Polycab Plans to Strengthen International Presence, Explore Untapped Markets

Polycab aims to expand its global presence and capitalize on opportunities in emerging markets through market-specific products, strategic distribution and ongoing innovation supported by internationally recognized certifications & approvals. This was shared by Mr. Anurag Agarwal, CEO Global Exports & New Businesses (EHV & Conductor), during an exclusive interaction with Wire & Cable India. Laying emphasis on electrical safety, he says that at Polycab, safety is not just a priority, it is a responsibility; and Polycab is investing significantly in research and development (R&D) to introduce high-performance, fire-resistant and energy-efficient wiring solutions.

Wire & Cable India: How do the summits hosted by Polycab reflect the company’s commitment to safety? How is Polycab leveraging its platform to set new standards in electrical safety for industries, municipalities and households alike?

Anurag Agarwal: Polycab India, a leader in the wires and cables industry, has consistently set benchmarks in electrical safety, innovation and infrastructure development. At Polycab, safety is not just a priority, it is a responsibility. In recent years, India has witnessed a rise in electrical mishaps, often attributed to substandard wiring, outdated infrastructure and a lack of awareness. In an era when nearly 20 percent of fires in India are attributed to electrical circuits, and this figure escalates to 70 percent in urban areas, where nearly 13 lives are lost to electrocution every day (as reported by industry sources), ensuring electrical safety is not just an option; it is a necessity. Moreover, electrical hazards are reported to account for around 40 percent of workplace fatalities in the country, further emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety protocols.

In response, Polycab launched Infra Safety: Powering India’s Electrical Future, in collaboration with CNBC-TV18, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the safety and efficiency of India’s electrical ecosystem. Our electrical safety summits serve as a platform to bridge the critical knowledge gap, uniting industry experts, policymakers and key stakeholders to explore practical solutions for reducing electrical hazards. These initiatives advocate for stricter compliance with safety regulations, higher industry standards and increased consumer awareness. By collaborating with municipal bodies, urban planners and infrastructure developers, we are ensuring that safe and energy-efficient wiring solutions become the standard across residential, commercial and industrial applications.

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WCI: How does Polycab plan to integrate cutting-edge safety innovations into its product lines?

AA: Polycab has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in electrical safety. We are investing significantly in research and development (R&D) to introduce high-performance, fire-resistant and energy-efficient wiring solutions. Our key innovations include Electron-Beam (E-beam) irradiated cables used in railways, defence, renewables and other harsh environments. E-beam technology enhances the durability and safety of cables by improving their heat resistance, mechanical strength and lifespan. In fact, studies have shown that E-beam cross-linked cables can extend service life by up to 30 percent compared to conventional cables, while also reducing maintenance costs by an estimated 25 percent.

Our fire survival cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity under extreme fire conditions for critical safety systems like emergency lighting, critical instrument operation and alarms. According to industry data, fire survival cables have been pivotal in reducing fire propagation in high-rise buildings, where up to 70 percent of fires are attributed to electrical issues.

Additionally, our cables are equipped with anti-rodent and anti-termite insulation, ensuring long-term reliability of operations. These formulations have demonstrated a reduction in cable damage by over 40 percent in controlled studies, thereby significantly lowering the risk of short circuits.

We are also exploring smart wiring solutions that integrate real-time safety monitoring, predictive maintenance and IoT-based features. These technologies enable early detection of electrical hazards, with pilot projects showing a 35 percent improvement in fault detection times compared to legacy systems. Such innovations not only enhance safety but also contribute to overall operational efficiency.

WCI: How does the company plan to grow its international presence, particularly in emerging markets?

AA: The global wire and cable market was valued at USD 228 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 345 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.1 percent from 2024 to 2030. Data centre demand is boosting cable demand rapidly in the current period.

Polycab’s strategy to expand its international footprint, particularly in emerging markets, is multifaceted. The company leverages its reputation for safe, reliable and internationally-compliant cable & wire solutions to serve a diverse global customer base. Currently serving customers in over 79+ countries, with exports accounting for 8 percent of revenue in FY 2023–24, Polycab is focusing on market-specific offerings through strategic partnerships and distribution. In markets such as North America, the Middle East and Australia, Polycab has tailored its product portfolio to meet local regulatory standards. Our UL-certified cables, for example, satisfy rigorous safety requirements in the US, while products in Europe, the Middle East and Australia adhere to IEC, BS, and AS/NZS standards.

These approvals reinforce trust and position the company as a preferred supplier in these regions. Polycab is investing in robust distribution networks and forging strategic alliances with local partners across emerging markets. We have subsidiaries in the US and Australia, and are looking forward to expanding subsidiaries in other strategic locations. Continuous R&D investments and adherence to international standards, evidenced by various approvals including UL and CE, besides compliance with IEC standards, enable Polycab to differentiate its product offerings. Through market-specific products, strategic distribution and ongoing innovation supported by internationally recognized certifications and approvals, Polycab is well-positioned to further expand its global presence and capitalize on opportunities in emerging markets.

WCI: What strategies are being adopted to adapt Polycab’s offerings to meet the unique demands of different global markets?

AA: Polycab plans to strengthen its existing international presence while exploring opportunities in untapped markets. Internationally, our strategic focus centers on obtaining certifications and approvals in additional countries and securing partnerships with new-end customers to expand our global presence. Our commitment to sustainability and innovative offerings ensure we remain competitive in the global market, particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

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WCI: How does Polycab foresee the shift to a circular economy influencing the wire and cable industry, and what steps is the company taking to contribute to this movement?

AA: At Polycab, we prioritise sustainable practices that focus on environmental, social and governance principles, putting consistent effort in areas ranging from climate change and energy to data security and privacy. We have also set internal targets across various areas, including climate resilience, employee safety and more.

Our ESG strategy is aimed at creating long-term value for our stakeholders, while contributing positively to the world around us. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our robust research & development capabilities and empowers us to provide environmentally-conscious solutions across our product spectrum. Through our cutting-edge research facilities, we drive innovation in various fields, including the development of sustainable power cables, rubber cables, electron-beam irradiated cables and energy-efficient BLDC fans, among other breakthroughs.

Building on the ISO 50001 Energy Management System framework, we have intensified our energy optimization strategies with stricter management protocols and monitoring across our operations. Polycab has continuously expanded its solar energy usage in manufacturing facilities, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. For instance, our recent performance data shows that renewable energy now accounts for 13.82 percent of our total energy consumption, contributing to a reduction of over 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in FY 2023–24. The company also adheres to ISO 14001 standards and participates in community programs such as check dam construction in Panchmahal district and waste management initiatives in Baska village. Furthermore, Polycab foresees that the shift to a circular economy will have a transformative influence on the wire and cable industry. Industry estimates predict that embracing circular economy practices could reduce raw material consumption by up to 30 percent and lower waste generation by as much as 40 percent by 2030.