Concrete

Indian Cement Review Conference 2023

Published

3 years ago

March 15, 2023

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Thought leaders of the Indian cement industry gathered together to discuss the efforts towards sustainability and decarbonisation with a laser focus on C.A.S.E – Cost-Efficiency, Automation, Skilling and Energy-Efficiency, at the 8th Indian Cement Review Conference and the 13th Cement Expo, in Hyderabad on 24th February, 2023.

The Indian Cement Review has over the years tracked and applauded the sustainable endeavours undertaken by the cement industry in achieving net zero emissions, through its editorial pieces. So, when it was time for the 8th Indian Cement Review Conference, we decided to widen our lens and look at the multiple parameters that are helping cement manufacturers and allied companies to align their processes to the overall green goals of our country. The resulting confluence of ideas proved to be a gold mine of strategies, solutions and policies that can catapult the industry on the sustainability highway. The presentations and panel discussions by key opinion leaders further highlighted the fact that the Indian cement industry is at the forefront of decarbonising cement, producing green cement and enriching each and every step of the way with C.A.S.E – Cost-Efficiency, Automation, Skilling and Energy-Efficiency.

In this special report, we present to you a synopsis of the ideas exchanged at the 8th Indian Cement Review Conference at Sheraton Hotel, Hyderabad on the 24th of February, 2023. The 13th Cement Expo was also held concurrently with the Conference, along with the Indian Cement Review Awards 2023.

Leading the Way
Pratap Padode, Founder & President, FIRST Construction Council, invited Sumit Bannerjee, Chairman, Editorial Advisory Board, Indian Cement Review; Shantanu Sharma, Brand Manager, ExxonMobil; and Ashok Dembla, President and MD, KHD Humboldt Wedag, to start the proceedings of the day with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and the unveiling of the Indian Cement Review Annual Issue. The collector’s edition focussed on the C.A.S.E for decarbonisation of cement as it encapsulated Cost-Efficiency, Automation, Skilling and Energy-Efficiency while highlighting the latest developments in this sector and discussing impending changes.
Padode went on to welcome the speakers, delegates and exhibitors and encouraged their active participation in the day-long deliberations that were planned around the theme of decarbonising cement. He further summarised the challenges faced by the Indian cement industry as well as the growth opportunities it presented for manufacturers in terms of technological innovation and capacity building. He supported his opinions with statistical findings and his in-depth knowledge about the Indian cement and construction industries. This was followed by Sharma’s welcome speech wherein he underscored the importance of taking assured steps towards sustainability.
Dr Sriharsha Reddy, Director, IMT Hyderabad, took to the dais to deliver the session keynote address on the topic of ‘ESG – Green Financing: A new opportunity for the cement industry.’ He brought to light a number of important issues pertaining to fund procurement through traditional methods and the challenges therein.
The keynote address presented by Dr Mohapatra, DG, NCCBM, was titled ‘Towards Circular Economy and Sustainability.’ He started off with the thought-provoking idea “There’s no waste in India; everything is wealth.” The questions he raised and the ideas he presented were enriched with his decades of experience of working on research, development and analysis of alternative raw materials and renewable fuel for the cement industry. He highlighted the struggles in manufacturing blended cement and the opportunities that are available for its use. Finally, he suggested ways to ensure that each manufacturing plant falls within the gamut of a circular economy.

The C.A.S.E. in Point
The first panel discussion for the day revolved around ‘ESG – Green Financing: A new opportunity for the cement industry.’ The panellists included:

Moderator: Sudipta Ghosh, Partner, PwC
Dr BN Mohapatra, DG, NCCBM
K N Rao, Corporate Head (EHS, AFR, Energy and Sustainability), MY Home Industries
Manoj Rustgi, EVP & Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer, JSW Cement
Manoj Vyas, LEAD – AFR Sourcing and Business Development, VICAT
Dr Sriharsha Reddy, Director, IMT Hyderabad
Shantanu Sharma, Brand Manager, ExxonMobil

Key Takeaways

Cement manufacturing technology has matured due to which the industry has arrived at the current best numbers of 676 kCal per kg clinker and 56 units of power consumption per tonne of cement. Now the biggest challenge is how to go from the lowest average of 300 kg of CO2 per tonne of cement to zero. Breakthrough technologies in carbon capture are required for the industry to achieve this.
Some of the solutions that are required to address this issue include solar calcination of limestone to get pure form of CO2 and obtaining by-products like methanol or urea.
Only carbon capture is mitigation; it doesn’t have commercial value.
Cement OEM and government need to work together in order to bring out the economic value of carbon capture with the latter bringing in aspects such as carbon labelling, carbon trading and green funds.
Non-contact grinding and heat recovery from kilns are other aspects that need to be explored to bring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions to zero.
Digital transformation will lead us to the next level of our journey of CO2 emissions, sustainability and low carbon footprint.
Decarbonisation and profitability are not mutually exclusive.
With well-planned processes, the right source of fuel and raw materials and technologically advanced solutions, it is possible for cement companies to thrive and yet be eco-friendly.
Cement manufacturers should look at not only creating economic value but also at ecological value.
Putting in green processes requires finance. Traditional lending institutions like banks evaluate how these changes would reflect on the topline or would result in net profit or bottomline or will it be able to service the debt. RBI has enlarged the scheme of purity sector lending, which includes green initiatives.
The main challenge in bank lending is long term loans as green initiatives have a long term payback.
Other lending institutions include venture capitalists, government grants and bilateral or multilateral financial institutional grants.
Saurabh Palsania, Executive Director and Group Commercial Head, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), who joined in virtually, made the keynote address around the theme of carbon capture and its benefits for the cement manufacturers. He underscored the need to implement innovative technology and most importantly a proper strategy, in order to revolutionise the efforts towards net zero emissions. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is an investment-intensive process that also requires a commitment of time and labour. Keeping all these factors in mind, cement companies need to chart out an effective strategy to incorporate CCUS into their eco systems, ensure purity of the captured carbon and channel it towards predetermined activities for its optimum utility.

Towards Digitalisation
The Cement Leaders’ Roundtable was about ‘Demystifying digitalisation and maximising the value chain impact.’ The panellists included:

Moderator: Madhav Vemuri, Industry Digital Transformation Entrepreneur
Ashok Dembla, President and MD, KHD Humboldt Wedag
Ganesh Jirkuntwar, Executive Director and Head Manufacturing, Dalmia Cement
Subhasis Chattopadhyay, Head – Projects, Birla Corporation
Karthick Raja, Chief Information Officer, Orient Cement
SS Luthra, Global Cement Digital, ABB
Vishal Bhargava, Associate Director, Global Industries, IBM

Key Takeaways

Digital tools are mandatory as digitalisation will help optimise all stages of cement production.
Industry 4.0 gives tools that will help in determining the desired product quality.
ESG is mandatory but digitisation will help improve the processes.
Cloud based platform and transparency is very important.
Automation at the plant is vital.
Without being profitable, we cannot be sustainable.

The last topic of the day was ‘Innovative Supply Chain Strategies in the Cement Industry.’ Gaurav Gautam, Head of Sales, Beumer Group, made a presentation on the topic, which highlighted the innovations in material handling systems that they are undertaking in order to make the movement of finished products smoother along the supply chain. They specialise in tailor-made intralogistics solutions that help maximise productivity of cement companies.
This was followed by the panel discussion. The panellists included:

Moderator: Raveen Reddy, Chief Administrative Officer – Systems, Indian Railways
Praveen Garg, Sr VP – Logistics and Energy Sourcing, VICAT
Vaibhav Agarwal, Research Analyst, PhilipCapital

Key Takeaways

Innovation in first and last mile connectivity is crucial to cost efficiency.
Logistics should be looked at not as a commercial function but as a technology function.
If logistics is based on technology, we will be able to drive the supply chain in a much better way. Therefore, investment in technology is important.
To correctly evaluate the processes, cement manufacturers need to look at them not from a cost perspective but from a revenue angle.
The only differentiator a cement company can have today is not cost or quality but logistics.
Non-renewable sources of energy need to be explored to address the energy demand for distribution.
Automation is the key for future solutions in logistics.

Each panel discussion was followed by a Q&A round, which witnessed active participation from the members of the audience. The fact that the panels were thought-provoking was evident in the way the audience was engaged in discussions even during the networking breaks.
Apart from the panel discussions, the Conference also included presentations by industry experts. The presentation partners were as follows:

Jayesh Patil, Assistant Manager, Flow Aids, Martin Engineering
Nischal Basavaraj, Regional Head – South, Liugong India
Sasi M Kumar, Business Development Manager – Cement, ExxonMobil
S Chakravarti, Managing Director, Ecodea Projects and Control

The conference also saw the unveiling of the annual issue of the Indian Cement Review, which focussed on C.A.S.E – Cost-Efficiency, Automation, Skilling and Energy-Efficiency. It ended with a vote of thanks to all the participating speakers and attending delegates.
The day, however, was far from over as it was time for the Indian Cement Review Awards 2023.

The Conference was well-supported by the industry and we had collaborations with key brands.
Presenting Partner
ExxonMobil Lubricants Private Limited
Gold Sponsor
JK Cement Limited
PhillipCapital India Pvt Ltd
Silver Sponsor
LiuGong India Pvt Ltd
Associate Sponsor
Humboldt Wedag India Pvt Ltd
Presentation Partners
Martin Engineering Company India Pvt. Ltd.
Beumer India Pvt Ltd
Ecodea Projects & Control Private Limited
Logo Sponsor
Stotz Gears Private Limited
Exhibiting Partners
Toshniwal Industries Pvt. Ltd.
TIDC Limited (Murugappa Group)
Ringfeder Power Transmission India Pvt. Ltd.

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Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

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5 days ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

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Building a Greener Future Together

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6 days ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

Published

1 week ago

June 1, 2026

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The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in India’s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.