Concrete

The systems we design are energy-efficient by nature

Published

1 year ago

December 24, 2024

Roshna

Rahul Rajgor, Managing Director, Fives Combustion Systems, discusses their focus on innovation, energy efficiency and sustainability, emphasising the role of customer collaboration in developing tailored solutions.

Tell us about the innovations and solutions you are providing to the cement industry?
At our company, innovation is not just a concept—it is the cornerstone of our operations. We see ourselves as pioneers within the cement industry, and this mindset extends across all sectors we serve. We truly believe that the best innovations come directly from our customers. Their needs and feedback drive the improvements and new ideas we bring to market. Every year, we make it a priority to introduce fresh innovations, not only within the cement industry but across other industries as well. Our approach to innovation is deeply rooted in collaboration with customers, which we consider partners, and this partnership is essential to our success. We are always ready to take on challenges and tackle the most complex issues in the industry.

How are your solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency in the cement industry?
Energy efficiency and sustainability are at the core of our philosophy. We understand that reducing energy consumption is essential for the future of our planet, and it is something we focus on in every solution we offer. The systems we design are energy-efficient by nature, and we do everything we can to ensure that each system is optimised for maximum performance. Through extensive in-house calculations and analysis, we continually improve our technologies to meet and exceed energy-efficiency standards. Our commitment to the energy sector has been long-standing, and as pioneers in this field, we specialise in providing highly efficient burners and combustion solutions that are specifically designed to reduce CO2 emissions. By doing so, we help cement plants significantly lower their carbon footprints and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Could you share some of the sustainability or decarbonisation initiatives that your organisation has implemented?
Sustainability is a key priority for us, and we have been actively engaged in decarbonisation efforts for many years. We launched our sustainability program five years ago, with a clear focus on reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Over time, we have become leaders in this space, particularly with the advent of hydrogen technology. We were one of the pioneers in the hydrogen sector, not only in developing hydrogen combustion solutions but also in the liquefaction of hydrogen for use in various industrial applications. In fact, we were the first company in India to sell a hydrogen burner, which was used for a 52-megawatt boiler application. Beyond hydrogen, we are also focused on finding alternative solid fuels for cement manufacturing. We are currently working on developing hybrid technologies that combine hydrogen, alternative solid fuels, and fossil fuels. This combination is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint in the cement industry. We are continuously investing in research and development to create innovative solutions that can accelerate the global shift toward decarbonisation.

How do you tailor your innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of the cement industry?
One of the fundamental aspects of our innovation process is our close partnership with customers. Innovation does not exist in a vacuum—it is driven by the real needs and challenges faced by our customers. We firmly believe that innovation often arises from even the smallest ideas proposed by users. We make it a point to listen carefully to our customers, as their feedback is invaluable. For instance, one of the key innovations we developed—a custom-made burner—was created in collaboration with our customer Holcim Europe. We tailored this burner specifically to meet their needs, which illustrates how we approach innovation: our solutions are not one-size-fits-all. We provide bespoke solutions that are customised to each customer’s specific requirements, making sure that every solution we offer is the best possible fit for the individual circumstances of the customer. This is a significant differentiator for us in a market where many competitors offer generic solutions.

You mentioned a burner developed with the help of your customers. Could you tell us more about it?
Yes, we have developed several advanced technologies in collaboration with Holcim Europe, one of our key partners. A perfect example of this is the custom-built burner we designed together. It was created specifically to meet the unique requirements of Holcim’s operations, ensuring that it delivered optimal performance for their systems. This burner, like all of our innovations, is a result of close collaboration between our engineering teams and the customer. It serves as a reminder that the best solutions often come from understanding the specific needs of the customer and working together to design a tailored solution that achieves the desired results.

Given the level of innovation, what challenges do you face, particularly in the Indian market?
In the Indian market, one of the biggest challenges we face relates to the shortage of sorted waste for use as Alternative Solid Fuel (ASF) or Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF). While we have some of the best technology available for utilising ASF, the issue lies in the lack of a comprehensive waste-sorting infrastructure. In developed nations, waste segregation is well-established, but in India, we are still behind in this regard. For example, industries and communities have yet to fully embrace the importance of sorting waste, which is essential for ASF to be viable as a sustainable fuel alternative. Without proper waste segregation, the potential of ASF remains untapped. To address this, we need to educate not just the industry, but society as a whole, about the importance of waste sorting. This is an area where we see a significant opportunity to improve.

How do you envision the journey toward achieving net-zero emissions, and what role will the cement industry play in it?
The journey toward net-zero emissions is undoubtedly one of the most critical challenges for the cement industry, and the role of combustion solutions is key. The cement industry relies heavily on combustion processes, so as a provider of combustion technologies, we play an integral part in helping the industry meet its net-zero targets. We are heavily involved in research and development to ensure that we are contributing to reducing emissions.
However, it is important to recognise that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is a formidable challenge, especially in a country like India, where the cement industry still depends on fossil fuels. The widespread adoption of hydrogen, natural gas and alternative solid fuels will help us significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the cement industry.
While the journey is long, we are confident that, through continuous innovation and collaboration, we will make meaningful progress toward achieving net-zero emissions.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Ramco Cements’ Hard Worker Campaign Wins Seven Awards

Campaign earns honours for direction, editing and cinematography

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

admin

The Hard Worker campaign by The Ramco Cements has secured seven honours at the Good Ads Matter Awards 2026, adding to its growing list of accolades and reinforcing its standing among the year’s most recognised advertising campaigns.

The awards were presented during the Good Ads Matter Awards Night 2026 held at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai. The campaign received recognition across multiple categories, highlighting excellence in direction, editing, cinematography and storytelling.

Among the honours, the campaign won Silver in the Campaign of the Year – Direction category, while filmmaker Prakash Varma was named Director of the Year for the films Tortoise & Hare and Eco Plaster. Tortoise & Hare also received Silver awards for Best Editing and Best Colour Grading, along with a Bronze award for Best Cinematography. Eco Plaster earned Bronze awards in the Best Direction – Narrative and Best Direction – Humour categories.

Both films extended their award-winning run, with Eco Plaster being recognised for its narrative centred on water conservation through innovative construction solutions, while Tortoise & Hare was honoured for its storytelling and craft execution.

The Hard Worker campaign was built around the idea that hard work deserves recognition and respect. Through culturally rooted and emotionally engaging stories, the campaign has connected with consumers, engineers, masons and the wider construction community across the country.

Commenting on the achievement, A V Dharmakrishnan, CEO of The Ramco Cements Limited, said that the continued recognition across leading creative platforms reflects the company’s commitment to meaningful and authentic communication rooted in the values of the people it serves.

Balaji K Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, The Ramco Cements Limited, said the awards recognise the craftsmanship behind the storytelling, from direction and cinematography to editing and narrative execution.

Following recognition at both the Kyoorius Creative Awards and the Good Ads Matter Awards, the Hard Worker campaign continues to demonstrate the impact of purpose-driven storytelling combined with strong creative execution and consumer relevance.

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

admin

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

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

admin

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.