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Climate change and pollution are undeniable realities

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Björn Fahle, Technical Sales and Project Engineer, Westeria, in conversation with Kanika Mathur about the innovative use of alternative fuels and waste management solutions.

Westeria is at the forefront of sustainable solutions, transforming waste into alternative fuels for the cement industry. Through innovative machinery and fuel feeding systems, the company enables efficient waste management while promoting greener practices in cement production. Read on to know more about its endeavours in establishing a sustainable ecosystem.

How are you associated with the cement industry, and how do you help better the operations of cement manufacturers?
We operate in two key areas to support the cement industry. On one side, we focus on creating value from waste materials such as municipal solid waste (MSW) and legacy waste. We are helping to reduce the massive waste mountains that are a challenge in India. Our machinery facilitates the sorting, screening, and size reduction of waste to produce alternative fuels, which can be utilised in the cement calciner. This process plays a significant role in waste management while providing a sustainable energy source.
On the other side, we provide alternative fuel feeding lines to the cement industry, enabling the transportation of alternative fuels from the ground to the calciner, which is often located 40 to 50 meters high and up to 200 meters away. These efforts not only address waste management issues but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. By decreasing the dependency on coal and substituting it with alternative fuels, we are helping the cement industry adopt greener practices. Alternative fuels have a lower calorific value compared to coke or pet coke, and their integration into operations plays a pivotal role in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Speaking of alternative fuels, how do you customise your offerings to address evolving needs?
Most of our current requests revolve around legacy waste and municipal solid waste, as these are the primary challenges India faces. The massive amounts of daily MSW and the existing mountains of waste make this area our main focus. While the use of alternative fuels is gradually evolving, the immediate priority is managing and utilising waste effectively.
Additionally, our shredders are versatile and cater to various applications beyond MSW and legacy waste. For instance, we offer shredders for tiles, wood, and plastic, allowing us to support recycling efforts across multiple industries. By processing wooden logs, plastics, and other materials, we add value to these waste streams, enabling their reuse or recycling into alternative products. This approach reflects
our commitment to sustainability and innovation in waste management.

How do you support the cement industry in becoming more sustainable?
Sustainability is a critical concern for the cement industry, especially in the context of reducing CO2 emissions. India has made remarkable progress in achieving its 2030 carbon emission targets, and the cement sector has been a significant contributor to this effort. By integrating alternative fuels into their operations, cement producers can significantly lower their carbon footprint.
We also foresee advancements in green cement production, with materials such as clay coming into the picture. Our work helps the cement industry transition towards greener practices by promoting the use of alternative fuels and improving the efficiency of fuel feeding systems. Sustainability is no longer optional—it is imperative for long-term environmental and industrial health. By reducing coal consumption and utilising alternative raw materials, we are
steadily contributing to the industry’s shift toward sustainable operations.

What challenges do you face in collaborating with the cement industry?
There are two primary challenges we face in India. First, the type of waste available here is highly contaminated, making the preparation of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) much more labour-intensive compared to other Asian countries. The contamination levels of waste in India demand higher efforts for segregation and processing, which adds complexity to our operations.
Second, the maintenance of machinery poses a significant challenge. Indian workers often do not prioritise proper care and maintenance of expensive machinery. These machines require regular maintenance and proper handling to ensure their longevity and performance. However, the tendency to push materials through the machines without adequate maintenance can lead to wear and tear, reducing their lifespan and efficiency. Segregation of waste—separating
dry waste from wet waste—is another critical aspect that is often overlooked. Proper planning and maintenance are crucial to preserving the functionality of these machines.

What role does technology play in maintaining and operating your machinery?
The alternative fuel recycling (AFR) sector is still in its early stages and operates on an open circuit system. Unlike closed systems used in traditional cement processes, where input materials are well-defined and controlled, AFR operations deal with unpredictable and variable input. This lack of standardisation poses challenges in designing systems that can adapt to such variability.
Currently, cement producers are primarily focused on cement production rather than waste recycling. As a result, recycling machinery often receives less attention and care. This mindset needs to change for the successful integration of recycling into cement production. Advanced technologies and processes must be developed to handle variable inputs effectively and establish more sustainable systems.

What are your views on achieving net zero carbon emissions?
Achieving net zero carbon emissions is a gradual process that requires significant effort and commitment. Drawing from experiences in other Asian countries, such as China, we can see the transformative impact of government-led initiatives. Over the past decade, China has made substantial progress in recycling and pollution control through decisive action and enforcement. While India’s democratic system may take longer to implement large-scale changes, steady progress is possible with strong government support and public awareness.
Sustainability must become an integral part of daily life. Climate change and pollution are undeniable realities, and addressing these challenges requires collective action. Industries, governments, and individuals must align their efforts to create a sustainable future. The cement industry, given its substantial environmental impact, has a pivotal role to play in this transition. By embracing sustainable practices and technologies, we can move closer to a cleaner and greener future.

Concrete

FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe

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FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its new sales partner in Germany to strengthen its presence across Central Europe. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of FORNNAX’s high-capacity, sustainable recycling solutions while building long-term regional capabilities.

FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, one of the leading advanced recycling equipment manufacturers, has announced the appointment of a new sales partner in Germany as part of its strategic expansion into Central Europe. The company has entered into a collaborative agreement with Mr. Dieter Jerschl, a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of experience in the shredding and recycling sector, to represent and promote FORNNAX’s solutions across key European markets.

Mr. Jerschl brings extensive expertise from his work with renowned companies such as BHS, Eldan, Vecoplan, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led the deployment of both single machines and complete turnkey installations for a wide range of applications, including tyre recycling, cable recycling, municipal solid waste, e-waste, and industrial waste processing.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Jerschl said,
“I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art & high-capacity technology, it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey.”

The partnership will primarily focus on Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and neighbouring countries, with the flexibility to extend the geographical scope based on project requirements and mutual agreement. The collaboration is structured to evolve over time, with performance-driven expansion and ongoing strategic discussions with FORNNAX’s management. The immediate priority is to build a strong project pipeline and enhance FORNNAX’s brand presence across the region.

FORNNAX’s portfolio of high-performance shredding and pre-processing solutions is well aligned with Europe’s growing demand for sustainable and efficient waste treatment technologies. By partnering with Mr. Jerschl—who brings deep market insight and established industry relationships—FORNNAX aims to accelerate adoption of its solutions and participate in upcoming recycling projects across the region.

As part of the partnership, Mr. Jerschl will also deliver value-added services, including equipment installation, maintenance, and spare parts support through a dedicated technical team. This local service capability is expected to ensure faster project execution, minimise downtime, and enhance overall customer experience.

Commenting on the long-term vision, Mr. Jerschl added,
“We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to ten years.”

For FORNNAX, this partnership aligns closely with its global strategy of expanding into key markets through strong regional representation. The company believes that local partnerships are critical for navigating complex market dynamics and delivering solutions tailored to region-specific waste management challenges.

“We see tremendous potential in the Central European market,” said Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of FORNNAX.
“Partnering with someone as experienced and well-established as Mr. Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally,” he added.

This collaboration further strengthens FORNNAX’s commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable waste management, supporting the transition toward a greener and more circular future.

 

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Concrete

Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook

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Higher capex, city-led growth and CCUS funding improve demand visibility and decarbonisation prospects for cement

Mumbai

Cement manufacturers have welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27’s strong infrastructure thrust, with public capital expenditure increased to Rs 12.2 trillion, saying it reinforces infrastructure as the central engine of economic growth and strengthens medium-term prospects for the cement sector. In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has welcomed the Union budget 2026-27 for reinforcing the ambitions for the nation’s growth balancing the aspirations of the people through inclusivity inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Atmanirbharta.

The budget underscores India’s steady economic trajectory over the past 12 years, marked by fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation, and offers strong demand visibility for infrastructure linked sectors such as cement.

The Budget’s strong infrastructure push, with public capital expenditure rising from Rs 11.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025–26 to Rs 12.2 trillion in fiscal year 2026–27, recognises infrastructure as the primary anchor for economic growth creating positive prospects for the Indian cement industry and improving long term visibility for the cement sector. The emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with populations above 5 lakh and the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs) with an allocation of Rs 50 billion per CER over five years, should accelerate construction activity across housing, transport and urban services, supporting broad based cement consumption.

Logistics and connectivity measures announced in the budget are particularly significant for the cement industry. The announcement of new dedicated freight corridors, the operationalisation of 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, the launch of the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the modal share of waterways and coastal shipping from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047, and the development of ship repair ecosystems should enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and improve the sector’s carbon footprint. The announcement of seven high speed rail corridors as growth corridors can be expected to further stimulate regional development and construction demand.

Commenting on the budget, Parth Jindal, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), said, “As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, the three kartavya articulated in the Union Budget provide a clear context for the Nation’s growth and aspirations, combining economic momentum with capacity building and inclusive progress. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) appreciates the Union Budget 2026-27 for the continued emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, urban development and infrastructure modernisation, supported by over 350 reforms spanning GST simplification, labour codes, quality control rationalisation and coordinated deregulation with States. These reforms, alongside the Budget’s focus on Youth Power and domestic manufacturing capacity under Atmanirbharta, stand to strengthen the investment environment for capital intensive sectors such as Cement. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s focus on infrastructure led development emerging as a structural pillar of India’s growth strategy.”

He added, “The Rs 200 billion CCUS outlay for various sectors, including Cement, fundamentally alters the decarbonisation landscape for India’s emissions intensive industries. CCUS is a significant enabler for large scale decarbonisation of industries such as Cement and this intervention directly addresses the technology and cost requirements of the Cement sector in context. The Cement Industry, fully aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitment by 2070, views this support as critical to enabling the adoption and scale up of CCUS technologies while continuing to meet the Country’s long term infrastructure needs.”

Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA, said, “The government’s sustained infrastructure push supports employment, regional development and stronger local supply chains. Cement manufacturing clusters act as economic anchors across regions, generating livelihoods in construction, logistics and allied sectors. The budget’s focus on inclusive growth, execution and system level enablers creates a supportive environment for responsible and efficient expansion offering opportunities for economic growth and lending momentum to the cement sector. The increase in public capex to Rs 12.2 trillion, the focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and the creation of City Economic Regions stand to strengthen the growth of the cement sector. We welcome the budget’s emphasis on tourism, cultural and social infrastructure, which should broaden construction activity across regions. Investments in tourism facilities, heritage and Buddhist circuits, regional connectivity in Purvodaya and North Eastern States, and the strengthening of emergency and trauma care infrastructure in district hospitals reinforce the cement sector’s role in enabling inclusive growth.”

CMA also noted the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.3 per cent of GDP in FY27, reinforcing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.

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Concrete

Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

CW explores the impact of pro-steel policies on construction and infrastructure and identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

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Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion
of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating
into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points
out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge
in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in
FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at
around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must
meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments.
Else, domestic mills could experience a significant spike in industry
leverage levels over the medium term, increasing their vulnerability to
external macroeconomic shocks.(~$ 60/tonne) over the past one month,
compressing the import parity discount to ~$ 23-25/tonne from previous
highs of ~$ 70-90/tonne, adds Jhunjhunwala. With this, he says, “the
industry can expect high resistance to further steel price increases.”

Domestic HRC prices have increased by ~Rs 5,000/tonne
“Aggressive
capacity additions (~15 mt commissioned in FY25, with 5 mt more by
FY26) have created a supply overhang, temporarily outpacing demand
growth of ~11-12 mt,” he says…

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