Product Development
We need to have clear legal guidelines to promote sustainable waste management
Published
4 years agoon
By
admin
Dirk Lechtenberg, Managing Director, MVW Lechtenberg & Partner (Germany)
India has tremendous potential to implement a sustainable waste management industry which should create a large number of jobs and help achieve a significant, cost-effective reduction of the carbon footprint. Dirk Lechtenberg, Managing Director, MVW Lechtenberg & Partner (Germany) talks to ICR about the technologies used for alternate fuels in India, challenges and support required from the government for promoting alternative fuels. Excerpts from the interview.
Brief us on the technology used in your Ajmer plant in India.
The technology which was implemented at the Ajmer plant consists of well-known components for the processing of mixed waste. It comprises equipment for screening (by drum screens), air separation, ferrous and non-ferrous metal separation, shredding and handpicking. The equipment was manufactured in India by Tecpro Systems. The technology in the machinery follows the basic designs by MVW Lechtenberg & Partner, Germany. Only the shredder was partly purchased from a well-known Austrian equipment supplier, Lindner Recycling Technique. However, the adaption of the technology is the key factor. A mechanical biological treatment plant which is successful in central Europe may not be the right solution for India. Such a plant and technology will not be able to cope with the different waste composition (high organic and inert content in India) will be too expensive and therefore, not affordable by Indian municipalities and habitants.
Tell us about the different technologies that you have used in India for alternate fuels.
In the past, there was no need for the Indian cement industry to use alternative fuels. The reason was the rapidly growing market with an immense need for clinker and cement. At that time, the production costs were of minor importance; it was all about large production volumes. With increasing fossil fuel prices and a stagnating need for cement, the market has become more competitive. Therefore, the production cost per tonne of clinker has become a key criterion for every cement plant and cement manufacturing company. With reference to clinker production, most cement plants in India have already implemented the most advanced technologies which allow them to produce large quantities efficiently. With reference to the use of alternative fuels, several studies and guidelines have been published, such as Guidelines for co-processing by the Central Pollution Control Board (Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India) Parivesh Bhawan East Arjun Nagar, Delhi in 2010; The Confederation of Indian Industry, CII – Godrej GBC’s efforts to promote Alternate Fuel & Raw Material utilisation in Indian Cement Industry, supported by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation in 2011. As the publications show, the use of alternative fuels has been recognised as a possibility for environmentally friendly waste recycling. However, general laws (such as the European waste directive or incineration directive) still need to be enacted and the practical development is still in its very early stages.
Therefore, Indian municipalities and people still have a long way to go until a sustainable waste management system is established in all Indian states.
How technologically advanced is India compared to the international norms of using alternative fuels in the cement kiln?
In each country, the waste composition is different. It might even differ from city to city within a country, depending on the type of businesses, living standards and other factors. In India, there is an unofficial but very efficient waste sector.
Scavengers collect the waste and separate the recyclables therein. Everything which can be recycled is recycled in India and this system ensures the daily survival of hundreds of thousands people – scavengers and their families. However, the current situation is obviously not a sustainable way to secure families life and environmentally friendly waste management. Special efforts have to be made to responsibly include the scavengers and their families in a sustainable, modern waste management system.
How efficient are alternative fuel projects?
Alternative fuels projects, e.g. separation of recyclables, separation of organics for further processing into fertiliser, separation of hazardous wastes for dedicated handling, production of refuse-derived fuels to substitute fossil fuels, are done all over the world. Many projects have been completed in countries that show a similar waste composition and that lack of a sustainable waste management system. This is the case for example in Africa, Asia or even Eastern Europe. For each country and even for different regions, the adaption of the implemented technology is the key factor.
What support do you expect from the Indian government on the policy level?
To promote sustainable waste management, it is very important to have clear legal guidelines and laws, e.g, emission directives with definite emission limits while introducing refuse-derived fuels; clear laws on the types of waste which can be used, how they are to be used, etc.
This should also include alternative raw materials such as fly ash and other waste which can be used in cement plants to reduce CO2 emissions from cement production. This can be done by creating a commission for market regulation in the field of hazardous and industrial wastes or by starting a permanent ’round table’ of government and cement enterprises to develop a control mechanism for the use of alternative fuels and raw materials in Indian cement plants.
Incredible India as it is known in advertisements made by the government, has a tremendous chance now to implement a sustainable waste management industry which creates a large number of new jobs and which is able to achieve a significant, cost-effective reduction of our carbon footprint.
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Economy & Market
Power Build’s Core Gear Series
Published
5 days agoon
February 19, 2026By
admin
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
Economy & Market
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain
Published
8 months agoon
June 16, 2025By
admin
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.
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.
Cement Demand Revives As Prices Decline In Q3 FY26
Refractory demands in our kiln have changed
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Redefining Efficiency with Digitalisation
Cement Additives for Improved Grinding Efficiency
Cement Demand Revives As Prices Decline In Q3 FY26
Refractory demands in our kiln have changed
Digital supply chain visibility is critical
Redefining Efficiency with Digitalisation
Cement Additives for Improved Grinding Efficiency
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