As concerns over fire safety continue to grow across residential, commercial and institutional buildings, Zydex Industries is highlighting the importance of non-combustible surface coatings as a critical component of modern building safety. The company is promoting the adoption of silicate mineral paint technology, which is designed to reduce fire risks and minimize the generation of toxic smoke during fire incidents.
The initiative comes amid increasing attention on building safety following a series of fire accidents reported across major Indian cities. Industry experts note that while structural fire protection systems receive significant attention, interior finishing materials and coatings can also influence fire behavior and evacuation outcomes. Smoke inhalation remains one of the leading causes of fatalities in enclosed-structure fires, often posing a greater threat than flames themselves.
Conventional acrylic and plastic emulsion paints commonly used in buildings are derived from petroleum-based polymers. Under extreme temperatures, these materials may contribute to fire propagation and release harmful gases that can compromise indoor air quality during emergencies.
Zydex’s silicate mineral paint technology offers an alternative approach. Manufactured using potassium silicate and mineral-based fillers, the coatings are entirely inorganic and inherently non-combustible. Unlike traditional paints that form a film on the surface, silicate coatings chemically bond with masonry substrates through a process known as silicification, creating a durable microcrystalline structure that becomes part of the wall itself.
Dr Maulik Ranka, Managing Director of Zydex Group, said evolving urban infrastructure demands a broader approach to fire safety that goes beyond structural compliance. “Building materials and surface coatings play a significant role in overall fire performance. Mineral-based coatings offer an additional layer of protection by reducing the potential for flame propagation and minimizing the release of hazardous smoke. As cities become denser and high-rise developments become more common, safer construction materials will become increasingly important,” he said.
Zydex Silicate Mineral Paints have received Class 1 fire-resistance certification, reflecting their performance under fire-testing conditions. The coatings are designed not to serve as a fuel source and maintain their structural integrity even when exposed to elevated temperatures. The company believes the technology has significant potential across schools, hospitals, hotels, libraries, commercial buildings and premium residential projects where occupant safety is a key consideration.
With a workforce of more than 1,200 professionals and a strong focus on sustainable technologies, Zydex continues to invest in advanced materials that combine durability, environmental responsibility and enhanced safety performance. The company sees growing opportunities for mineral-based coatings as awareness around fire safety and sustainable construction continues to expand across India and international markets.
