Economy & Market

Battling costs

Published

5 years ago

March 1, 2022

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Oil is within kissing distance of $120 per barrel as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues in intensity. Government budgets are disrupted and inflation is knocking on all doors. Despite international economic gyrations, the Indian cement industry’s crusade towards net zero continues at an unabated pace.
Individual players have taken a keen interest and assumed the onus of responsibility of utilising alternative fuel and raw materials as well as greener energy sources. In a promising move, the Government of India has launched the Green Hydrogen policy, which will definitely add to the country’s efforts for net zero carbon emissions by 2070, as it will impact high-on-carbon-emission industries such as the cement sector. The policy entails:
• Waiver of interstate transmission system (ISTS) charges for 25 years for projects commissioned before June 30, 2025.
• Access to renewable energy through State utilities with 30 days of banking facility.
• Priority access to connectivity with the ISTS network.
• Multiple modes for procuring RE for green hydrogen production.

The Hydrogen Policy should make it possible for companies like Reliance Industries to produce blue hydrogen at a ‘competitive cost’ of about $1.2 – $1.5 per kg as it repurposes its $4 billion gasification assets. Reliance will re-purpose a Rs 300 billion plant that currently converts petroleum coke into synthesis gas to produce blue hydrogen for $1.2 – $1.5 per kilo. Hydrogen is labelled blue whenever the carbon generated from steam reforming is captured and stored. Blue hydrogen is, therefore, sometimes referred to as carbon neutral as the emissions are not dispersed in the atmosphere.
Green hydrogen – also referred to as ‘clean hydrogen’ – is produced by using clean energy from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to split water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom through a process called electrolysis.
Reliance, which has set a net-zero carbon emission target for its businesses by 2035, is looking at blue hydrogen in the interim period to reduce the cost of green hydrogen. Fossil-based hydrogen costs about $1.80, and the cost of blue hydrogen is estimated at about $2.40 – $3 per kg.
Every discussion on green cement includes how to make optimum use of slag. There has been notable development on that front with the processing of slag to create Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS).The EDP data sets the global warming potential of GGBS at 60.21 kg CO2 equivalent, which is among the lowest in the industry. In an encouraging development, Tata Steel BSL has exported 9000 tonne of LD slag through the Dhamra Port Company to Bangladesh from its Odisha unit. The company has been involved in sustainable operations for its by-products, including 100 per cent recycling of fly ash, LD slag and blast furnace slag.
Cement has been in the news due to a 3-5 per cent month-on-month price increase in January across India, especially in the southern and eastern parts. Weak demand in the concluding months of 2021 made way for a spurt in demand and prices in January and February. The price jump is also attributed to the recent Russia-Ukraine crisis as it has led to a hike in energy, fuel and logistics costs. Road infrastructure, which has slowed down in current fiscal, is set for an acceleration with a target of 25,000 km next fiscal, and so is housing, as the Government has reiterated its commitment towards Housing for All by allocating `480 billion towards PM Awas Yojana. The challenge is the rising input costs of pet coke and coal amid oil price and logistics disruption. There is no room for cost inefficiency. The battle between growth in revenue and cost will sharpen in days to come.

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Fornnax Wins AIRIA’s Special Export Award for Rubber Machinery in 2025-26

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2026

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Fornnax Technology Pvt. Ltd. has been honoured with the Special Export Award – Rubber Machinery for 2025–26 by the All-India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), in recognition of its highest exports of tyre recycling plants to the European region.

With more than a decade of experience in India’s tyre recycling industry, Fornnax has contributed to the development of advanced recycling technologies and infrastructure. The company currently holds a 90% market share in India’s domestic tyre recycling sector, while exports account for 30% of its business, spanning markets such as Europe, Australia and the GCC.

The award marks another milestone for Fornnax, whose tyre recycling lines and advanced shredding technologies are supporting the growth of the circular economy in India and international markets.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Founder and Director of Fornnax, said:

“This honour from AIRIA is a reflection of an incredible journey we have undertaken over the years. When we started Fornnax, there was no established recycling industry in India to follow. We chose to build for the future instead. Today, when you see India’s tyre recycling sector, it has already transformed into a dynamic, high-growth industry and we are extremely proud to have played our part in building it.”

Unlike standalone equipment suppliers, Fornnax focuses on developing complete, high-capacity recycling infrastructure. Its integrated systems combine multiple stages of shredding and size reduction to enable efficient, continuous operations. This system-level engineering approach helps recycling operators improve throughput, equipment reliability and operational consistency.

The recognition reinforces Fornnax’s commitment to developing engineering technologies that contribute to a more efficient and circular recycling ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its international presence while continuing to develop advanced shredding and recycling solutions to address the growing volumes and evolving requirements of the global recycling industry.

For more information, visit: www.fornnax.com

Concrete

Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

2 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

Published

2 weeks ago

October 8, 2026

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA,
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”