Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has entered into a strategic partnership with John Cockerill India Limited (JCIL) to advance green steel production and technology within the steel industry.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Mumbai between SAIL Director (Finance) Anil Kumar Tulsiani and JCIL Managing Director Michael Kotas. This collaboration will focus on improving technologies in cold rolling, carbon steel production, green steel, and specialized silicon steels.

The partnership also aims to integrate green technologies into traditional iron and steelmaking processes to reduce carbon emissions and enhance resource efficiency. This move aligns with SAIL’s sustainability goals and its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of steel production.

SAIL is focused on transforming its operations and adopting advanced technologies to contribute to a greener future in the steel industry. The MoU marks a significant step towards the company’s vision of sustainable growth.

The central government has identified instances of substandard steel imports and has taken measures to prevent their entry into the country. The Ministry of Steel stated that cheaper imports tend to lower domestic steel prices and negatively impact both large and small steel producers.

According to the ministry, numerous traders and manufacturers have been attempting to bypass the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements by making minor alterations to steel grades. Official reports indicate that this appears to be an effort to import inexpensive steel under the guise of different grades.

The BIS has established 151 standards encompassing 1376 steel grades under the Steel Ministry’s Quality Control Orders (QCO). The ministry emphasized that this framework ensures compliance with BIS standards for both domestically produced and imported steel. The statement further highlighted that these measures are aimed at restricting the import of low-quality steel.

While steel imports require a BIS license, certain grades not yet covered by BIS standards may be imported with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Steel Ministry. However, the ministry noted instances of misuse of this provision. Officials observed that many traders and manufacturers have been modifying steel grades slightly to circumvent BIS requirements.

Official data revealed that import applications for 1136 additional grades have been submitted to the Steel Ministry. Most of these grades are reportedly neither internationally recognized nor covered by BIS standards. They often involve minor variations in chemical composition or product dimensions and appear to facilitate the import of cheaper steel under the pretext of alternative grades. Furthermore, many of these shipments were ordered without obtaining the requisite NOC from the ministry.

Addressing concerns regarding restrictions on Japanese steel imports, the ministry clarified that 735 applications for importing Japanese steel had been received. Of these, 594 were approved, while 141 were denied due to non-compliance with established norms.

Lightweight yet robust, aluminium as a metal has been an industry’s bedrock in automotive, architecture, and many more industries. Its versatility, recyclability, and strength make it the favourite of forward-looking brands who push the boundaries of design and engineering. Here, we bring to you five trailblazing companies that are harnessing aluminium power for some ground-breaking solutions, directed towards functionality and sustainability and aesthetics.

Jindal Aluminium
Jindal Aluminium, with a legacy spanning over 55 years, is a pioneer in manufacturing aluminium extruded and flat-rolled products. Operating across three state-of-the-art facilities with a production capacity of 255,000 MT, it excels in crafting high-precision aluminium extrusions that meet international standards. Leveraging advanced German machinery, a modern tool shop, and in-house powder coating, anodizing, and fabrication, Jindal Aluminium delivers bespoke aluminium products to some of the most trusted brands around the globe. It combines innovation, engineering excellence, and a focus on sustainability to shape industries and inspire progress across 55+ countries.

Hindalco
Hindalco has pioneered the art of innovation in aluminium. The company’s facilities include cutting-edge sites like its Silvassa plant, which sports India’s first vertical powder coating line, and its Kuppam unit with advanced surface treatment capabilities. Combining high-quality products from Hindalco with R&D and focused, sustainable production leads to world-class products for the transportation, construction, and packaging industries, for example. With the alumina refinery along with recent smelting technology introduced, it is a global leader in the value chain of aluminium.

Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO)
BALCO, a leading aluminium producer in the country, is renowned for its strong smelting and refining processes. As a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, BALCO uses engineering prowess to implement environmentally sound practices. Its aluminium offerings are geared to diverse sectors like power, infrastructure, and automotive as well. It continues to be at the forefront of design and manufacturing for these sectors because of the efforts it has put into digitisation and sustainability.

Century Extrusions
Century Extrusions is an aluminium profile specialist, offering personal profiles in accordance with top international standards. The company located in Kharagpur, designs and manufactures profiles of customised aluminium, suited to industries such as construction, automotive, or electrical engineering. Due to its dedication to innovation and quality, Century has established itself as a reliable partner for clients looking at high-precision aluminium solutions. Strategically positioned near aluminium producers, sourcing becomes easier and delivery is faster in this company, which enhances its operational excellence.

NALCO
NALCO or National Aluminium Company Limited is a Navratna CPSE, and it is a role model for sustainability and innovation in aluminium engineering. Advanced smelting technologies and renewable energy programs make it the leader in eco-friendly production. Its high-quality products serve aerospace, energy, and construction industries, providing it the cutting edge of leadership as one of the first aluminium design and manufacturing leaders. NALCO collaborates with Global Partnerships for advanced R&D assurance to continue working toward sustainable and efficient production methods.

These five aluminium brands are redefining the power of aluminium, combining advanced engineering with sustainable practices to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. Their innovations don’t just shape industries today, but forge a greener and more efficient future tomorrow. .