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Mr. Hitendra Bhargava, CEO, Klüber Lubrication, discusses how advanced synthetic lubricants are driving sustainability in the cement industry by enhancing energy efficiency, extending equipment life and reducing carbon emissions.

The Indian cement industry is making significant strides toward carbon neutrality while striving to enhance operational efficiency. As manufacturers seek high-performance solutions to optimise critical machinery—such as VRMs and gearboxes—extending equipment life and boosting productivity have become paramount. In an exclusive conversation, Hitendra Bhargava, CEO, Klüber Lubrication, shares how the company is driving innovation and sustainability-focused initiatives to help cement manufacturers achieve their net-zero ambitions.

How is Klüber Lubrication India supporting the cement industry’s sustainability goals?
The Indian cement industry is actively working towards carbon neutrality while maintaining operational efficiency. It is adopting various measures such as improving energy efficiency, clinker substitution, waste heat recovery and carbon capture to achieve its sustainability goals—helping India meet its target of reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.
At Klüber Lubrication India, we support this transition by offering high-performance synthetic lubricants that significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. A major portion of a cement plant’s energy consumption is related to its rotary equipment and machinery, such as vertical roller mills (VRM), ball mills, coal mills, bucket elevators, cooling towers and screw pumps. Our state-of-the-art gear oils and other lubricants help these machines consume less energy, optimise efficiency and, in turn, support cement plants in complying with regulatory frameworks like the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), moving them closer to their net-zero targets.

Can you elaborate on Klüber Lubrication’s role in helping cement manufacturers achieve net-zero emissions?
Achieving net-zero emissions requires innovative solutions that minimise energy consumption and carbon footprints. Our Klüber Energy Efficiency solutions are specifically designed to support this goal. By switching from conventional mineral oils to our advanced synthetic lubricants, cement plants can achieve an average of three per cent savings in electrical energy consumption, leading to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions.
Our solutions extend equipment life,reduce downtime and improve overall plant efficiency—making sustainability not just an environmental responsibility but also an economically viable choice.
(Note: One unit of power saved is equivalent to approximately 0.6 kg of CO2 reduction when generated by a coal-based thermal power plant.)

What impact do energy-efficient lubricants have on the performance and longevity of machinery?
Energy-efficient lubricants play a crucial role in optimising the performance of cement plant machinery. Our synthetic lubricants reduce friction, minimise wear and tear, and offer superior thermal stability. This leads to lower energy consumption, fewer breakdowns and extended service life for critical equipment such as various types of mills, cooling towers and gearboxes. As a result, cement manufacturers benefit from improved productivity, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced reliability.

Klüber Lubrication India recently achieved the EcoVadis GOLD certification for the fourth consecutive year. What does this recognition mean to you?
Securing the EcoVadis GOLD certification for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. This recognition places us among the top three per cent of companies worldwide. It underscores our dedication to minimising environmental impact, upholding ethical business practices, and promoting sustainable procurement. Our customers can be assured that our solutions are designed not only for superior performance but also for long-term environmental benefits.

What is your message to manufacturers looking to enhance their sustainability journey?
Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity for long-term success. Cement manufacturers who proactively adopt energy-efficient solutions will not only reduce their environmental footprint but also improve operational efficiency and profitability. At Klüber Lubrication India, we are committed to being a trusted partner in this journey, providing cutting-edge lubrication solutions that help the industry transition towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
The cement industry is under immense pressure to improve sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency. At Klüber Lubrication India, we support this transition by offering high-performance synthetic lubricants that significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Our solutions for critical machinery, such as VRM and main gearboxes, help manufacturers optimise their operations, comply with regulatory frameworks like the BRSR and move closer to their net-zero targets.

How do Klüber Lubrication’s energy efficiency projects provide a strong ROI?
One of the biggest concerns in adopting sustainability measures is the associated cost. However, our energy efficiency solutions present a compelling business case. With an investment of less than one crore rupees, cement manufacturers can achieve a payback period of less than a year.
For example, by using Klübersynth GEM 4-320 N, a single VRM gearbox with a sump capacity of 6,000 litres and a 6.5 MW motor rating can save over 1.3 million kWh annually. This translates to an average power saving of three per cent, leading to lower operational costs. Additionally, oil life is extended by three or four times compared to conventional mineral oil, contributing to a CO2 reduction of 715 tonnes. This ensures manufacturers achieve sustainability milestones while maximising profitability.

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Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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