Every day, Punit Antal is focused on improving customers’ production efficiency in a more sustainable way through refined borates.
Carrying out this work is quite complex and requires navigating both industrial and agricultural applications across a wide geographic footprint. As associate sales director for U.S. Borax, Punit supports customers in India, the Middle East, and Southern and Eastern Africa.
His rare combination of regional insight and deep technical knowledge makes him a trusted partner for both new adopters and long-time refined borate customers.
From biology to borates
In school, Punit excelled at science. After discovering a strong interest in agriculture, he shifted his focus. “My goal was to get into medical school,” he says. “Instead, I became a plant doctor, which is equally critical.”
As a biology student with a curiosity for how things work, Punit earned a degree from one of India’s top agricultural universities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar and a master’s degree from MANAGE, Hyderabad. There, he learned from industry leaders and developed a deeper understanding of the essential role nutrients play in crop nutrition.
After college, he gravitated toward business development roles in the manufacturing sector. Those positions gave him valuable experience in strategy, product development, and policy advocacy.
“Analyzing situations, developing a plan, and taking ownership from start to finish are skills that helped me early in my career and still guide me today,” he says.
That foundation now helps Punit bridge technical insight with practical solutions for customers across sectors.
Driving efficiency and sustainability with borates
In his current role, Punit leads regional business operations with responsibility for profit and loss, technical marketing, and product development through research partners, and government engagement.
His favorite part of the job? Delivering lasting value to customers through the strategic application of refined borates.
One example: As more steel producers adopt induction furnaces to meet decarbonization goals, demand is rising for durable, high-performance factory linings.
Punit collaborates with secondary steel manufacturers to improve furnace efficiency and reduce emissions by working with them to determine if boric oxide (B2O3) can replace boric acid in their ramming mass applications.
Compared to boric acid, boric oxide offers better thermal shock resistance, improved sintering, and stronger compaction at high temperatures. It also eliminates moisture-related issues that can cause furnace tripping and coil corrosion. Ultimately, boric oxide could extend the furnace lining life by 10–20%, depending on design and scrap quality.
Helping farmers boost productivity
Agriculture is another important focus for Punit. In many markets, farmers are grappling with fewer arable land acreage and must find ways to increase yield.
Some growers rely heavily on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers, often overlooking how essential micronutrients such as boron can help maximize productivity.
Punit is helping to change that mindset by promoting a crop nutrition program that includes micronutrients with macronutrient mixes. That’s key to improving regional land productivity as boron helps crops absorb macronutrients more efficiently.
The proof? In one recent sugarcane trial in India, our research partners tested a new boron application method that showed a 2.5% increase in sucrose content.
“It could be a gamechanger for the sugarcane industry,” Punit says.
Dedicated to holistic customer support
Punit takes an empathetic approach to customer relationships. “Listening is the starting point,” he says. “It’s important to offer a complete solution rather than pushing product. We support customers through all stages.”
He works closely with U.S. Borax’s technical marketing and product stewardship teams to help customers navigate product selection, application methods, and even regulatory changes. He’s also active in conferences and industry events, where he engages with both customers and policy leaders.
Grounded in values at work and home
Punit credits his upbringing for shaping how he works today. Raised in a defense family, he learned the importance of discipline, integrity, and adaptability early on.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, exploring local cultures, and following Formula 1.
He especially values the work-life balance at U.S. Borax. “It allows me to be present for my daughter,” he says, “while still working to make an impact in the world.”
Punit Antal visiting SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi.
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