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Driving Growth with Sustainable Aggregates

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Jim O’Brien gives insights into the aggregates industry globally and the contribution of Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN™) towards it.

Starting with just 5 members in 2010, the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN™) now has over 20 members spread across all 6 continents (see Figure 1), representing around 77 per cent of global aggregate production of over 41 billion metric tonnes (bnt).
Since the pandemic, GAIN members hold quarterly virtual meetings, each focused on a specific topic. The recent physical GAIN meeting, its 6th global meeting, was held in Queenstown on the South Island, hosted by the Aggregates and Quarry Association (AQA) of New Zealand, with nine GAIN regions in attendance. The wide-ranging agenda focused on sharing best practices on key industry challenges, and found the industry to be in resilient recovery post-pandemic and poised to address and benefit from future sustainability challenges and opportunities. Unfortunately there was no participation from India.

Updating Global Tonnage by Country/Region
One function of GAIN is to compile the best annual estimates of aggregates production from data provided by GAIN members, the situation as of mid 2023 being shown in table 1.
As the table shows, the GAIN total of 34.1bnt in 2019 has actually declined to 31.7bnt in 2023, the decline of 2.4bnt being mainly due to economic slowing in China plus the lingering impacts of COVID in developing regions. When estimates for non-GAIN countries are added (based on national populations x their estimated ton/capita), the global totals of 44.0bnt in 2019 has actually declined by 6.5 per cent to 41.2bnt in 2023. The breakdown by region is illustrated in Figure 3, still dominated by China at 42 per cent, with India coming second at 14 per cent, followed by Europe and the USA, these top four comprise 69 per cent of the global demand.
Figure 4 summarises the tonne per capita trends, again illustrating major growth potential in developing regions. The global average is 5t/c; for GAIN members the average is 6.8t/c and the non-GAIN average is 2.6t/c. For any country, the demand in tons per capita can be empirically related to GDP per capita – or more precisely, the rate of change in GDP/capita – plus upward adjustments for national terrain ruggedness and winter climate severity.
Looking specifically at India, production suffered a significant decline in 2020 during the pandemic, but is now back into strong growth with an estimated 5.6bnt for 2023, corresponding to 3.9t/c, only one-third that of China. While it is the second largest and fastest growing aggregates market globally, its aggregates industry remains highly fragmented, unfortunately without a much-needed fully-fledged national aggregates association. The current growth is being driven principally by massive infrastructural investments in roads, railways, ports and airports.
Most regions globally are in positive growth in 2023. It is hoped that the pre-COVID global demand of 44bnt could be regained by 2025, but that will depend predominantly on Chinese demand remaining stable. Looking ahead towards 2030, assuming a positive global geopolitical outlook with resultant economic growth, coupled with the twin demands of population growth and urbanisation, there is a possibility for global demand to reach 50bnt by 2030. These figures demonstrate that aggregates are by far the most used product on the planet, with the industry having an economic value similar to that of the cement sector, both points often overlooked.

The Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs),finds the average scope 1 emissions to be less than 5kgCO2/t of product.

Charting a Sustainable Future for Aggregates
A priority topic in the GAIN New Zealand meeting agenda was sustainability. Aggregates Europe-UEPG presented its pioneering roadmap ‘Neutral Aggregates 2050’. It analyses the life-cycle of aggregates, which are characterised as a high-volume, low-energy, highly-durable, fully-recyclable product.
Based on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the average Scope 1 emission is found to be less than 5kgCO2/t of product, meaning that the aggregates industry emissions (despite aggregates being 10 times greater in tonnage than cement) are an order of magnitude lower than those for the cement industry. Transport to site has typically less than 5kgCO2/t Scope 3 emissions, underlining the desirability to locate quarries close to market.

Water Management
Aggregates Europe-UEPG is also developing Water Management Guidelines. These Guidelines had been developed from a massive database of studies in 240 sites in several European countries, indicating an average consumption of 92 litres/t of product. The document concludes with detailed practical guidelines on how to optimise water management in all types of extraction sites, both hard rock and sand and gravel. There are similar initiatives in other regions, particularly in water-stressed areas.

Restoration and Biodiversity
Quarry restoration and biodiversity are universally increasing in importance amongst all GAIN members, with the industry now having many excellent case studies, which have been acknowledged by Sustainable Development Awards in many countries.

Technical Challenges
China described innovations in crushing and screening performance, with better control of product gradations and increased power efficiency. Plant design is more modular, more compact on space, enclosed as far as possible, with extensive controls on both dry and wet emissions, often using long conveyor belts instead of truck haulage. Plant design flexibility, with high standards of environmental performance and low unit production cost, are key to the future.


Digitisation
In Europe, there were also impressive updates on digitalisation in the form of the EU-funded DigiEcoQuarry Project, which optimises all aspects of the quarrying process through digitalisation, as well as improving health, safety, environmental and social performance. The five pilot sites are focused on reserve optimisation, as well as blasting and mobile plant optimisation, best process and production controls. The results are expected to be highly beneficial for the wider industry.

Circularity
Likewise, the ROTATE Project is also EU-funded, its purpose being to increase the security of the supply of raw materials in Europe, while optimising the extraction and processing, increasing recycling and circularity. It involves 21 partners in 11 countries. The project focus is on better processing solutions, improving operating efficiencies, valorisation of by-products and wastes, as well as improving overall social aspects.

Access to Resources
Achieving access to resources, particularly near to major urban areas, for the coming decades is a universal challenge for GAIN members. The common drivers are migration, population growth, urbanisation, with the need to upgrade ageing infrastructure, and to provide resilience in climate adaptation. These challenges are even greater through ever-stricter regulations on air quality and water management.

Restoration of quarries and biodiversity are universally increasing in importance amongst all Global Aggregates Information Network – GAIN – members.

Addressing Irresponsible Extraction
GAIN members are committed to responsible extraction, and in parallel continue to cooperate with UNEP in its campaign against irresponsible sand extraction. Aggregates Europe-UEPG has agreed to work with its Pioneering Working Group within its Global Sand Observatory with the common intention of addressing this significant challenge in developing regions.

Enhancing Industry Image
Post-pandemic, there is a pronounced labour shortage across the industry, plus much raised work-life balance expectations. GAIN members shared valuable experiences in making the industry more attractive to young people. GAIN members also shared insights on recruitment campaigns, training programs and skills development. The global aggregates industry is estimated to employ 3.5 million people worldwide, offering great career opportunities.

PR and Communications
GAIN members are enhancing communications to all stakeholders, explaining also the vital roles the industry is playing in providing an essential product through local employment, caring for the environment, promoting recycling and fostering biodiversity.

GAIN Continues to Grow Globally
GAIN sees the formation of a fully-fledged national aggregates association in India as a top priority; possibly this could be encouraged by its well-established cement and concrete associations. GAIN is also growing its membership in South-East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, in Central Asia and in Africa, driving the sustainability agenda for aggregates even more globally.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Jim O’Brien, GAIN Convenor is a veteran of the building materials industry. He spent 39 years at CRH plc. He has spearheaded the formation of the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAINTM), a voluntary liaison network of regional and national aggregates associations around the world.

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Driving Sustainability Through Innovation

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The 15th Cement Expo 2025 will spotlight India’s cement industry’s growth, innovation, and sustainability, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for a greener future.

The cement industry in India, the second-largest in the world, is on the cusp of remarkable growth as it continues its transition toward sustainability, innovation, and expansion. The 15th Cement Expo 2025, scheduled for November 12-13, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi, will be the premier event where the industry’s foremost stakeholders converge to explore state-of-the-art technologies and solutions.
Co-located with the 11th Indian Cement Review Conference and the 9th Indian Cement Review Awards, the expo promises to be a pivotal event for professionals in the cement, construction, and infrastructure sectors. This year’s theme, “Driving Sustainability Through Technology,” highlights the sector’s commitment to decarbonisation, efficiency, and technological advancement. With India poised to add 80 to 100 million tonnes of cement capacity by 2024-25, the event will address the urgent need for sustainable, low-carbon solutions to meet the growing demand.
Before we look ahead to the 15th Cement Expo, let’s reflect on the remarkable success of the Cement Expo Forum 2025, held on March 5-6, 2025, in Hyderabad. The event attracted over 500 industry professionals and featured groundbreaking discussions on sustainability, logistics, and decarbonisation. Key sponsors and partners, such as ABB, Gebr Pfeiffer, JK Cement, and Flender Drives, showcased their latest innovations, contributing to the forum’s success.
Pratap Padode, Founder and President of First Construction Council, spoke at the event, noting, “The PPP pipeline is complemented by a provision of Rs 1.5 trillion in interest-free loans to states, earmarked for capital expenditure. With this, we have a solid plan in place. What needs to be done is to ensure that the PPP actually takes off as envisaged. To make this happen, trust must be established, and policies must be investor-friendly. Telangana, in this regard, has demonstrated ease of doing business exceptionally well.”
He added, “These financial injections into the infrastructure sector are expected to create a ripple effect, driving demand for cement as a key material in construction and development projects. The growing demand for cement is evident as infrastructure projects continue to rise across the country.”
The forum also provided invaluable networking opportunities, with attendees gaining insights from over 35 distinguished speakers and connecting with more than 50 exhibitors. The event laid a strong foundation for the upcoming Expo, showcasing the significant strides the cement industry is making toward a greener, more efficient future.
The 15th Cement Expo 2025 will focus on advancing the industry’s next big step toward sustainable growth. With India’s cement sector making significant progress in decarbonisation, a key focus will be on technologies and innovations that support carbon capture, low-carbon cement production, and energy-efficient solutions.
The expo will feature over 50 exhibitors representing all aspects of the cement industry. Whether you are a manufacturer, raw material supplier, technology provider, or logistics partner, the Cement Expo 2025 offers an ideal platform to showcase your products and solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in cement production technology, automation, logistics, and environmental solutions, all geared toward building a greener and more sustainable future.
Exhibitor profiles will include cement manufacturers, raw material suppliers, technology and automation solutions providers, environmental and sustainability solutions providers, cement packaging and logistics, construction equipment manufacturers, admixtures and chemical suppliers, and concrete reinforcement and structural systems.

11th Indian Cement Review Conference

Held alongside the Expo, the 11th Indian Cement Review Conference will offer delegates invaluable insights into the latest trends and innovations shaping the cement industry. Focusing on sustainability, the conference will address critical issues such as energy efficiency, plant design, and emerging technologies like carbon capture and automation.
Industry leaders will share their expertise in technical forums, while specialised activities, such as plant tours and energy audits, will provide practical guidance on improving operations and efficiency. This is a prime opportunity to network with industry stakeholders, gain hands-on experience with new technologies, and acquire actionable knowledge to enhance your business.

9th Indian Cement Review Awards

The 9th Indian Cement Review Awards will recognise the fastest-growing cement companies and industry leaders for their outstanding contributions to the sector. This prestigious event will serve as a platform to honour the pioneers of innovation, sustainability, and performance within the cement industry, highlighting the sector’s commitment to growth and environmental responsibility.
As we look forward to the 15th Cement Expo 2025, we invite you to join us for two exciting days of networking, learning, and innovation. This event offers a unique opportunity to be part of the next wave of growth and sustainability in the global cement sector.

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Transforming Interior Spaces: Trendy Wall Putty Designs to Enhance Your Home

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When it comes to interior design, walls are more than just structural elements—they serve as the canvas for self-expression, setting the mood and personality of a space. While paint and wallpaper have long been the go-to choices for wall finishes, wall putty is emerging as a game-changer in home décor. With its smooth finish, durability, and versatility, wall putty opens a world of creative possibilities. In this article, we explore trendy wall putty designs that can elevate your interiors, turning ordinary walls into extraordinary design statements.
Wall Putty is a Must-Have in Modern Homes
Wall putty is no longer just a preparatory material for painting; it plays a significant role in modern home aesthetics. It enhances the finish of walls, making them smoother, stronger, and resistant to cracks and moisture. Additionally, high-quality putty like Birla White Wall Putty ensures better paint adhesion, resulting in long-lasting vibrancy.
Beyond its functional benefits, wall putty allows homeowners to experiment with textures and patterns, giving walls a designer touch without the hassle of high-maintenance materials like stone or wood. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist, rustic, or ultra-modern aesthetic, wall putty designs can help achieve the look effortlessly.
Trendy Wall Putty Designs for Stunning Interiors
1. Textured Wall Putty for a Tactile Appeal
Textured walls are a popular interior trend, adding depth and dimension to living spaces. By using wall putty, homeowners can create a variety of textures, including:
  • Rustic Texture: Mimicking natural stone or aged plaster for an earthy, vintage feel.
  • Wave Patterns: Adding a sense of movement and fluidity to walls, perfect for living rooms and entryways.
  • Sand Finish: A subtle grainy effect that provides a sophisticated touch.
Textured putty walls work exceptionally well in accent areas, such as behind a television unit or as a backdrop for artwork.
2. Sleek and Smooth Walls for a Luxurious Look
For those who prefer a refined and elegant aesthetic, a smooth putty finish is ideal. A flawlessly smooth wall creates a premium appearance, amplifying the impact of high-quality paints. Opting for a high-performance putty like Birla White WallCare Putty ensures a glass-like finish that complements modern and contemporary interiors.
This design is perfect for:
  • Monochrome interiors where walls serve as a sleek backdrop.
  • High-gloss or matte-painted walls that need a seamless base.
  • Spaces with minimal décor where the walls themselves make a statement.
3. Geometric & Abstract Patterns for a Contemporary Edge
Wall putty can be artistically applied to create striking geometric or abstract patterns, adding a unique character to interiors.
Popular designs include:
  • Chevron or Herringbone: A dynamic, sophisticated look that pairs well with both modern and mid-century décor.
  • 3D Raised Panels: Using putty to craft subtle raised patterns, adding a sculptural effect to the wall.
  • Asymmetrical Shapes: For a bold and avant-garde touch.
  • These patterns work best in bedrooms, study areas, or accent walls in open spaces.
4. Venetian Plaster for a Luxe European Aesthetic
Venetian plaster, an age-old technique, is making a grand comeback in modern interiors. With wall putty, you can achieve this exquisite marble-like effect, which exudes luxury and timeless charm.
This design works well for:
  • Statement walls in living rooms and foyers.
  • Elegant dining areas where a touch of opulence is desired.
  • Boutique-style bedrooms with a rich, textured finish.
A high-quality white cement-based putty can replicate this effect beautifully, making the walls look naturally luminous.
5. Dual-Tone or Ombre Walls for a Soft Gradient Effect
The ombre effect, a gradient transition between two colors, is a trendy and artistic way to enhance interiors. When applied over a smooth wall putty base, the gradient blends seamlessly, offering a dreamy, watercolor-like appeal.
This style is perfect for:
  • Children’s rooms or play areas, creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere.
  • Bedrooms with a soothing pastel gradient for a calming effect.
  • Dining spaces where a bold color fade adds character.
6. Metallic & Glossy Finishes for a Chic Look
For homeowners who love glamour and sophistication, combining wall putty with metallic paints or glossy finishes can create a high-end appeal. The smooth base of putty enhances the reflective qualities of metallic shades like gold, silver, or bronze, resulting in an opulent and dramatic effect.
Best suited for:
  • Luxurious master bedrooms and dressing areas.
  • Accent walls in dining rooms or home bars.
  • Commercial spaces like boutiques and salons.
How to Achieve the Best Wall Putty Designs
  • Choose the Right Putty: Opt for a premium wall putty like Birla White WallCare Putty to ensure durability, a smooth finish, and long-lasting appeal.
  • Prepare the Surface: Ensure the walls are clean, dry, and free from loose particles before application.
  • Apply in Layers: Depending on the design, putty can be applied in single or multiple layers for the desired effect.
  • Use the Right Tools: Trowels, spatulas, sponges, or patterned rollers help create specific textures and patterns.
  • Seal with Paint or Polish: Once the putty is dry, finishing it with paint, polish, or protective coatings enhances its aesthetic and durability.
Conclusion
Wall putty has evolved beyond its traditional role, now serving as a medium for creative interior design. Whether you prefer textured finishes, sleek smooth walls, or artistic patterns, wall putty designs can elevate your home’s aesthetics while offering durability and elegance. By selecting the  best putty for wall and application technique, you can transform your interior walls into stunning masterpieces, setting the perfect backdrop for your lifestyle.
For high-quality wall finishes that stand the test of time, Birla White WallCare Putty ensures both beauty and performance, making your dream interiors a reality.

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Dalmia Bharat to add 6 MnTPA Cement Capacity in Maharashtra and Karnataka

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  • Investment in alignment with the strategic goal of becoming a PAN India company and achieving 75 MnT capacity by FY28
  • Increases capacity primarily to meet growing demand in Western India along with existing regions

Dalmia Bharat Limited, one of India’s leading cement companies, through its subsidiaries, has announced a strategic investment of approximately Rs 3,520 Crore in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. As part of this initiative, the company will establish a 3.6 MnTPA clinker unit and a 3 MnTPA grinding unit at its existing Belgaum plant, Karnataka coupled with a new greenfield split grinding unit with a capacity of 3 MnTPA in Pune, Maharashtra. The capex will be funded through a combination of debt and internal accruals. With this expansion, Dalmia Bharat’s total installed cement capacity will increase to 55.5 MnTPA, after considering the ongoing expansion of 2.9 MnT at Assam and Bihar. These new units are expected to be commissioned by Q4 FY27.

The Belgaum Grinding Unit will cater to the underserved Southern Maharashtra markets while enhancing share in the existing region by improving penetration. On the other hand, Pune Grinding Unit will entirely cater to the untapped Western Maharashtra markets. The initiative is a part of the company’s vision to be a PAN India player and achieve 75 MnTPA capacity by FY28 and 110-130 MnT by 2031.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “This investment is a significant step in our Phase II expansion strategy, bringing us closer to strengthen our position as a pan-India player and to reach intermittent goal of 75 MnT capacity by FY28. The increase in our production capacity is primarily to meet the growing infrastructure demand in Western India.” He further added, “We remain committed in realising our goals of capacity expansion, while staying focused on operational excellence and creating long-term value for our stakeholders. The capacity additions will also continue to be in line with Dalmia Bharat’s sustainability-driven approach and its commitment to supporting India’s infrastructure and development goals.”

About Dalmia Bharat: Founded in 1939, Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL) (BSE/NSE Symbol: DALBHARAT) is one of India’s pioneering cement companies headquartered in New Delhi. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 46.6 MnT, Dalmia Bharat Limited (including its subsidiaries) is the fourth-largest cement manufacturing company in India by installed capacity. Spread across 10 states and 15 manufacturing units.  Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited, prides itself at having one of the lowest carbon footprint in the cement world globally. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 and EV100 (first triple joiner) – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach.

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