Economy & Market

Eliminating landfills

Published

8 years ago

December 30, 2017

admin

The problem of tackling house hold waste is alarming and the infrastructure to handle that by the local bodies on the verge of collapse.
India today collects close to 1,00,000 tonnes of waste per day (the generation is higher and so we see the waste everywhere). And as we urbanise, this problem will only dramatically increase. We all know the reasons for this problem. Increasing urbanisation, coupled with economic development and modern living styles have created this monumental problem in the form of solid waste for urban India. Past frugal habits, almost no use of packaging, no knowledge of plastics, a limited population that was largely rural have given way to a scenario where municipal solid waste generation occurs at each step, without much thought going into the aggregated municipal solid waste (MSW) heaps that are becoming an integral part of our urban (and partially, even rural) landscape.
So what do we do? The first and most obvious and desirable step that has been talked about for some time is: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse.
But at this stage in our country’s development, this is easier said than done. As we urbanise, some of our past practices are dying and being replaced with new, more convenient practices. I remember, when I was younger, my mother would never go to the market without a bag (typically cloth) of her own. Then, along came plastic bags at each hawkers’ end and out went the earlier re-usable cloth bags. Thus now all the vegetables come home in their own plastic bags. If we also look at most products we buy today, the packing has gone up dramatically.
Similarly, the new urban economy has given a boost to the attitude of convenience and thus changed our age old ways of recycling and reusing. Thus while the Rs 3 as they are called should be the aim of each one of us, we should understand that these generally go against current human behaviour, find limited acceptance and even if successful, will still leave large quantities requiring treatment and safe disposal/utilisation.
MSW collection and management has thus become one of the most difficult and expensive tasks for most municipalities and municipal corporations across the world and in India. Most municipal bodies either spend a substantial part of their budget on this or just see this as a problem with no solution. Even where the waste is being collected, there are limited technical solutions available to handle the waste effectively.Current status
The only real solutions that exist today are listed below:
Landfilling: Most waste collected in the country today is sent to an identified landfill. The landfills are not really scientifically designed and this leads to issues of groundwater contamination (the leachate generated in landfills should be trapped and treated but this is seldom done), air emissions, etc. As the quantum of waste grows, the landfills start choking and become a physical hazard as well. Recently there have been news reports of people dying due to part of the kachra in the landfills collapsing and falling on people (Delhi). In Deonar, Mumbai, parts of the landfill caught fire leading to all of Mumbai suffering smog. These are just a couple of examples but we read and hear such depressing stories each day! Similar stories come from other parts of the world as well like Colombo, Kenya, etc. Thus the landfill can only be an interim solution and that too is becoming an increasingly difficult solution to implement as no one, including villagers, want these landfills in their backyards and for very obvious reasons! Composting: As per the National Green Tribunal Guidelines, the wet waste (food waste, dung, vegetable and fruit waste, etc) should be composted and the compost so generated should be used as fertilizer. A few sites are doing this but this finally treats less than 10 per cent of the incoming waste. Thus there has to be a solution to handle the balance.Waste to energy: This seems to be the only real solution that can get rid of the waste in an economical and sustainable manner. But at this point of time, the technology available is complex, has emissions issues and is not available for villages, towns and smaller cities (typical combustion plants need at least 500 tonnes of waste per day). Many of the plants installed earlier have been shut down due to emission issues. Parameters of an Ideal solution
The ideal solution should thus be a waste to energy technology that does below:

It will need to substantially reduce the volume of the waste – ideally it should lead to all waste being processed and should send nothing to landfills
The process should generate wealth – fertilizer, gas / power, etc., ensuring that the bane of MSW could become a boon
The solution should be usable in small towns as well as large cities
Even for large cities, the solution should allow decentralised processing to minimise transportation and related costs/issues
Emissions should be in keeping with all norms as defined worldwide
The solution should be financially viable

An innovative solution
Under this very gloomy scenario, there seems to be a glimmer of hope as a new and promising technology has come to convert most kinds of waste to energy. The technology uses the process of gasification to breakdown the solid waste into a combustible gas called syngas. This gas is then used to generate heat or power.

The technology uses all fractions of MSW without extensive segregation and coupled with composting/biogas plants, ensures that nothing goes to landfills. Part of the in-feed is given out as totally benign ash that can be used for roads while the balance material is converted to gas
The way the systems are designed ensures that all emissions norms are met
The systems are designed for distributed use. Thus, the smallest system is a 2.5 tonne per day plant and the largest can handle up to 200 tonne per day. This allows use of the technology in small towns as well as large cities
The systems ensure that at current waste to energy power tariffs, the projects can be financially viable, particularly if small support/viability gap funding is made available
The systems have been designed, developed and made in India

A typical configuration uses about 100 tonnes of waste to generate about 1.8 MW of power. It is envisaged that apart from using these systems in towns and villages, the systems can also be used to distribute waste processing in larger cities. This will ensure that the transport costs for the waste are much reduced.
Come, let’s use this ‘Made in India" technology to create Swachh Bharat!The menace of waste
As a citizen of this country and this world, I increasingly get concerned about many issues we as a society face. Of all our issues, one of the larger ones is the waste we as a race generate. And there is no real solution in sight to this problem, particularly for small town and cities.The numbers are telling: Human beings as they develop produce more and more waste. Urban Indian’s average waste generation per capita is today 400 grams per day. For the US, it is at a staggering 2,500 grams per capita per day, and we seem to be slowly but surely moving in that direction – a frightening prospect indeed!
The world today generates close to 2 billion tonnes of waste per annum. This is up from about 1.3 billion tonne in 2010 (as per World Bank numbers). This number will probably grow to more than 2.2 billion in 2020.Authors:
The article is authored by Dr BC Jain, Chairman, Ankur Scientific, Baroda.

Economy & Market

Fornnax launches world’s biggest secondary/fine shredder for AFR pre-processing

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

admin

Fornnax has introduced its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, for handling low-density waste streams, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants.

Fornnax Technology has launched its latest breakthrough – the R-MAX3300, the biggest secondary shredder in its class. The unveiling took place on 14th October, 2025 at IFAT India 2025 in Mumbai, one of the most prestigious events for environmental technologies, waste management, and sustainable resource innovation.

The launch ceremony was graced by esteemed industry leaders and dignitaries. The guest list included Md Fahim Sopariwala, CEO, GEPIL India; Sridhar Jagannathan, Vice President, Zigma Global; Priyesh Bhatti, CEO, GEPIL India; Shailendra Singh, Deputy General Manager, Prism Johnson (Cement Division); Ulhas Parlikar, Global Consultant, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Policy Advocacy and Co-processing; Saurabh Palsania, Joint President (Strategic Sourcing), Shree Cement; Rajeev Patel, DGM (Process), Mangalam Cement; and Anumodan Kumar Dubey, Mangalam Cement.

This state-of-the-art equipment represents a significant advancement for India’s recycling and waste processing landscape, offering a powerful solution for cement AFR plants and waste-to-energy facilities.

Building on the proven performance and legacy of the R Series secondary shredder, which has long been trusted for high-density materials like tyres and cables, the newly introduced R-MAX3300 is specifically engineered for handling low-density waste streams. These include Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial and Industrial (C&I) waste, Bulky waste, Legacy waste, Wood waste, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.

By incorporating advanced shredding technology, the R-MAX3300 enables seamless and highly efficient production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) within the ideal particle size range of 30 to 50 mm. Its design prioritises versatility, durability and superior performance, directly supporting industrial operations that demand consistency and scale.

“The R-MAX3300 represents a monumental leap forward in our vision to become a global leader by 2030 in recycling technology through innovation,” said Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology. “With the rising challenges of waste management in India and globally, this machine is not just a product; it’s a powerful tool for change. We engineered it to handle the most difficult waste streams with unparalleled efficiency, turning what was once considered unusable waste into a valuable resource. It directly addresses the urgent demand for effective, large-scale shredding technology that can support cement kilns and waste-to-energy facilities in achieving the desired output,” he added.

The launch of the R-MAX3300 arrives at a pivotal moment. India currently generates over 160,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily, while government-led initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities are accelerating the demand for RDF and waste-to-energy solutions. Simultaneously, the global industrial shredder market is expected to grow at a 5–6 per cent CAGR, driven by stricter recycling regulations and increasing waste generation.

Kundaria further emphasised, “Our commitment goes beyond just selling machinery; it’s about empowering our customers to achieve lasting efficiency, sustainability, and growth. We see ourselves as a trusted partner who stands beside them at every step – from technology deployment to ongoing support, ensuring they can rely on Fornnax not only for performance but also for consistency, dependability, and long-term value.”

The R-MAX3300 is equipped to handle high-throughput processing of pre-shredded or coarse materials, making it ideal for SRF/RDF production, composting pre-treatment, and volume reduction for logistics optimisation. It is expected to play a crucial role in Integrated Waste Management Projects (IWMP) and bio-mining operations both within India and globally.

With this grand launch, Fornnax continues to set global benchmark and move decisively towards the vision of becoming global leader in recycling technology by 2030 that is state-of-the-art, innovative, economical, efficient reliable and eco-friendly.

Concrete

Fornnax wins Top Domestic Sales Award 2024-25 by AIRIA

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2025

admin

Fornnax bags the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).

The company has been honoured with the Excellence in Top Domestic Sales Award 2024–25 by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) under the Rubber Machineries and Equipment category. The award recognises Fornnax’s exceptional market leadership, strong sales performance and continued commitment to sustainable innovation.

With over a decade of specialised expertise, Fornnax has emerged as a transformative force in India’s tyre recycling sector, commanding nearly 90 per cent of the domestic market while steadily expanding across Europe, Australia, the GCC, and other global regions.

Fornnax’s advanced recycling systems—comprising the SR-Series Primary Shredders, R-Series Secondary Shredders, and TR-Series Granulators—are engineered for durability, efficiency, and high-output performance. These technologies are widely deployed in end-of-life tyre (ELT) processing and other waste management applications, reinforcing Fornnax’s reputation as a trusted industry partner.

Expressing his gratitude, Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from AIRIA. This award validates the trust that our customers and partners have placed in us over the years. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our clients and partners who have been an integral part of this journey and our continued success. At Fornnax, our goal has always been to empower the recycling industry with innovative, high-performance solutions that make sustainability both achievable and profitable.”

The award also underscores Fornnax’s pivotal role in promoting circular economy practices by enabling the conversion of end-of-life tyres and rubber waste into reusable raw materials. Through ongoing R&D, new product innovation, and a solutions-driven approach, the company continues to help industries worldwide adopt eco-conscious, scalable recycling models.

As India’s recycling landscape evolves to meet global sustainability benchmarks, Fornnax stands at the forefront with internationally certified technology, a proven track record, and a clear vision for environmentally responsible growth.

Concrete

Pacific Avenue Completes Acquisition of FLSmidth Cement; Rebrands as Fuller Technologies

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2025

admin

The acquisition of FLSmidth Cement by Pacific Avenue Capital Partners marks a new phase of focused growth and innovation.
Rebranded as Fuller® Technologies, the company will continue delivering world-class solutions with renewed investment and direction.

Pacific Avenue Capital Partners (“Pacific Avenue”), a global private equity firm, has completed its acquisition of FLSmidth Cement following the fulfillment of all customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The transaction includes all of FLSmidth Cement’s intellectual property, technology, employees, manufacturing facilities, and global sales and service organizations.

As Fuller Technologies, the company will continue to seamlessly support its customers while advancing its robust portfolio of capital equipment, digital solutions, and service offerings. With a sharpened focus on Pyro and Grinding technologies, alongside core brands such as PFISTER®, Ventomatic®, Pneumatic Conveying, and Automation, Fuller Technologies aims to deliver enhanced value and reliability across the cement and industrial sectors.

Under Pacific Avenue’s ownership, Fuller Technologies will benefit from increased investment in people, products, and innovation. The dedicated management team will work to optimize operations and strengthen customer relationships, ensuring continuity and excellence during this exciting transition.

“We are proud to be the new owner of FLSmidth Cement, now Fuller Technologies, a global leader with a rich history of providing mission-critical equipment and aftermarket solutions in the cement and industrial sectors. We will continue to build upon the Company’s legacy of being at the forefront of technological innovation, service delivery, and product quality as we support our customers’ operations,” says Chris Sznewajs, Managing Partner and Founder of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners.

Pacific Avenue’s deep experience in executing complex industrial carve-outs and guiding standalone businesses into their next growth phase will be instrumental in shaping Fuller Technologies’ future. With a proven track record in building products and capital equipment industries, Pacific Avenue is poised to help Fuller Technologies optimize performance, accelerate growth, and create long-term value for its customers and stakeholders worldwide.