At OnestopNDT, we are excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Mr. Beirbal Singh Bhandari, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of expertise in the paints and high-performance coatings industry. From his early beginnings with Asian Paints in India to his current role as Regional Director – Technical Services & Support at Jotun MEIA FZC, Mr. Bhandari has been at the forefront of advancing protective coatings, corrosion management, and sustainable innovations. His journey reflects a blend of scientific rigor, leadership, and global experience across the Middle East, India, and Africa.
Welcome, Mr. Bhandari! It’s a pleasure to have you with us. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself and your professional journey, especially your current role as Regional Director – Technical Services & Support at Jotun MEIA FZC?
I was born and educated in a small town in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. My journey in the coatings industry began nearly 30 years ago with Asian Paints (India). I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Jotun family for the past 17 years, and I currently serve as the Regional Technical Services & Support Director for the Middle East, India, and Africa (MEIA) region.
With three decades of experience in the paints and high-performance coatings industry, we’re sure there’s been a lot of growth and change over the years. Looking back, what initially drew you to specialize in protective coatings and corrosion management? Was this always your plan, or was there a particular project or mentor who inspired your path?
Certainly, it wasn’t a planned path, but it wasn’t far from my interests either—corrosion and coatings are deeply rooted in science and chemistry, which was my academic specialization. After completing my Master’s degree in Chemistry, I joined the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, to pursue my Ph.D.
While at IIP, I applied for an R&D Chemist position at Asian Paints’ central R&D in Mumbai, initially just for fun and to gain interview experience. To my surprise, after rigorous testing and three rounds of interviews, I was one of two final candidates selected from the northern region. That opportunity led me to take a tough decision and leave IIP.
Following an intensive induction program, I was assigned to the Protective & Marine Coatings lab—one of the most challenging departments—which laid the foundation for my journey in corrosion protection and protective coatings.
After four years in R&D, I transitioned to technical services, joining a Saudi-based coatings company where I gained hands-on experience with Saudi Aramco’s demanding coating systems and standards. Later, I joined Jotun as a Technical Services Manager in Abu Dhabi, and today I’m based at Jotun’s Regional HQ in Dubai, leading a team of 125 certified Coating Advisors, Technical Services Specialists, Coating Engineers, and Application Experts—fondly known as “penguins” in Jotun—across 18 countries.
You’ve worked extensively across the Middle East, India, and Africa. Each region has its unique challenges. What were some of the toughest projects or environments you’ve encountered, and how did you adapt your approach to meet different climates, regulations, and market needs?
The MEIA region presents some of the most challenging environments for high-performance coatings—ranging from extreme heat and very high humidity to chemical pollution, all of which accelerate corrosion. Designing effective coating solutions requires a deep understanding of these local conditions.
Beyond environmental challenges, many markets in the region face skill gaps in surface preparation, application techniques, and basic awareness of corrosion and coatings. Recognizing this, Jotun adopted a market-friendly strategy focused on knowledge sharing, training, and education to uplift industry standards.
I’m proud to say that Jotun consistently leads in regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and sustainable innovation. Our initiatives—such as Jotun Green Steps, Green shipping and carbon footprint reduction—reflect our commitment to delivering environmentally friendly and high-performing solutions.
A lot of our readers are NDT practitioners, and I’m sure they’re eager to hear your thoughts on the intersection of NDT and protective coatings. How do you see NDT methods integrating with coating work? Can you share how NDT helps in assessing coating performance and spotting early corrosion, and why this collaboration is so crucial for ensuring long-term asset integrity?
High-performance coatings and NDT share a strong synergy, especially in quality assurance and inspection. Many key parameters for evaluating coating performance rely on NDT principles. For instance, eddy current-based DFT (Dry Film Thickness) measurements are essential for verifying coating thickness and ensuring compliance with specifications.
Gloss and finish assessments also utilize NDT techniques. More importantly, asset integrity is best maintained through early detection of issues using NDT methods, followed by the application of appropriate coatings for corrosion protection. This collaboration is vital for extending the life of critical infrastructure and minimizing maintenance costs.
At the Oman Corrosion & Material Innovation Summit 2025, you’ll be presenting on Covallox© technology. For those who may not be familiar, could you explain what Covallox technology is and how it differs from conventional solvent-based epoxies? What makes it such a revolutionary solution for long-term corrosion protection?
Covallox is Jotun’s patented breakthrough in high-performance coatings. It introduces a dual-locking mechanism—physical and chemical bonding—between the coating and the substrate. Traditional epoxy coatings rely primarily on physical adhesion, which can degrade over time due to water ingress, leading to delamination.
Covallox-based coatings prevent water penetration by forming a robust double barrier: hydrogen bonding and covalent bonding. This significantly enhances adhesion strength—up to 10 times more than conventional systems. Since adhesion is the cornerstone of long-term coating performance, Covallox bonding ensures that once properly applied, the coating can protect assets for up to 30 years. I would say It’s a game-changer in corrosion protection technology.
As Covallox is described as solvent-free and zero-VOC, sustainability seems to be at the core of its design. How important is sustainability in today’s coatings industry, and how do you balance the need for high performance, durability, and environmental responsibility when recommending or developing coating systems?
Coating manufacturers today face tremendous pressure from environmental protection agencies worldwide. As a Norwegian company, Jotun has always been a frontrunner in regulatory compliance and sustainability. We don’t hesitate to phase out products—even at the cost of significant business volume—if they pose risks to health or the environment. For example, Jotun discontinued coal tar epoxy-based products nearly 20 years ago due to their carcinogenic nature and harmful effects, even though they are still used in some parts of the region.
At Jotun, sustainability begins at the innovation stage. Our first objective is to design products using less hazardous (if not zero-hazard) raw materials, sourced sustainably, and with a low life cycle cost (LCC). Covallox is a prime example of this philosophy—combining high performance with environmental responsibility.
Jotun is known for its strong in-house research and manufacturing. What do you think sets your technical services and support apart from competitors in the industry? How do you ensure clients get a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just a product—offering everything from specification and application to ongoing maintenance?
At Jotun, we believe that a strong ecosystem is essential for successful operations. This requires a values-driven culture, bold investments, and the courage to explore new territories. Our global team of over 500 dedicated scientists and chemists is constantly developing environmentally friendly solutions using cutting-edge technologies.
Since coatings are technically half-finished products until applied correctly, seamless technical support is critical. Jotun has a global network of more than 1,200 certified and trained technical service personnel—about 10% of our total workforce. This level of investment is unparalleled in the coatings industry. It provides peace of mind to our customers, who are our partners, and makes Jotun a preferred choice. Once you experience Jotun, you always wish for Jotun.
With your background as an AMPP/NACE Protective Coatings Specialist and an M.Sc. in Chemistry, you clearly bridge scientific research with practical field experience. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in materials science and corrosion control? Are there any emerging trends or technologies, like digital monitoring or advanced materials, that particularly excite you?
My specialization in organic chemistry, combined with rigorous R&D experience and over two decades of association with NACE/AMPP, has given me a strong foundation in both theory and practice. I stay updated through platforms like AMPP/NACE, European Coatings, and Jotun’s internal Intelligence Plaza, which aggregates the latest industry developments.
I also actively participate in regional and global seminars and conferences. We’re closely monitoring emerging technologies such as robotics, digital reporting systems, virtual reality (VR), and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for inspections. These innovations are reshaping how we approach corrosion control and asset management.
Training and certification play a huge role in quality. What advice would you give to young engineers or entrepreneurs looking to enter the protective coatings and NDT fields? Are there specific certifications, experiences, or mindsets that you think are particularly valuable in this line of work?
While certifications and training are essential for entering the field, true success comes from diving deep into the technical intricacies. I’ve seen many young engineers earn high-level certifications but struggle when faced with real-world challenges. It’s a continuous learning process—one must be willing to challenge themselves, learn from each experience, and seek innovative solutions beyond conventional methods.
Having worked with both Indian and international organizations, you’ve seen a variety of approaches to protective coatings. What differences have you observed in how companies in India approach coatings compared to other regions, and what can each side learn from the other?
India’s protective coatings industry is gaining momentum, but the pace is relatively slow. There’s a need for widespread awareness about corrosion management and asset integrity from the early stages of infrastructure development. A robust ecosystem for corrosion protection must be built and actively promoted.
It’s disheartening to see steel structures deteriorating due to corrosion when simple protective measures could extend their lifespan significantly. According to the NACE/AMPP IMPACT study, corrosion costs amount to 3% of global GDP, and 30–40% of new steel is used to replace corroded structures. Just increasing awareness could reduce this by 15%.
In contrast, major oil and gas markets in the Middle East show a higher level of maturity in corrosion protection, largely due to the presence of diverse experts and well-established systems. India can benefit from adopting similar strategies and investing in education and training.
On a lighter note, outside of work, what activities or hobbies help you relax and recharge? We’re sure our readers would love to know a bit more about the person behind the professional!
I love traveling, practicing yoga, reading books, and playing a bit of golf when time and weather permit. These activities help me stay balanced and energized.
OnestopNDT is thrilled to partner with the Oman Corrosion & Material Innovation Summit 2025. How do you see this collaboration benefiting the wider NDT and corrosion community? What are some key takeaways you hope attendees will gain from your session and from the conference overall?
This collaboration between the NDT and corrosion management communities is a fantastic initiative to foster synergy and explore new approaches. I believe the conference will be immensely beneficial, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in material science. My session on Covallox technology will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly coating solutions, which I hope will resonate strongly with asset owners and applicators.
As a professional in the NDT application industry, do you find OnestopNDT to be a helpful platform? Is it a go-to place for learning about NDT selection?
Honestly, I wasn’t very familiar with OnestopNDT before this session. But now, I can confidently say it’s a valuable resource—offering all the relevant information on NDT just a click away. It’s a great platform for professionals seeking knowledge and guidance in this field.
We thank Mr. Beirbal Singh Bhandari for sharing his inspiring journey and valuable insights on protective coatings, sustainability, and the synergy between NDT and corrosion management. His experience highlights the importance of innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration in shaping the future of the coatings industry.
