SONALI NEHETE
Navi Mumbai
Summary
R&D Adhesive Scientist with 11+ years of experience in Hot Melt Adhesives, specializing in EVA, SBC, APAO, and metallocene polyolefin systems for Hygiene, packaging, labeling, woodworking, and industrial applications. Strong background in Product development, application testing, and lab-to-plant scale-up, with technical familiarity of water-based adhesive systems and polyurethane & epoxy chemistries. Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with operations, technical service, procurement, and safety teams to deliver robust, market-ready solutions aligned with business growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist
PIDILITE INDUSTRIES Ltd.
Andheri
04.2023 - Current
- Led and executed large, complex R&D projects for new product development in the Hot Melt adhesives segment.
- Developed and commercialized new adhesive products for woodworking, labeling, courier bags, and industrial tape applications.
- Worked on waterbased adhesive for tissue and towel application.
- Planned and conducted product trials, market assessments, and analysis of key competitors and industry trends.
- Delivered solutions to complex technical challenges, ensuring timely completion of research and development projects.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with packaging, technical service, operations, and procurement teams to manage and optimize ongoing projects.
- Trained and mentored new team members, providing technical guidance and hands-on training in new adhesive segments.
- Led lab-scale development and scale-up activities, including laboratory safety upgrades and implementation of best practices.
- Promoted a strong safety culture across laboratory and production environments.
- Leading solution provider for Adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings for consumers.
Product Development Chemist
HENKEL ADHESIVE Ltd.
Koparkhairane
03.2017 - 04.2023
- Driving Global projects of new product development of Hot melt Adhesives for Granulated and Non-Granulated HMA for IMEA Region.
- Successfully Harmonized the test methods of adhesives testing with Global team members with roll out in Albert System.
- Working on SBS, SIS SEBS rubber system along with Hydrogenated resin in PSHMA.
- Identification and Implantation of alternate cost-effective raw material to reduce the cost of final product.
- Driving a Global sustainability project of biobased Adhesives.
- Support to plant Adhesive Operation for production of Batches, testing Localization.
- Validation of existing products for key account customer for sanitary Napkin and Diaper application.
- Responsible to solve the technical issue related to product application, at customer end.
- Application of adhesives by coater testing of lab batch samples viscosity, Softening Point Rheology, DSC, Tensile testing, Odor test.
- Responsible for Calibration, Maintenance, Updating the SWP of instrument.
- Responsible to maintain health and safe environments in the work area to perform the work with zero hazards. Also responsible for Safety work and follow all Safety rules.
- Highly Skilled in Rheology, UTM Testing, Dsc, Kanebo.
- Leading solution provider for Adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings for consumers, craftsmen and industrial applications in Product and Development for IMEA Region.
Chemist
ESDEE PAINTS Ltd.
Thane
10.2016 - 02.2017
- Characterization of pigment, extender, resin as per specification.
- Establish a system based on Acrylic, PU in pigmented as well as clear for automotive application.
- Synthesis of Polyester clear coat for wood coating.
- Synthesis of PU clear coat for Automotive refinish.
- Synthesis of Water based 1k PU For wood application (Satin Finish).
- Development of shade as per customer requirement with desire properties (shade matching).
- Leading paint manufacturing company in India having excellence Automotive Paint, Water based paint, Polyurethane Paints, Putties, Epoxy Coatings, High-Performance Coatings, specialized coatings such as UV coatings, Glass Coatings etc.
Chemist
MONOPOL COLOUR Ltd.
Rabale, Navi Mumbai
04.2015 - 09.2016
- Development of polyester topcoat for coil coating application.
- Development of product shade as per customer requirement.
- To make adequate formulation of general coil coating application and shade mating as per customer requirements.
- Leading manufacturer of Coil coating, protective coating, and General Industrial application.
M. tech Project trainee
Crompton Greaves Ltd.
Kanjurmarg, Mumbai
06.2013 - 09.2014
- Work on the Design and development of model of Air core Reactor on a lab scale for pilot plant.
- Design of collapsible mandrel system for air core reactor.
- Design & Testing of resin impregnation bath with mandrel and motor.
- Indian multinational company engaged in design, manufacturing, and marketing of products related to power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Education
M. Tech. - Paint Technology
North Maharashtra University
Jalgaon05-2014
B.E. - Chemical Engineering
S.S.B.T. College Of Engineering And Technology
Jalgaon, North Maharashtra University05-2012
HSC -
01.2008
SSC -
01.2006
Skills
- Hot Melt & PSA Adhesive Chemistry (EVA, SBC, APAO, Metallocene)
- Formulation & Structure–Property Optimization
- Product Development & Scale-Up
- Application Testing & Validation
- Technical Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
- Water-Based Adhesive Systems – Process-Level Understanding
- Polyurethane & Epoxy Chemistry – Working Knowledge
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Supplier Technical Interaction & RM Qualification
- R&D Project Leadership & Process Improvement
- Skilled in handling analytical instruments, such as rheometers, DSC, FTIR, and viscometers, along with data interpretation
Key Highlights
- Leading for ISO Audit 9001:2015 Documentation activity, successfully completed Internal & External Audit in December (2023, 2024)
- Successfully commercialize hotmelt adhesives grade for Bottle labeling, Courier bag & Industrial Tapes application. (2023-2024)
- Successfully Commercialize HMPSA Adhesive for Construction application in sanitary napkin & Diapers.
- Successfully commercialize Hotmelt Polyolefins grade in construction adhesives for diaper application.
- Commercialize HMPSA for Mattresses Application. • Development of HMA for book binding, packaging & for wood binding.
- Successfully Deployment of Albert System as an Albert Ambassador (2021-2022) • Development of PU clear coat for Automotive Refinish.
- Development of Polyester clear Coat for Wood application.
- Development of polyester topcoat for Coil Coating application. • Development of Epoxy Impregnated epoxy system for air core reactor (2013-2014)
Accomplishments
• Awarded Employee of the Quarter for outstanding contributions to research and development, successful project execution, and innovation for Hotmelt Segment. (April 2024)
• Successfully Completing Cost Reduction Project providing best raw material alternatives., 2019
• Commercialize product Design of 'Air Core Reactor'., 2014
• Successfully Completing Cost Reduction Project providing best raw material alternatives., 2019
• Commercialize product Design of 'Air Core Reactor'., 2014
Training
- Successfully completed First Aid training on 'First Aid'.
- Successfully completed training on 'Fire safety and Control'.
Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/05/89
- Gender: Female
- Marital Status: Married
Disclaimer
I hereby declare that all the facts that stated above are correct and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Sonali Kirankumar Nehete
Navi Mumbai, 12/16/25
Timeline
Senior Scientist
PIDILITE INDUSTRIES Ltd.
04.2023 - Current
Product Development Chemist
HENKEL ADHESIVE Ltd.
03.2017 - 04.2023
Chemist
ESDEE PAINTS Ltd.
10.2016 - 02.2017
Chemist
MONOPOL COLOUR Ltd.
04.2015 - 09.2016
M. tech Project trainee
Crompton Greaves Ltd.
06.2013 - 09.2014
M. Tech. - Paint Technology
North Maharashtra University
B.E. - Chemical Engineering
S.S.B.T. College Of Engineering And Technology