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We anticipate a shift towards eco-friendly formulations

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12 months ago

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Amit Mehta, Vice President – Operations, Wonder Cement, talks about leveraging advanced lubrication solutions to optimise machinery performance and reduce environmental impact.

What kind of lubricants are used in your cement plants? What are their applications?
At Wonder Cement, we use specialised lubricants tailored to the demands of cement manufacturing. These include high-performance greases and oils designed to reduce friction in heavy machinery, prevent wear and tear on critical components, and ensure smooth operations throughout our cement plants. Each lubricant is carefully selected based on its application, whether it’s for bearings, gears, hydraulics or other essential machinery components. Our goal is to maximise efficiency, prolong equipment lifespan and maintain the highest standards of operational excellence.

Tell us about lubricant storage and quality maintenance in cement plants?
Lubricant storage and quality maintenance are paramount in our cement plants. We have dedicated storage facilities equipped with proper ventilation and temperature control to prevent contamination and degradation. Regular inspections and stringent quality control measures are implemented to maintain the integrity of our lubricants and ensure their efficacy in plant operations.

In terms of sustainability, what measures do you take to reduce the environmental impact of lubricant use in your facility?
At Wonder Cement, we prioritise sustainability in every aspect of our operations, including lubricant use. To reduce the environmental impact, we implement measures such as:

  • Adoption of eco-friendly lubricants formulated to minimise pollution and waste.
  • Implementation of efficient application techniques to reduce overuse and minimise leakage.
  • Regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal lubricant performance and prevent environmental contamination.
  • Collaboration with suppliers to source lubricants with lower environmental footprints and higher biodegradability.
  • Continuous research and development to explore innovative solutions for further reducing
    the environmental impact of lubricant use in our facility.

Can external factors like heat, humidity,dust etc. have an impact on the functionality of lubricants?
Yes, external factors such as heat, humidity and dust can indeed impact the functionality of lubricants. These conditions can lead to accelerated degradation of lubricants, reduced viscosity, and increased susceptibility to contamination, ultimately affecting the performance and lifespan of machinery.
At Wonder Cement, we address these challenges through robust lubrication strategies designed
to withstand adverse environmental conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation and optimal equipment performance.

How do you evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different lubricants, and what factors do you consider when making purchasing decisions?
We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different lubricants through a comprehensive analysis. Factors considered include performance metrics, longevity, environmental impact, and overall operational efficiency. Our purchasing decisions prioritise value without compromising on quality or sustainability. Our goal is to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance excellence.

Tell us about the changes and improvements that have been made in the lubrication technology.
We have proactively embraced advancements in lubrication technology to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Our dedication to research and development has enabled us to implement advanced formulations and innovative application methods, aimed at maximising equipment performance while minimising waste generation. Through the adoption of automated lubrication systems for critical applications, we prioritise efficiency optimisation and resource consumption reduction. Our ongoing commitment to integrating cutting-edge solutions underscores our dedication to maintaining industry-leading standards and minimising environmental impact.

How often are audits and reviews conducted for lubricant health at cement plants?
We conduct thorough and routine audits and reviews to assess the health of our lubricants with meticulous attention to detail. Adhering to a stringent schedule, audits are carried out at minimum quarterly intervals to guarantee the optimal performance and integrity of our lubricants. These regular assessments enable us to proactively detect and address any potential issues, thereby upholding the highest standards of operational efficiency and equipment reliability. Our steadfast commitment to regular audits underscores our unwavering dedication to excellence and sustainability in the field of cement manufacturing. Additionally, we have dedicated in-house laboratory facilities for testing of physical properties and monitoring of lubricant health.

– Kanika Mathur

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India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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May 21, 2025

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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2 weeks ago

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May 21, 2025

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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3 weeks ago

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May 13, 2025

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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