India’s fast-growing plywood industry has long been synonymous with rapid urbanisation and voracious demand for affordable housing. Yet the sector is now being reshaped by a quieter—but no less profound—force: corporate social responsibility. CenturyPly, the country’s largest plywood manufacturer, has emerged at the forefront of this shift, funnelling boardroom innovation and family-held values into grassroots action that spans clean energy, community health, and climate-smart agroforestry.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Vishnu Khemani, Director, CenturyPly and Mr. Keshav Bhajanka, Executive Director, CenturyPly pulled back the curtain on CenturyPly’s evolving CSR and sustainability playbook. They discuss the realities of executing projects in semi-urban hubs such as Gummidipoondi, where basic infrastructure can be scarce; explain why the company is swapping coal for biomass in five factories and rolling out an Energy Management System across plants; and reveal how their pioneering mindset—responsible for product breakthroughs like Virokill and Firewall—is now driving zero-liquid-discharge facilities, 100 % reuse of wood waste, and a renewable-energy leap that has already crossed 13%.
Read on for the full interview below.
Q. CenturyPly has shown a strong commitment to community development and sustainability in Tamil Nadu. What inspired the focus on this region, and how does it align with your broader CSR strategy?
A. Our focus on Tamil Nadu is driven by the region’s robust industrial ecosystem, the availability of a skilled workforce, and our commitment to fostering sustainable development. The establishment of a new manufacturing facility near Chennai, with an investment of ₹600 crore, is a testament to our strategic alignment with these regional strengths. This investment not only boosts local employment but also enables us to embed sustainability into our operations through eco-friendly manufacturing and meaningful community engagement.
This regional approach is completely aligned with our broader CSR strategy, which emphasizes ethical practices, economic development, and improved quality of life for local communities. In Tamil Nadu, this translates into initiatives like building schools, supporting healthcare infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability efforts that aim to create long-term, positive impact.
Q. The #QuenchTheThirst initiative is a unique intervention aimed at animal welfare. Could you share more about its genesis, implementation, and the impact it has had over the past three years?
A. The #QuenchTheThirst initiative, spearheaded by SharonPly (brand owned by Century Plyboards (India) Limited, was conceived in 2022 to address dehydration among animals and birds during India’s harsh summer months. The campaign promotes the simple yet impactful act of placing water bowls in accessible public areas such as homes, terraces, public parks, and streets. Over the years, SharonPly has distributed thousands of cement water bowls across cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, and Puducherry. This initiative has effectively reduced dehydration-related animal deaths and fostered a sense of compassion and civic responsibility. The campaign has also gained traction through support from local authorities, further amplifying its reach and impact.
Q. #iamstrongest initiative reflect a spirit of social recognition. How do you identify and select champions, and what role do you think recognition plays in driving positive change?
A. Through initiatives like the #iamstrongest launched in 2019 and CenturyHeroes, we aim to honour unsung heroes from diverse walks of life including carpenters, specially abled individuals, and grassroots change-makers. Champions are identified through a robust nomination and storytelling process that allows us to discover stories of exceptional resilience and contribution. Recognition serves as a powerful catalyst for social change. By celebrating these individuals, we inspire others, challenge conventional narratives, and promote inclusivity. These campaigns create ripple effects that elevate community morale and encourage active citizenship.
Q. Empowering the Deaf community in partnership with the Deaf Enabled Foundation is a commendable step toward inclusivity. Could you elaborate on the outcomes of this partnership and your long-term vision for inclusive development?
A. Our partnership with the Deaf Enabled Foundation (DEF) has facilitated impactful training programs in communication, IT skills, and office readiness for the Deaf community, enabling job placements and promoting greater societal integration. In parallel, our 'CenturyHeroes 2024' campaign, themed ‘Inclusivity is Priority,’ champions the design of accessible spaces. This initiative celebrates architects, interior designers, and carpenters who create inclusive furniture and environments for people with disabilities. Our vision is to build a future where well-designed, inclusive spaces are the norm, not the exception. These efforts reflect our holistic approach to business combining social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and community development in alignment with global sustainability goals.
Q. In what ways have CenturyPly’s initiatives, such as solar-powered umbrellas for vendors and RO water plant at the zoo, contributed to both sustainability and community well-being?
A. CenturyPly's CSR initiatives, including the installation of solar-powered umbrellas for street vendors and reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water plant at Vandalur Zoo, have significantly contributed to both sustainability and community well-being.
- Solar-Powered Umbrellas for Street Vendors: By providing solar-powered umbrellas, CenturyPly has empowered street vendors with clean energy solutions, reducing their reliance on traditional power sources and enhancing their business operations.
- RO Drinking Water Plants at Vandalur Zoo: The installation of RO drinking water plant at Vandalur zoo ensures access to clean and safe drinking water for visitors, promoting health and well-being.
Broader Impact
- These initiatives align with CenturyPly's commitment to social responsibility, addressing environmental and community challenges through innovative solutions.
- Through these efforts, CenturyPly demonstrates a dedication to creating lasting value for communities and the environment.
Q. With Tamil Nadu contributing significantly to CenturyPly’s production output, how do you balance your business goals with socio-environmental responsibilities in the region?
A. At CenturyPly, we are committed to ensuring that our business growth is aligned with our socio-environmental responsibilities. Our factory in Gummudipoondi, Tamil Nadu is the Largest Plywood Manufacturing Factory in India, that plays a pivotal role in our operations, contributing 27% of our total plywood production and being the sole contributor to our particle board output.
To ensure sustainable development, we have adopted a multifaceted approach in the region:
- Sustainable Manufacturing: At our Gummudipoondi facility, we have installed a 1,056-KW rooftop solar plant, which helps meet 15–20% of our energy requirements and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 5,900 tonnes annually.
- Community Engagement: Through our CSR division, we have initiated impactful programs such as the #QuenchTheThirst campaign. This project involved placing thousands of cement water bowls across Chennai, Puducherry & Coimbatore to support stray animals and birds during the intense summer months.
- Educational Support: We have also established schools near our manufacturing units to provide quality education to the children of our workers and the local community.
- Health Care Support: We regularly organise Health camps at Madanlal Khemani Vivekananda Vidyalaya and an adopted village in Gummudipoondi. The camps are fully funded by us and organised by Shree Sai Healing Trust.
By integrating our business growth with environmental stewardship and community development, CenturyPly demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and responsible operations in Tamil Nadu.
Q. What are some of the key challenges you face in executing CSR projects—especially in rural or semi-urban areas like Gummidipoondi?
A. CenturyPly faces several challenges in executing CSR projects in rural and semi-urban areas like Gummidipoondi:
- Infrastructure Limitations: Basic amenities such as clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are often lacking, hindering the implementation of health and hygiene initiatives.
- Awareness Gaps: Limited awareness about environmental issues and sustainable practices can impede the success of eco-friendly initiatives.
- Community Engagement: Building trust and engaging local communities in CSR activities requires consistent effort and understanding of local dynamics.
Q. CenturyPly is known for innovation in products like Virokill and Firewall technology. Are there similar innovations you’re exploring in your CSR efforts—particularly in the areas of climate action, green infrastructure, or digital inclusion?
A. Yes, innovation is not just a hallmark of our product portfolio but a guiding principle that drives CenturyPly’s approach to sustainability, community engagement, and responsible growth. In the area of climate action and green infrastructure, we have introduced several transformative initiatives that go well beyond compliance.
We have substituted coal with biomass as a primary fuel in 5 of our manufacturing units, significantly reducing carbon emissions, and increased our renewable electricity usage to 13% through in-house solar plants and power purchase agreements—an area we aim to scale further in the coming fiscal year.
Our factories have adopted electric vehicles and forklifts to lower logistics emissions, while all our manufacturing units have achieved Zero Liquid Discharge, ensuring that not a single drop of water is wasted or untreated. Through our advanced waste management systems, we’ve achieved 100% reuse of wood waste across plants.
We’re also rolling out a comprehensive Energy Management System (EMS) across our plants, enabling real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of energy usage—resulting in both environmental and cost efficiencies. Our agroforestry initiatives have also scaled significantly—with over 50 lakh saplings distributed and 98% of our timber now sourced through plantation wood, we are supporting farmer incomes, and building long-term climate resilience. In collaboration with institutions like TNAU and the TOFI program, we are bringing scientific practices to grassroots plantation models.
These efforts reflect the same spirit of meaningful innovation that led to product breakthroughs like Virokill and Firewall—solutions that combine performance with purpose.
Q. How are CenturyPly’s CSR efforts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Could you share which specific goals you are targeting most actively?
A. At CenturyPly, our CSR efforts are not designed around SDG alignment—they are designed around impact. We believe that when initiatives are rooted in real needs, meaningful outcomes naturally follow. Global frameworks like the SDGs may align as a by-product, but they are not the driver of our actions.
Whether it’s ensuring access to healthcare for children, providing safe sanitation, supporting animal welfare, or enhancing local green cover through sapling distribution—every initiative we undertake is outcome-driven, with defined metrics and community-level feedback loops. Based on our latest ESG Report—the first of its kind in the industry—we impacted over 22.6 lakh lives across diverse focus areas.
Thematically, our most active areas of focus include:
• Healthcare access and child wellness
• Education and skill development
• Environmental regeneration and climate resilience
• Water conservation and sanitation
• Animal welfare
These initiatives are not symbolic CSR acts—they are sustained, locally embedded programs designed for measurable, visible results. We pursue them because they matter deeply to the communities around us. That’s what drives our commitment: real change on the ground, not ticking boxes on a global list.
Q. As someone deeply involved in charitable and social organizations, how do you integrate your personal philosophy of service with the company’s CSR vision?
A. At a personal level, I’ve always believed that leadership is not just about growth and success—it’s about service, purpose, and giving back. A lot of this perspective has been shaped by my father, Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka, whose values and actions have deeply influenced me. His decision to dedicate 20% of his wealth to philanthropic causes is a powerful reminder that true wealth lies in the impact we create for others.
This philosophy aligns closely with CenturyPly’s CSR vision. We don’t treat CSR as just a regulatory responsibility—it is embedded in our ethos. Our efforts in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and livelihood creation are all rooted in the belief that businesses must uplift the communities around them.
My involvement in charitable and social organizations reinforces this belief, and I actively bring insights from those experiences into the company’s initiatives. When personal values and corporate purpose come together, it creates a force for good that goes far beyond balance sheets. At CenturyPly, that’s the kind of legacy we’re working to build—one of responsible leadership and meaningful change.
Q. Looking ahead, what are CenturyPly’s top priorities in CSR and sustainability for the next 3-5 years? Are there new regions, themes, or partnerships you’re exploring?
A. Looking ahead, CenturyPly is committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact through its CSR and sustainability initiatives. Over the next 3 to 5 years, our focus will be on building a greener, more inclusive, and responsible future. One of our key goals is to increase the share of renewable energy across all operations. We plan to invest in energy-efficient technologies and alternative energy sources such as solar and biomass. We are also focused on maximizing resource circularity. With a 100% wood waste recovery rate already achieved, we aim to further reduce production waste by reusing it as raw material and energy. Following our success in reducing coal usage through biomass substitution, we are looking to scale this initiative to other facilities.
Product innovation remains a core priority. CenturyPly continues to develop safer, eco-friendly products, such as our E1 emission-safe plywood that emits less than 0.07 ppm of formaldehyde and is fully recyclable. Our R&D teams are actively exploring alternatives to hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde and phenols to reduce health and environmental risks.
Internally, we are driving a shift toward digital transformation to support sustainability. We are actively reducing paper usage by adopting digital documentation, e-governance tools, and smart workflow systems across the organization.
Alongside environmental goals, our social responsibility efforts are equally important. We are deepening our engagement especially in rural regions near our manufacturing units. Our initiatives focus on education, healthcare access, women’s empowerment, and skill development—aiming to uplift lives and enable sustainable livelihoods. We also continue to support local infrastructure, hygiene, and sanitation projects that improve quality of life
Together, these steps reflect our holistic commitment to sustainability—not just in our products and processes, but also in the way we support people and communities. CenturyPly strives to be a responsible industry leader, building a better tomorrow.
