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Opportunities for MSW in India

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With urbanisation and industrialisation increasing around the world (despite a temporary COVID-19 setback), the issue of waste management and particularly of municipal solid waste will be a critical challenge to sustainable development.

Global waste production is expected to reach 27 billion tonnes per year by 2050, a third of which will be generated in Asia.1 India will be a major contributor: it currently generates more than 150,000 tonne per day of solid waste, approximate 54.75 million tonne (MT) per year.2

The government steps in To tackle this growing pile of waste ??much of which has traditionally ended up in landfills ??the Indian government has issued two directives:

Guidelines on Usage of Refuse Derived Fuel in Various Industries

Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation; Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (September 2018).

Guideline Document Uniform Framework for Extended Producers Responsibility

Under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016; Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (June 2020)

The first of these ??which is now in force ??aims to prevent the landfill of waste that are ??ombustible in nature but are not recyclable such as soiled paper, soiled cloth, contaminated plastics, multi-layer packaging materials, other packaging materials, pieces of leather, rubber, tyre, polystyrene, wood, etc.??

The second of ??which is still in consultation stage ??deals with plastic waste. Among other things, it will make companies that use plastic packaging for their products responsible for collecting and disposing of that packaging.4 One solution to both of these challenges is the substitution of fossil fuels by alternative refusederived fuels (RDF) at cement plants and thermal power plants.

The use of waste as an alternative fuel in the cement industry has a longstanding history, particularly in Europe, where substitution rates can reach well over 50 per cent and companies are pushing to reach 100 per cent. This is supported by generous gate fees paid by waste producers to cement companies and tight carbon emissions regulations (some alternative fuels are considered carbon neutral under EU regulations). Indeed, the use of RDF and other alternative fuels is acknowledged as a key step in the cement industry?? path to carbon neutrality, alongside energy efficiency and the use of supplementary cementitious materials.5

To encourage the use of RDF, the expenses so incurred for transportation of RDF, beyond 100 km distance may be booked by industries under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment as per Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.3 RDF in India

The Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) had expressed its commitment towards disposal of wastes and plastics and use of alternate fuels and raw materials.6 The past President (2018 to 2020) of CMA, Mr. Mahendra Singhi, commented; ??he Indian cement industry has been able to use almost 75 million tonnes of waste as a replacement of raw materials and fuels??

Mr. Singhi, who is also the MD and CEO of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd, added that the Indian cement sector has played an important role in the transition to a low carbon economy and is fully committed towards efficiency in terms of clean and green operations.

As part of the new guidelines, cement companies are now required to utilise RDF in any kiln located within 400 km of an RDF production facility.

Unusually, it is also the cement companies that are required to bear the cost of this rule, for example; there are no gate fees payable for taking waste and cement companies have to pay the transportation fees for the first 100 km radius of the plant.

Managing the increasing quantity of MSW generating in India is a big challenge. A high percentage of MSW including non-recyclable combustible fraction ends up in landfills. In spite of enough demand a supply of RDF by vibrant private sector in waste management and cement industry and existence of enabling policy framework of SWM Rules 2016, current on ground situation is not very promising due to several challenges as depicted below:

The regulation envisages a rising scale of substitution rate from 6 per cent in the first year up to 15 per cent in the third year, although an evaluation of the amount of available RDF vs the energy needs of the cement industry suggest that a thermal substitution rate of 7.1 per cent may be the maximum achievable (Table 1).

The data captures the details of daily exposed garbage. There is a significant quantum of legacy wastes which needs to be processed to make it usable RDF.

A Partner for Sustainable Waste Management

The new regulations position the cement industry as a key partner in solving India?? waste challenges.

However, there are certain challenges in its processing. Notably, the quality of RDF currently produced in India is much lower than that of in other regions, with lower calorific value and much higher moisture content. In worst scenario the ??ombustible wastes??which ??hould at least be heat neutral??and ??hould not affect the Clinker quality??

The requirement for Indian cement companies to finance the capex required to begin using RDF has also focused the market on economically viable, simple and standard alternative fuels feeding systems to meet the possible substitution rate up to 7 per cent. Going forward, to increase substitution rates, the cement industry needs accuracy in feeding and dosing system, efficient process and alternative fuel material analysis. To support these requirements, cement industry demands proven technologies like; rotor weigh-feeders, a HOTDISC? Combustion Device with solid alternative fuel ash exaction possibilities and utilisation of solid alternative fuel ash, chlorine gas by-pass system and utilisation of chlorine rich dust.

Cement manufacturers like, Dalmia Cement, which targets higher levels of alternative fuel substitution rates, reportedly up to 100 per cent, as part of a corporate ambition to manufacture the greenest cement in the world.7 FLSmidth is supporting this ambition as the supplier of Dalmia Cement?? new plant at Rajgangpur, where the equipment and design of the plant were carefully selected to maximise the potential for alternative fuels and raw materials use, as well as to reduce energy efficiency and heat loss.Tackling plastics Plastic waste has garnered recent attention due to littering of crucial ecosystems, most notably that of oceans. According to one estimate, between 4.8 MT and 12.7 MT of plastic waste enters the oceans each year.8 Reversing this damaging pattern has been recognised as integral to sustainable development and is a key target of the fourteenth UN Sustainable Development Goal.9 As part of the solution to this challenge, the Indian government has introduced rules that make use and disposal of plastic packaging as the responsibility of the generator. This impacts the Indian cement industry in a couple of different ways.

Firstly, as a user of plastic packaging for its products ??and with bagged cement playing a larger role in the Indian cement market than in other regions ??the industry is faced with the need to set up systems to collect that plastic or switch to alternative paperbased packaging.However, the industry may also find itself (again) as a crucial part of the solution, due to its ability to utilise plastic waste as an alternative fuel. One opportunity arising from the regulations may be for the cement industry to partner with others that use plastic packaging to create efficient collection and processing systems for plastic waste that sees the non-recyclable elements made available for use in cement kilns.

Conclusion

Waste is a serious challenge to sustainable development. Finding ways to use the non-recyclable elements in a productive way is therefore key to

setting humanity on a path to a cleaner, greener future. With its huge capacity to utilise RDF, the cement industry has a vital role in doing this. And the benefits of doing so reach far beyond (emptier) landfills. RDF substitution of fossil fuels reduces both the cement industry?? carbon emissions, as well as the necessity to mine fossil fuels. Supporting the use of alternative fuels is therefore a priority for FLSmidth through our MissionZero ambitions to enable zero-emissions cement production.

As part of this, we have committed to providing cement producers the solutions needed to operate with 100 per cent alternative fuels. This goes beyond the provision of equipment to include our significant process experience ??from initial reception and handling of alternative fuels through their impact on conditions in the kiln and on the final chemistry of cement. This deep understanding of the process enables us to assist any plant in solving the challenges that alternative fuels bring ??whether just starting out or reaching for 100 per cent.

References

1. KUMAR, S., et at., 2017, ??hallenges and opportunities associated with waste management in India?? R. Society open sci. https://doi. org/10.1098/rsos.160764

2. AGGARWAL, M., 2019, ??umbai and Delhi generate most solid waste among metro cities??The Wire. https://thewire.in/environment/indias-megacities-mumbai-and-delhi-sitting-ona-pile-of-waste

3. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2018,Guidelines on Usage of Refuse Derived Fuels in Various Industries, p. X.

4. This principal is known as ??xtended Producer Responsibility??

5. For example, see: IEA, 2018, Technology Roadmap:

Low-Carbon Transition in the Cement Industry, p. 28.

6. Indian cement industry commits towards waste management. https://www.outlookindia.com/ newsscroll/indian-cement-industry-commitstowards- waste-management/1630881

7. Global Cemfuels, 2019, ??almia Cement commits itself to 100 per cent RDF and biofuels by 2030?? https://www.cemfuels.com/news/item/3150-dalmia-cement-commits-itself-to-100-rdf-andbiofuels- by-2030

8. JAMBECK, J.R., et al., (2015) ??lastic waste inputs from land into ocean?? Science vol. 347, issue 6223, pp. 768-771. https://science.sciencemag. org/content/347/6223/768

9. Goal 14: Conserve and Sustainable Use theOceans, Seas and Marine Resources. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The article is authored by Dr Alka Mishra, Head of Sustainability Solutions, FLSmidth India

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Concrete

FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe

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FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its new sales partner in Germany to strengthen its presence across Central Europe. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of FORNNAX’s high-capacity, sustainable recycling solutions while building long-term regional capabilities.

FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, one of the leading advanced recycling equipment manufacturers, has announced the appointment of a new sales partner in Germany as part of its strategic expansion into Central Europe. The company has entered into a collaborative agreement with Mr. Dieter Jerschl, a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of experience in the shredding and recycling sector, to represent and promote FORNNAX’s solutions across key European markets.

Mr. Jerschl brings extensive expertise from his work with renowned companies such as BHS, Eldan, Vecoplan, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led the deployment of both single machines and complete turnkey installations for a wide range of applications, including tyre recycling, cable recycling, municipal solid waste, e-waste, and industrial waste processing.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Jerschl said,
“I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art & high-capacity technology, it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey.”

The partnership will primarily focus on Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and neighbouring countries, with the flexibility to extend the geographical scope based on project requirements and mutual agreement. The collaboration is structured to evolve over time, with performance-driven expansion and ongoing strategic discussions with FORNNAX’s management. The immediate priority is to build a strong project pipeline and enhance FORNNAX’s brand presence across the region.

FORNNAX’s portfolio of high-performance shredding and pre-processing solutions is well aligned with Europe’s growing demand for sustainable and efficient waste treatment technologies. By partnering with Mr. Jerschl—who brings deep market insight and established industry relationships—FORNNAX aims to accelerate adoption of its solutions and participate in upcoming recycling projects across the region.

As part of the partnership, Mr. Jerschl will also deliver value-added services, including equipment installation, maintenance, and spare parts support through a dedicated technical team. This local service capability is expected to ensure faster project execution, minimise downtime, and enhance overall customer experience.

Commenting on the long-term vision, Mr. Jerschl added,
“We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to ten years.”

For FORNNAX, this partnership aligns closely with its global strategy of expanding into key markets through strong regional representation. The company believes that local partnerships are critical for navigating complex market dynamics and delivering solutions tailored to region-specific waste management challenges.

“We see tremendous potential in the Central European market,” said Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of FORNNAX.
“Partnering with someone as experienced and well-established as Mr. Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally,” he added.

This collaboration further strengthens FORNNAX’s commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable waste management, supporting the transition toward a greener and more circular future.

 

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Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook

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Higher capex, city-led growth and CCUS funding improve demand visibility and decarbonisation prospects for cement

Mumbai

Cement manufacturers have welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27’s strong infrastructure thrust, with public capital expenditure increased to Rs 12.2 trillion, saying it reinforces infrastructure as the central engine of economic growth and strengthens medium-term prospects for the cement sector. In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has welcomed the Union budget 2026-27 for reinforcing the ambitions for the nation’s growth balancing the aspirations of the people through inclusivity inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Atmanirbharta.

The budget underscores India’s steady economic trajectory over the past 12 years, marked by fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation, and offers strong demand visibility for infrastructure linked sectors such as cement.

The Budget’s strong infrastructure push, with public capital expenditure rising from Rs 11.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025–26 to Rs 12.2 trillion in fiscal year 2026–27, recognises infrastructure as the primary anchor for economic growth creating positive prospects for the Indian cement industry and improving long term visibility for the cement sector. The emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with populations above 5 lakh and the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs) with an allocation of Rs 50 billion per CER over five years, should accelerate construction activity across housing, transport and urban services, supporting broad based cement consumption.

Logistics and connectivity measures announced in the budget are particularly significant for the cement industry. The announcement of new dedicated freight corridors, the operationalisation of 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, the launch of the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the modal share of waterways and coastal shipping from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047, and the development of ship repair ecosystems should enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and improve the sector’s carbon footprint. The announcement of seven high speed rail corridors as growth corridors can be expected to further stimulate regional development and construction demand.

Commenting on the budget, Parth Jindal, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), said, “As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, the three kartavya articulated in the Union Budget provide a clear context for the Nation’s growth and aspirations, combining economic momentum with capacity building and inclusive progress. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) appreciates the Union Budget 2026-27 for the continued emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, urban development and infrastructure modernisation, supported by over 350 reforms spanning GST simplification, labour codes, quality control rationalisation and coordinated deregulation with States. These reforms, alongside the Budget’s focus on Youth Power and domestic manufacturing capacity under Atmanirbharta, stand to strengthen the investment environment for capital intensive sectors such as Cement. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s focus on infrastructure led development emerging as a structural pillar of India’s growth strategy.”

He added, “The Rs 200 billion CCUS outlay for various sectors, including Cement, fundamentally alters the decarbonisation landscape for India’s emissions intensive industries. CCUS is a significant enabler for large scale decarbonisation of industries such as Cement and this intervention directly addresses the technology and cost requirements of the Cement sector in context. The Cement Industry, fully aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitment by 2070, views this support as critical to enabling the adoption and scale up of CCUS technologies while continuing to meet the Country’s long term infrastructure needs.”

Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA, said, “The government’s sustained infrastructure push supports employment, regional development and stronger local supply chains. Cement manufacturing clusters act as economic anchors across regions, generating livelihoods in construction, logistics and allied sectors. The budget’s focus on inclusive growth, execution and system level enablers creates a supportive environment for responsible and efficient expansion offering opportunities for economic growth and lending momentum to the cement sector. The increase in public capex to Rs 12.2 trillion, the focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and the creation of City Economic Regions stand to strengthen the growth of the cement sector. We welcome the budget’s emphasis on tourism, cultural and social infrastructure, which should broaden construction activity across regions. Investments in tourism facilities, heritage and Buddhist circuits, regional connectivity in Purvodaya and North Eastern States, and the strengthening of emergency and trauma care infrastructure in district hospitals reinforce the cement sector’s role in enabling inclusive growth.”

CMA also noted the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.3 per cent of GDP in FY27, reinforcing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.

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Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

CW explores the impact of pro-steel policies on construction and infrastructure and identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

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Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion
of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating
into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points
out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge
in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in
FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at
around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must
meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments.
Else, domestic mills could experience a significant spike in industry
leverage levels over the medium term, increasing their vulnerability to
external macroeconomic shocks.(~$ 60/tonne) over the past one month,
compressing the import parity discount to ~$ 23-25/tonne from previous
highs of ~$ 70-90/tonne, adds Jhunjhunwala. With this, he says, “the
industry can expect high resistance to further steel price increases.”

Domestic HRC prices have increased by ~Rs 5,000/tonne
“Aggressive
capacity additions (~15 mt commissioned in FY25, with 5 mt more by
FY26) have created a supply overhang, temporarily outpacing demand
growth of ~11-12 mt,” he says…

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