and complies with the EN 15283-1 GM-FH1IR classification, demonstrating enhanced fire performance, improved surface hardness, higher mechanical strength and superior moisture protection.Knauf Drystar also carries an A2-s1,d0 fire classification, making it a non-combustible building material suitable for projects where stringent fire safety standards are mandatory.
Commenting on the launch, Sumit Bidani, CEO, Knauf India, said the construction industry today requires materials capable of delivering both performance and sustainability. He noted that Drystar has been developed to provide architects, developers and contractors with a dependable drywall solution for moisture-sensitive environments while maintaining the speed and efficiency associated with dry construction methods.
The new system is suitable for a broad range of applications including residential and commercial washrooms, hotels, wellness centres, spas, hospitals, diagnostic facilities, schools, airports, shopping malls and other public infrastructure. It also performs effectively in semi-exterior installations such as covered walkways, balconies and entrance canopies.
Besides its resistance to moisture and mould, the product offers enhanced surface durability, termite resistance and compatibility with waterproofing membranes, ceramic tiles and sealants. Its flexible design allows installation on curved surfaces while following installation practices similar to conventional gypsum boards, simplifying execution for contractors.
Knauf believes the introduction of Drystar strengthens its portfolio of premium building solutions for India’s rapidly evolving construction industry. The company expects the product to support developers seeking longer lifecycle performance, lower maintenance requirements and improved indoor environmental quality.
Established in 1932 by Dr. Alfons Knauf and Karl Knauf, the company was founded with a focus on advancing gypsum-based building materials that enable faster, more efficient, and higher-quality construction. Headquartered in Iphofen, Bavaria, Germany, Knauf has grown into a major international organization with operations spanning more than 90 countries. The company runs over 320 production facilities worldwide and employs a global workforce of approximately 43,500 people.
Over the decades, Knauf has built its reputation on innovation, engineering excellence, and a strong commitment to sustainable construction practices. By combining advanced manufacturing technologies with continuous product development, the company delivers building solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern construction markets.
Its portfolio includes a wide range of high-performance products such as drywall systems, plasters, ceiling solutions, and insulating materials. These solutions are designed to improve construction efficiency, enhance building performance, and support energy-efficient design standards.
Quality and safety remain central to Knauf’s operations. Every product undergoes rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure compliance with international standards. In addition, the company places strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, integrating sustainable practices across its production and supply chain activities.
