Economy & Market

SCMs play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2024

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Vimal Joshi, Assistant General Manager – Quality Control, Wonder Cement, discusses how use of SCMs reduces reliance on clinker while supporting circular economy, creating long-lasting, high-quality infrastructure.

What role do supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) play in enhancing the performance and sustainability of cement and concrete?
SCMs play a crucial role in enhancing both the performance and sustainability of cement and concrete. By replacing a portion of traditional Portland cement with materials like fly ash, slag and silica fume, we significantly improve the durability, strength and workability of concrete. SCMs react chemically with the calcium hydroxide released during hydration, forming additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), which enhances the concrete’s long-term strength.
Beyond performance, SCMs also contribute to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with cement production. By using industrial by-products as raw materials, we reduce the need for energy-intensive clinker production and divert waste from landfills, contributing to an eco-friendlier construction process.
SCMs not only improve the technical properties of cement but also support the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resource efficiency.

How has your company integrated SCMs into its production process, and what challenges have you encountered?
We have successfully integrated SCMs into our production process, making them a key component of our sustainability strategy. We incorporate fly ash, and Performance Improver Limestone to replace a portion of the clinker in our cement, thus lowering our carbon emissions and enhancing product performance. However, the integration of SCMs has presented some challenges, primarily in terms of supply consistency and quality control (such as high moisture content and presence of foreign material in coal fly ash). Since SCMs are industrial by-products, their availability and composition can vary, which requires rigorous quality checks and adjustments to the production process.
Another challenge is achieving the right balance in the cement mix to ensure optimal strength and durability while maximising SCM content. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to increasing the use of SCMs and have developed strong partnerships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality materials.
Apart from fly ash and performance improvers we are using iron sludge (0.3 per cent to 0.8 per cent) as a substitute for laterite and red mud (1 to 2 per cent) as a substitute for bauxite in the manufacture of clinker without compromising on quality. Both materials are by products of industries with low SiO2 and high R2O3 content (addition of oxides), which helps reduce additive consumption in the raw mix (conserving natural resources) and reduces LSF requirement in stock pile preparation and thus, helping in increasing the available limestone reserves (conservation of natural resources).
We are using chemical gypsum and bed ash gypsum as substitutes to mineral gypsum in cement grinding, both are by-products of the industries that have high purity, which helps in preserving the natural gypsum and also increases the strength of cement and concrete.

Can you share insights on how SCMs such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume impact the durability and strength of concrete in different environmental conditions?
SCMs like fly ash, slag and silica fume significantly enhance the durability and strength of concrete, particularly under diverse environmental conditions. Fly ash improves workability and extends the setting time, making it ideal for mass concrete projects and hot climates. The fine particles fill voids in the cement matrix, reducing permeability and enhancing resistance to sulphate and chloride attack, thus increasing durability. Slag, with its slow hydration properties, improves long-term strength and is particularly effective in reducing thermal cracking in massive concrete structures. It also enhances resistance to aggressive chemicals, making it suitable for marine environments and industrial applications.
Silica fume, known for its ultrafine particles, increases the density of concrete, boosting both compressive strength and durability, especially in harsh environments. By incorporating SCMs, we create concrete that is more resilient to environmental stressors, ensuring longer-lasting structures with reduced maintenance needs.

With the global push for sustainability, how do SCMs contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of cement production?
SCMs play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of cement production, aligning with the global drive for sustainability. By substituting a portion of clinker, the most energy-intensive component of cement, with SCMs like fly ash and slag, we lower CO2 emissions from the production process. Each tonne of clinker replaced by SCMs reduces the need for limestone calcination, a major source of carbon emissions. SCMs are often industrial by-products, so their use in cement also promotes waste recycling, contributing to the circular economy.
Furthermore, SCMs typically require less energy to process than clinker, resulting in lower overall energy consumption. This shift towards utilising SCMs supports our broader sustainability goals, helping Wonder Cement meet both regulatory requirements and industry benchmarks for environmental responsibility, while providing
high-quality cement products that meet modern construction needs.

What strategies or innovations has your company adopted to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of SCMs, given their reliance on industrial by-products?
To ensure a consistent and reliable supply of SCMs, Wonder Cement has adopted several strategies and innovations. First, we have established long-term partnerships with key industries, such as thermal power plants, to secure a steady supply of fly ash. This collaboration ensures that we can maintain the quality and availability of SCMs despite potential fluctuations in production volumes. Additionally, we have invested in logistics and storage infrastructure to manage the seasonal and location variability of SCMs, allowing us to store and distribute materials as needed.
Another innovation involves the diversification of SCM sources, exploring options like rice husk ash, silica fume, granulated slag, copper slag, steel slag, lead zinc slag and ground granulated blast furnace slag. We also engage in research and development to optimise the performance of SCMs, ensuring that even with variability, the final cement product consistently meets our quality standards. These strategies ensure that we can reliably integrate SCMs into our production process.

Are there specific projects where SCMs have delivered outstanding results in terms of performance or sustainability?
SCMs have delivered outstanding results in various projects undertaken by Wonder Cement, particularly in terms of performance and sustainability. One notable example is our use of SCMs in large infrastructure projects such as bridges, dams and highways, where durability and long-term performance are crucial.
The incorporation of fly ash and performance improvers in these projects has enhanced concrete’s resistance to cracking, sulphate attack and chloride-induced corrosion, ensuring structural longevity.
In terms of sustainability, SCMs have been integral to our low-carbon cement mixes, which have been used in green building projects aimed at reducing the overall environmental footprint. These eco-friendly cement products have not only met but exceeded performance expectations, while significantly cutting down on carbon emissions during production.
By utilising SCMs, we have successfully delivered projects that align with both performance standards and sustainability goals, providing long-lasting, high-quality infrastructure with reduced environmental impact.

How does the use of SCMs align with your company’s broader goals around circular economy and resource efficiency?
The use of SCMs at Wonder Cement aligns perfectly with our broader goals of promoting the circular economy and enhancing resource efficiency. SCMs are typically industrial by-products like fly ash from power plants and performance improver from our own mines, and by incorporating these materials into our cement production, we help close the resource loop. This approach reduces the need for virgin raw materials, lowers waste sent to landfills, and minimises the environmental footprint of our operations. It also enables us to reduce the clinker factor in cement, which is the most carbon-intensive component, thereby contributing to lower CO2 emissions.
Additionally, the use of SCMs extends the life cycle of concrete products, reducing the need for repairs and replacements. This aligns with our commitment to sustainable development, resource optimisation, and supporting the global transition towards more circular, low-waste industrial practices.

What future trends do you foresee in the use of SCMs within the cement industry?
The future of SCMs in the cement industry looks promising, with several key trends likely to shape their development. One trend is the increasing diversification of SCM sources, as industries explore new by-products like rice husk ash, volcanic ash and even recycled construction materials as viable alternatives to traditional fly ash and slag. Another development is the refinement of SCM processing technologies, allowing for more consistent quality and higher substitution rates of clinker without compromising cement performance.
As sustainability continues to drive innovation, we foresee a growing demand for low-carbon cement products, with SCMs playing a critical role in meeting regulatory and market expectations for green construction materials. Additionally, advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies could complement the use of SCMs, further reducing the carbon footprint of cement production.
Wonder Cement is keen to stay at the forefront of these trends, continuously evolving our use of SCMs to meet future industry demands.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

5 hours 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.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

23 hours 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

Dalmia Bharat Acquires Jaiprakash Associates Cement Assets for ₹2,850 Crore

Published

2 weeks ago

May 25, 2026

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Dalmia Cement executed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates and Adani Infra, to acquire 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) announced on May 22, 2026 that it had signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates Limited and Adani Infra (India) Limited for the acquisition of cement plants located at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa in Uttar Pradesh. The deal was struck at an enterprise value of ₹2,850 crore and is expected to close within two weeks of execution.

The acquired assets from Jaiprakash Associates include 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity and 3.3 MnTPA of clinker capacity. The package also covers 99 MW of thermal power capacity and railway sidings at Rewa, Chunar, and a common siding at Churk. This infrastructure gives the acquisition immediate operational utility beyond just production tonnage.

The transaction has a long backstory. Dalmia Cement had originally entered into a framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates in December 2022, covering the sale of these business assets along with a long-term clinker supply arrangement. However, before the deal could be completed, Jaiprakash Associates was admitted to insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The earlier agreements could not be consummated as a result.

In an official statement, Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat, said, “I am very excited about addition of these assets in our portfolio. This serves as a great strategic fit for Dalmia. It helps us move forward in our journey to be a pan India player and provide a strong head start to serve the high potential markets in Central region. I am optimistic that the expansion potential of these assets along with close proximity with Dalmia’s captive mines will help us create a capacity hub for the future”.

Following the approval of Adani Group’s resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates under the IBC framework, Dalmia approached the new management to revive discussions. The fresh Business Transfer Agreement was executed to settle all pending disputes, legal proceedings, and arbitration matters arising from the original framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates.

Expanding market reach

Dalmia added, “Our familiarity with these assets under the earlier tolling arrangement gives us a deep understanding of the facilities and helps us establish strong connect with channel partners and vendors. We believe that this will help us in faster ramp up of capacities and quicker inroads into the market. As we look forward, I am very confident that we will be able to leverage the strengths of Dalmia to operate these assets in a manner where we can maximise value creation for all our stakeholders.”

With the addition of these plants, Dalmia Bharat’s total installed cement capacity will rise to 54.7 MnTPA upon consummation. The company has further expansion projects underway at Belgaum, Pune, and Kadapa, which are expected to take overall capacity to 66.7 MnTPA by Q2 to Q3 FY28.

The Central India location of the Jaiprakash Associates plants gives Dalmia Bharat faster access to markets in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh than a greenfield build would have allowed. The company also cited debottlenecking and brownfield expansion as near-term opportunities at the acquired sites. Dalmia Bharat said the assets were expected to contribute positively to EBITDA and overall returns, given the pricing environment in the region and the company’s cost structure.