Concrete

We anticipate a shift towards eco-friendly formulations

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

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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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Concrete

India’s Core Sector Growth Eases to 4.8 Per Cent in August

Cement, electricity and iron ore offset declines in other sectors

Published

2 days ago

September 26, 2026

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India’s output across eight core industries grew 4.8 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, easing from the revised 5.0 per cent growth recorded in July, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Index of Core Industries (ICI), which tracks eight key infrastructure sectors, accounts for a significant share of the Index of Industrial Production.

Cement production led the expansion with growth of 12.5 per cent, followed by electricity at 11.6 per cent and iron ore at 5.5 per cent. Steel output increased 3.4 per cent, while refinery products rose 2.6 per cent during the month. The ministry identified cement, electricity and iron ore as the main contributors to overall core sector growth in recent months.

The gains were partly offset by contractions in several sectors. Coal output declined 3.8 per cent year-on-year, while natural gas and crude oil production fell 4.9 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively. Fertiliser production recorded the sharpest decline, falling 12.4 per cent in August.

Cumulative growth in the ICI during April-August 2026 stood at 4.3 per cent, compared with 2.4 per cent in the corresponding period a year earlier. Steel output increased 4.1 per cent during the period, while cement and electricity production grew 10.3 per cent and 9.6 per cent, respectively.

Coal, natural gas, crude oil, refinery products and fertilisers recorded negative cumulative growth during April-August. Their contractions stood at 3.2 per cent, 4.4 per cent, 4.1 per cent, 1.4 per cent and 6.7 per cent, respectively. The ministry also revised the final ICI for July to 120.8 from the earlier provisional estimate of 121.2, resulting in a downward revision in the month’s growth rate to 5.0 per cent from 5.4 per cent.

Concrete

Jammu Division Begins First Cement Rail Traffic to Anantnag

Cement Loading From Kathua for Anantnag to Begin on September 14

Published

7 days ago

September 21, 2026

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Jammu Railway Division has placed an indent for the first movement of cement by rail within the division, linking Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station with Anantnag Railway Station. Loading for the consignment is scheduled to begin on September 14.

Concrete

Hard Worker Wins Three Honours at Kyoorius Design Awards

Ramco Cements’ brand secures Grand Prix and two Blue Elephant honours.

Published

7 days ago

September 21, 2026

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The Ramco Cements Limited’s construction chemicals brand, Hard Worker, has won three honours at the Kyoorius Design Awards 2026, including the Grand Prix – Grey Elephant in the Design in Action category.

The brand also secured two Blue Elephant honours, one for Design in Action and another for Packaging, recognising the design approach behind its brand identity and packaging.

Launched in 2025, Hard Worker entered the construction chemicals segment with the brand promise, “Hard-working products for hardworking people.” Its visual identity uses animals and birds to represent product benefits. The camel represents the water-retention capability of Hard Worker Eco Plaster, while the cheetah represents the speed and performance of Hard Worker Block Fix.

The visual language has been extended across packaging, retail, communication, literature, digital platforms and other brand touchpoints. Hard Worker uses bold colours, distinctive animal illustrations and simple visual storytelling to communicate product benefits across markets and audiences, including construction workers and applicators.

“For Hard Worker, design was never an afterthought. It was fundamental to how we wanted to build the brand. In a category that is largely functional, we wanted to create a brand that people could recognise, understand and remember instantly. The Kyoorius recognition is a wonderful validation of this design-led approach,” said Mr. AV Dharmakrishnan, CEO, The Ramco Cements Limited.

Mr. Balaji K. Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, Ramco Cements said “In a category where communication has traditionally been product-led and functional, we wanted Hard Worker to stand apart by making design an integral part of the brand experience. From the distinctive animal-led packaging to our communication across consumer and trade touchpoints, every element was designed to make the brand more memorable and the product benefits easier to understand.”

Within its first 12 months, Hard Worker crossed Rs 3.5 bn in sales. The latest recognition follows six honours secured by the brand’s campaign at the Kyoorius Creative Awards earlier in 2026, including the Grey Elephant Grand Prix for its Eco Plaster film.

The Kyoorius Design Awards recognise outstanding design work in India’s visual communications sector across multiple categories and platforms. The 2026 awards were announced on 12 September in Goa.

The Ramco Cements Limited is part of the Ramco Group and operates across cement and allied building-material solutions. Hard Worker is its construction chemicals brand, offering solutions across key construction applications.