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UFlex packaging is the best for cement branding

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UFlex packaging allows maximum bra-nding visibility and allows manufactures to use more than 11 colors, making packaging more aesthetic, says Rahul Akkara, Vice President (Strategy & Brand), JSW Cement.

How important is packaging for the cement industry?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has clearly stated that the cement sector should adhere to the 50 kg bag packaging rule. Now, within the stipulated rules set by BIS, there are essentially multiple packaging options available. There are three types of packaging: HDPE, AD Star and Uflex. On a larger scale, most cement manufacturers use HDPE or AD Star packaging. However, there are a few regions which are driven by traditional packaging like paper bags. For instance, in the southern market, use of paper packing is more than HDPE and AD Star. But now there has been a lot of improvement in packaging.

Today, there is also a choice of using UFlex packaging. Advantage of UFlex packaging than others such as HDPE and AD Star is the cement manufacturers can use digital graphics on UFlex for branding purpose. If compare to others, UFlex is 11-colored packaging, whereas as HDPE is six-colored and AD Star is seven-colored packaging. UFlex packaging allows manufactures to use more than 11 colors; hence, the packaging appears to be more aesthetic and premium.

What part of your manufacturing expenses is taken up by packaging/bagging?
In terms of price comparison, HDPE packaging costs around Rs 8-9, AD Star costs Rs 11, UFlex costs Rs 19 but, paper bag cost Rs 21. That said, depending on the market traction, and the product a manufacturer is selling, it might want to tweak the packaging also. So if I consider an average costing for HDPE it will be around Rs 220 per tonne, for UFlex it will be Rs 380 and paper will be little costlier at Rs 400 per tonne.

For instance, for our Portland Slag Cement (PSC) we normally use AD Star and HDPE. However, for the Chennai market we use paper bags, as we don’t have any other options available. That said, for concrete HD, since it’s a premium product, we use UFlex packaging.

How much of your cement is sold in bags and how much in bulk? What is the industry average (bag-to-bulk ratio) in this respect?
As far as JSW Cement is concerned, 70 per cent of our trade is in bags, which is in proportionate to trade-non-trade sale that takes place. Bulk trade is either through bulkers or through wholesalers which comes in white colour bags. But that is minimal as compared to HDPE and AD star packaging. So in India, bag-to-bulk ratio comes to around 70:30. However, the ratio can change depending upon demand from big projects, which requires cement in bulk. But brands which are looking at retail presence and have a fair bit of visibility on the retail front would be at 60:40 or 70:30.

What is the future trend in bag vs bulk? How does India compare with its global peers in this connection?
Globally, it is bulk packaging which is dominating. This is mainly due to lesser number of retail outlets and continuous use of RMC. Here, in India, use of RMC is evolving, but it is limited to major cities like Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi and Chennai.

However, the same phenomenon is not repeated in semi-urban cities which still depend on 50 kg cement bag because an individual house owner may not have the financial capacity to install an RMC machine.

What is your preferred choice for bagging? Is it paper, HDPE, AD Star or UFlex?
Personally, I would love to use UFlex packa-ging; however, the company should be able to absorb the cost incurred in production (Rs 140 per tonne packaging to Rs 380 per tonne of UFlex). At the end of the day, in a quest to make my product more presentable and premium at the point of sale, I may invest, but it has to have its own impact on my cost of production and profi-tability. Today, any increase in cost of production would hamper the company’s profitability.

But at the same time, for products, where I am commanding a better price, I would like to maintain or enhance or sustain the premium position of the product. In that sense we have used Uflex for a product like concrete HD. If we take a closer look at Uflex versus paper, today Uflex packaging is waterproof packaging. Whereas, in paper, the spillage and clotting of cement is more.

What is your experience in complete automation of bagging of cement and loading of cement bags? Have you invested in such automation systems and by how much?
It is imperative. Considering the amount of cement production per month i.e., 8,000 tonne per day, cement manufacturing plants require auto-mation systems for swift operations. As far as inve-stment is concerned, it takes around Rs 10 crore per line.

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Economy & Market

Power Build’s Core Gear Series

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A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.

At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.

Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.

Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.

Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.

Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344

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Economy & Market

Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain

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Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.

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Economy & Market

Impactful Branding

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Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.

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