Concrete

The process of making bags is lengthy

Published

6 months ago

March 19, 2024

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Alpesh Patel, Director, Knack Packaging, discusses the company’s commitment to sustainability, their use of reprocessed materials, and the role of technology and automation in enhancing production efficiency.

What are the varieties of bags manufactured at your organisations? What is your manufacturing capacity?
We, at Knack Packaging, manufacture PP, HDPE and BOPP laminated woven bags. Our bags are not only used in the cement industry, but also are used in the fertiliser, seeds and grains industry.
Our manufacturing capacity is to manufacture approximately 3 crores to 3.5 crores bags in a month. On an everyday basis we manufacture approximately 1.1 million (11 lakh) bags. Our major production is of BOPP bags and BOPP pinch bags. Our facility is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Tell us about bags specific to the cement industry.
PP Bags (unlaminated) are traditional bags with an extended valve to fill in the cement. These PP unlaminated bags have a valve attached to them, which closes automatically when the bag gets full. The advantage of these bags is that it is low in cost, however, the disadvantage is that there is dust that keeps coming out of them. We manufacture these for the cement industry.
There are laminated bags that are made from traditional woven material with a coating on top which prevents cement from coming out of the bags or leaking from the bags. This is the other kind of bag that we manufacture, which is used in the cement industry. We also manufacture block bottom bags and pinch bottom bags.
Block bottom laminated bags are the second category of bags that we manufacture specific to the cement industry. This bag also contains a valve mouth where the cement flows in, when full, it locks the bag and then the bag is transferred to the facility for storage. Another value adding bag for the cement plant has a similar structure but with an additional layer of printing, which can be used from a branding point of view.
The next category of the product is the pinch bottom bags. These bags have an open mouth in which filling is much easier. Once filled, the bag is then sealed. This bag’s shape is the same as BOPP printed bags.
These categories of bags are manufactured at our facility, which are specially designed for
cement packaging.

What are the steps taken by you to make bag manufacturing a sustainable process?
We are exporters of bags to over 90 countries across the globe. As a manufacturing unit and our customers both understand the value of reducing our carbon footprint and bringing sustainability to the system and therefore, we have taken steps to make our manufacturing process sustainable in many ways.
We use 30 per cent reprocessed materials in making our products and are constantly involved in research and development with competent companies. This research and development has led to us starting to use and reprocess our in-house industrial waste and utilising the same in making our end products. We are also running trails on our pre-consumed waste materials and are sure we will be able to recycle the same and make them sustainable.
Our company is aiming to be carbon neutral from an electricity point of view. We have been working on the same for the past three years. Even now, approximately 60 per cent of the energy used in our company is green energy and in the coming months, we shall be utilising 100 per cent green energy. This is one of our first steps to reduce our carbon footprint and we plan to keep moving ahead with this endeavour.

Tell us about the material used for bag manufacturing. Is your organisation experimenting with newer materials to better the quality or make it more environment friendly?
With growing awareness about sustainability and the need to improve the environment, the cement industry has become more accepting of re-processed materials. This would mean that they also use bags made out of re-processed materials.
Some of our bags are manufactured with repurposed materials and have been placed at some cement plants for trials. However, we believe that it is the need of the hour for the world to bring more and more sustainability to every manufacturing process and facility.

Tell us about the role of automation and technology in your manufacturing process.
We use machines to turn our materials into final bags using European make and Indian make machines, which has led to huge development and enhanced production at our facility. We have however kept the weaving of the materials and making of the thread a traditional practice with the labour working on it.
We are focused on our technological advancement to provide the best possible quality product to our customers.

Cement bags are exposed to harsh environments. How equipped is your product to prevent cement wastage?
The first use of cement bags is, of course, at the cement manufacturing units for filling in cement. But the bags made for cement in the cement industry are often reused and that too multiple times. Cement makers themselves collect their used bags and burn them off in the kiln, which is in a minor proportion acting as an alternative fuel, thus reducing the need for coal or other fossil fuels for kiln operations.

What are the key challenges in providing packaging material for cement?
The process of making bags is lengthy, from making the thread and weaving to making the bags and getting customised printing. Earlier, the most challenging process was making the bags itself. However, with the advancement of technology, stable machinery etc., our processes are set and this challenge has been overcome.

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Concrete

JK Cement marks 140 years of innovation and leadership

JK is one of India’s leading manufacturers of Grey Cement in India

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2024

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JK Cement Ltd. a leading building material company, one of India’s leading manufacturers of Grey Cement in India and one of the largest White Cement manufacturers in the world, celebrated 140 years of JK Organisation’s remarkable legacy at a grand event in the capital. The event honoured the group’s rich history, its significant contributions to multiple sectors of the Indian economy, and the unwavering dedication of its employees and partners.

The celebration gathered dignitaries, industry leaders, employees, and key stakeholders to reflect on JK Organisation’s journey from its inception to its present status as a global leader. Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi, VK Saxena, who himself started his career at JK Cement, along with Rajeev Shukla, Member of Rajya Sabha, graced the occasion. Key leaders of the JK Organisation, including Dr. Nidhipati Singhania, Vice President, JK Organisation, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, and Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint MD and CEO, JK Cement, were present to mark this significant milestone.

CEO’s from various known business houses both Indian and Multinational companies across sectors graced the occasion.

Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Dr. Nidhipati Singhania, Vice President, JK Organisation, said, “As we celebrate 140 years of JK Organisation, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for our legacy, which is rooted in values of innovation, quality, and service to the nation. Our journey has been as much about business success as about driving positive change in the communities and industries we serve. The milestones we have achieved reflect our continuous efforts in advancing India’s infrastructure and industrial landscape.”

One of the key highlights of the evening was the recognising the long-serving employees and partners who have dedicated decades to JKCement. Their enduring loyalty underscores JK Organisation’s foundational values of trust and collaboration, which have been pivotal to the organisation’s success.

Addressing the guests at the event, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “This year along with the 140 years milestone, also marks two significant milestones for us: 50 years of grey cement business and 40 years of white cement business, affirming our leadership in the industry. Our recent expansion into coal mining underscores our commitment to vertical integration and sustainable resource management. We are dedicated to not only adapting to the evolving landscape but also driving positive change and creating lasting value for all our stakeholders and the nation.”

Emphasising the company’s commitment to innovation and progress, Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint MD and CEO, JK Cement, said, “Our journey has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a constant drive to exceed expectations. We’re committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to not only maintain our market leadership but also to contribute significantly to India’s progress. The trust of our stakeholders and the dedication of our team members have been instrumental in our success, and they will continue to be the pillars of our future endeavors.”

The event celebrated JK Organisation’s visionary outlook, showcasing its commitment to sustainable growth, technological innovation, and its influential role in driving India’s economic advancement.

VK Saxena, Lieutenant Governor, New Delhi, who was invited as the Chief Guest said “It’s an honour for me to be part of this landmark celebration for a company where I started my career as an Assistant Officer in Gotan, Rajasthan and worked for 11 years in different capacities with its White Cement plant. This exposure gave me insights of a corporate working, faster decision making and team work, which has helped me throughout my various stints thereafter. I wish all the best to JK Cement for all their Future endeavors in Nation Building”

Concrete

Steel Ministry Proposes Rs.23.52 Lakh Crore for Decarbonisation

Steel Ministry unveils massive decarbonisation plan.

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2024

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Decarbonisation Proposal:
The Steel Ministry has outlined a substantial Rs.23.52 lakh crore proposal aimed at decarbonising the steel industry. This initiative is part of the broader sustainability and environmental goals set by the Indian government.

Objective and Goals:
The primary objective of the proposal is to reduce carbon emissions significantly and enhance the environmental performance of the steel sector. This aligns with India’s commitment to climate action and green growth.

Investment Focus:
The proposal will channel funds into advanced technologies, energy-efficient processes, and renewable energy sources. Key areas of investment include electrification, hydrogen-based steelmaking, and carbon capture technologies.

Expected Benefits:
Implementing this plan is expected to lead to major reductions in carbon emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to sustainable development. It will also bolster India’s position as a global leader in green steel production.

Industry Impact:
The steel industry, being a major emitter of greenhouse gases, will undergo a transformation. This shift will require industry-wide adaptation and could influence global steel market trends.

Government Support:
The Indian government is committed to providing policy support, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate this transition. This includes subsidies for green technologies and research and development funding.

Timeline and Phases:
The implementation will be carried out in phases over the coming years. Short-term goals will focus on immediate emission reductions, while long-term goals will target more comprehensive technological advancements.

Stakeholder Involvement:
Collaboration with industry stakeholders, technology providers, and research institutions will be crucial. Engagement with local communities and environmental groups will also play a role in ensuring the success of the proposal.

Challenges:
The initiative may face challenges such as high costs, technological barriers, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges will be essential for the successful execution of the decarbonisation plan.

Future Outlook:
The proposal positions India as a key player in the global movement towards sustainable steel production. It sets a precedent for other sectors to follow and supports the country’s broader climate goals.

Conclusion:
The Steel Ministry’s proposal for a Rs.23.52 lakh crore decarbonisation plan represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry. With substantial investment in green technologies and strong government support, this initiative aims to drive sustainable growth and position India as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Concrete

New home prices in China fall 5.3% in August 2024

New home prices were down 5.3% from a year earlier.

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2024

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Official data revealed that China’s new home prices had fallen at their fastest rate in over nine years in August, as supportive measures failed to induce a significant recovery in the property sector. The data showed that new home prices were down 5.3% compared to the previous year, marking the sharpest decline since May 2015, compared to a 4.9% drop in July, based on calculations by Reuters from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data. Monthly figures indicated that new home prices had fallen for the fourteenth consecutive month, decreasing by 0.7%, which was the same drop recorded in July.

The property market in China continues to struggle with deeply indebted developers, incomplete apartments, and declining buyer confidence, which is putting a strain on the financial system and threatening the 5% economic growth target for the year. A Reuters poll had forecast that home prices in China would decline by 8.5% in 2024 and by 3.9% in 2025 as the sector struggles to stabilise.

Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at property agency Centaline, mentioned that the property market is still gradually bottoming out, with home buyers’ demand, income, and confidence expected to take some time to recover. He noted that the market was anticipating a stronger policy response. According to the official data released on Saturday, property investment had fallen by 10.2% and home sales had dropped by 18.0% year-on-year in the first eight months of the year.

Chinese policymakers have stepped up efforts to support the property sector, including reducing mortgage rates and lowering home buying costs. These measures have partially revitalised demand in major cities, while smaller cities, which have fewer home purchase restrictions and high levels of unsold inventory, are particularly vulnerable. This situation underscores the difficulties faced by authorities in balancing demand and supply across different regions.

In a research note on Friday, Nomura indicated that with the growth slowdown worsening under new headwinds in the second half of the year, Beijing might eventually need to step in as the “builder of last resort” by directly providing funding to delayed residential projects that have already been pre-sold. According to Bloomberg News, China may cut interest rates on over $5 trillion in outstanding mortgages as early as this month.

To support these mortgage rate cuts, economists at ANZ suggested that a reduction in the five-year Loan Prime Rate was likely in September, along with a 20 basis point cut to the medium-term lending facility (MLF) and a 50 basis point cut to the reserve requirement ratio (RRR).