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In India, waste management is a complex issue

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Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology, discusses revolutionising waste management with cutting-edge shredding technology.

Fornnax Technology is driving sustainability in the Indian cement industry by providing advanced shredding and recycling solutions. By enabling efficient processing of alternative fuels and raw materials, the company helps cement plants reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, sheds light on how they are supporting the industry’s goal of achieving a 30 per cent Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) by 2030.

How does Fornnax Technology’s expertise in shredding and recycling equipment enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in the cement industry?
Fornnax Technology is accelerating the Indian cement industry’s goal of reaching up to 30 per cent by 2030 TSR from the current four to six per cent by setting up alternative fuels and raw materials and refuse derived fuel plants, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Our expertise in developing robust shredding and recycling machinery directly addresses this need.
By providing advanced solutions for processing AFR, we enable cement plants to efficiently utilise waste materials.
Our SR-MAX series primary and R-Max series secondary shredders, for example, are engineered to handle challenging waste streams, including contaminated municipal solid waste, transforming them into valuable alternative fuels for cement kilns.
This will not only enhance operational efficiency by optimising waste processing but also significantly contributes to sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a greener approach to cement production.
Essentially, we empower the cement industry to close the gap between current AFR usage and its potential, driving them towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

What role does advanced technology play in optimising waste recycling for cement production, and how does Fornnax ensure its solutions contribute to energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction?
Advanced technology is pivotal in optimising waste recycling for cement production. The cement industry’s carbon footprint is substantial, and technology offers the means to significantly reduce it.
At Fornnax, we are at the forefront of this innovation. Our inhouse expert research and development teams are focused on creating cutting-edge recycling solutions that address the specific challenges of waste processing in the cement sector with customised approach.
Our shredders, for instance, are specifically designed to efficiently process heterogeneous and unorganised waste materials and capable of operating for over 200 to 100 tonne per day ensuring consistent and high-quality outputs suitable for AFR and RDF Plants.
This extended operational capacity has given us a distinct advantage over many of our European, American and Chinese competitors.
We believe that innovative recycling technology is the key to providing effective and economical solutions, thus we constantly upgrade our technology as per the evolving regulations and industry standards, ensuring our solutions not only meet but exceed expectations for energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.

How does Fornnax differentiate itself from competitors in providing tailored shredding and recycling solutions for cement plants, and what level of customisation do you offer to meet industry-specific requirements?
Fornnax distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive range of modern, robust, and large-capacity recycling solutions that are specifically tailored to the unique needs of the cement industry.
Our deep understanding of the cement industry’s challenges, combined with our expertise in advanced shredding and recycling technologies, allows us to provide efficient and sustainable solutions.
We prioritise a customer-centric approach, embodied in our Customer-Based Product Development Process (CBPD). This involves close collaboration with clients to understand their specific pain points and develop solutions that meet their exact requirements.
We offer a high level of customisation – from the design and configuration of our shredders to additional features and services that enhance performance and efficiency.
Our highly qualified engineering team works closely with clients to address their specific needs, including production capacity, waste type, desired output size and power constraints.
This ensures that our machinery aligns perfectly with their distinct visions and operational requirements. We also provide robust after-sales support across India, ensuring prompt and timely resolution of any issues.

Can you share insights into any recent innovations by Fornnax that have the potential to transform waste management and alternative fuel processing in the cement industry?
Our recent launch of the SR-MAX2500 primary shredder at IFAT 2024 Mumbai marks a significant innovation with the potential to transform waste management and alternative fuel processing in the cement industry.
This hydraulic drive motor-powered shredder is specifically designed to efficiently shred challenging materials into manageable sizes. The application areas include municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial and commercial waste, bulky waste, construction and demolition debris, wood waste and more.
The SR-MAX2500 Primary Shredder is designed with ease of maintenance in mind, featuring specially designed knives with hard face multiple times for low-cost operations. Additionally, the replaceable cartridge assembly eliminates the need to change the full cutting chamber in case of a worn-out cartridge, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.
In terms of the longevity, the SR-MAX2500 is built to last, boasting a completely hard-faced shaft knives assembly, hard-faced knives and replaceable wear plates to increase the durability of the cutting chamber. Furthermore, the hydraulic hoses are always connected to the motors, ensuring oil cleanliness and prolonging the lifespan of the motors. The heavy-duty, open-grate cartridge and static knives/fingers placement also ensure that abrasives, including aggregate, sand, soils and metal fragments, will fall directly through the cartridge, reducing wear and operating costs. This robust design ensures that the SR-MAX2500 will provide years of reliable service, even in the toughest operating conditions.
Therefore, by prioritising sustainability and aligning with the vision of achieving Net Zero emissions, we believe the SR-MAX2500 primary shredder has the potential to revolutionie waste management and alternative fuel processing in the cement industry, and we are excited to see the impact it will have.

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?

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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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