Ankit Jain, Founder, Specta Quartz Surfaces, shares insights on the current trends and challenges in the engineered quartz market in an exclusive interview with Tejaswini Paranajpe. He discusses Specta’s approach to innovation, sustainability, and customer education, highlighting the company’s commitment to redefining luxury living and pushing the boundaries of the engineered quartz industry.
1. What are the current trends and challenges in the engineered quartz market, and how is Specta Quartz positioned to address them?
The demand for premium home interiors is surging, driven by a growing luxury housing market and rising consumer spending on modular kitchens and high-end living spaces. We are also witnessing a rise in demand beyond metro cities, with tier 2 and 3 cities emerging as significant growth hubs. However, consumer awareness on engineered quartz still presents a challenge. While people are willing to invest in premium materials, they still have limited knowledge of the practical applications of quartz beyond kitchen countertops, which can pose a hurdle and narrow down market expansion.
To bridge this gap, we are committed to consumer education. Specta is actively opening experience centers in key cities, conducting exhibitions, and leveraging improvements in 3D rendering technologies to help consumers and industry professionals visualize quartz applications beyond its traditional uses.
2. Can you discuss the importance of quality control and certification in the engineered quartz industry, and how Specta Quartz ensures compliance with international standards?
Quality control is critical in the engineered quartz industry, as these surfaces are used in homes where safety, durability, and aesthetics matter the most. Consumers want the best materials for their kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces, and certifications provide third-party validation, assuring them of a product’s quality and safety.
At Specta, we strictly adhere to European and American testing standards, ensuring our products meet the most rigorous global benchmarks. To deliver world-class surfaces that stand the test of time, we have built one of the most advanced in-house laboratories in the industry.
3. How does Specta Quartz approach product innovation, and what new products or technologies can we expect from the company in the near future?
Product innovation is at the heart of what we do. Our dedicated R&D facility houses a mini plant where a permanent team of engineers and designers work continuously to develop innovative and disruptive quartz surfaces.
We have collaborated with top designers from India and Europe to ensure that every new product challenges industry norms and sets new standards. We believe in continuous evolution, launching new colors and designs at regular intervals to keep our offerings fresh and ahead of market trends.
4. What role does sustainability play in Specta Quartz’s operations and product development, and how do you see the industry evolving in terms of environmental responsibility?
At Specta, we prioritize sustainability at the core of our operations and product development. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our manufacturing process, from material sourcing to waste management and energy consumption.
We have implemented advanced eco-friendly practices, such as using a rubber mold system, biodegradable PVA films, and an efficient water recycling process to reduce waste. Additionally, we repurpose calibration waste, ensuring that every stage of production aligns with our sustainability goals.
5. How does Specta Quartz support its trade partners, such as architects, designers, and fabricators, in terms of product education, technical support, and marketing resources?
At Specta Quartz Surfaces, we believe that strong partnerships with trade professionals are essential for driving product adoption and innovation. To support our partners, we provide extensive product education, technical support, and marketing resources that enhance their ability to showcase and work with our quartz surfaces effectively.