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Balancing cost with eco-friendly practices is tricky

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Alan Barboza, Executive Director, Flomic Global Logistics, helps us understand how sustainable supply chains are redefining themselves by integrating cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices into its logistics operations.

As global trade accelerates, the logistics industry faces increasing pressure to adopt greener practices. Flomic Global Logistics is rising to the challenge, embedding sustainability into its core operations—from freight transportation and warehousing to supply chain optimisation. In this conversation with Executive Director Alan Barboza, we explore how the company is driving the shift toward green logistics, investing in low-emission transport and leveraging technology to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining efficiency and reliability.

How is Flomic Global Logistics integrating Green Logistics into its operations?
Flomic Global Logistics has made green logistics a key part of how it operates. By tapping into clever supply chain tweaks, using a mix of transport options, and running energy-smart warehouses, the company keeps sustainability hand-in-hand with growth. Flomic teams up with partners across the globe and closer to home to cut emissions, ease off fossil fuels, and make the whole logistics chain sharper. It is all about building a tougher, more responsible system that ticks both the regulatory boxes and the growing call for greener supply chains.

What steps are you taking to reduce carbon emissions in freight transportation?
Carbon emissions from freight are a big worry in global trade, and Flomic’s stepping up to the plate. We are putting money into fuel-efficient lorries, using AI to plan smarter delivery routes, and leaning on data to stop empty trips and wasted fuel. Where it makes sense, we are also shifting to rail or inland waterways. It’s a practical way to hit international green targets and keep in line with the rules, helping businesses meet their eco promises without breaking the bank.

Are you investing in eco-friendly shipping options such as low-emission vessels or fuel-efficient trucks?
Flomic’s on the case when it comes to sustainable shipping, working hard to help decarbonise supply chains. We are partnering with shipping firms and transport outfits that use low-emission ships, LNG-powered fleets, and trucks that sip rather than guzzle fuel. We are also eyeing up biofuels and green hydrogen for the future. By teaming up with like-minded organisations, Flomic makes sure its clients get logistics that match up with the latest green standards and rules.

How do your warehousing and supply chain solutions contribute to sustainability?
Warehousing and supply chain efficiency are massive when it comes to going green, and Flomic’s got it covered. We have rolled out energy-saving kits like automated climate controls, LED lights, and even solar power in some spots. Smart systems in their warehouses keep stock in the right place, cutting down on unnecessary shuffling and energy use. Plus, we are big on sustainable packaging and waste management, helping clients shrink their carbon footprint while keeping things running smoothly.

What role does technology play in optimising logistics for a lower environmental impact?
Flomic’s working with partners who use AI to plan routes, IoT to keep tabs on fleets, and blockchain to make supply chains crystal clear. We are planning to bring some of this tech in-house soon, boosting efficiency and slashing emissions along the way.

How is Flomic ensuring sustainability in handling reefer containers and hazardous cargo?
Dealing with temperature-sensitive goods and hazardous stuff needs a careful, green approach. Flomic uses energy-efficient reefer containers that keep things cool without wasting power, all while keeping the cargo spot-on. For hazardous materials, we stick to strict rules—think spill prevention, emissions control, and proper disposal. By following global standards and best practices, we deliver safe, sustainable solutions that clients can trust.

What challenges do you face in making logistics operations more eco-friendly?
Switching to sustainable logistics isn’t a walk in the park. Balancing cost with eco-friendly practices is tricky, especially with the hefty price tag on things like electric vehicles and green infrastructure. Rules differing from place to place don’t help, and in some areas, options like EV charging points or sustainable fuels are thin on the ground. Flomic’s plugging away with industry mates, policymakers and tech firms to iron out these kinks and speed up the shift to greener logistics.

What are Flomic’s long-term goals for promoting Green Logistics in the industry?
Flomic’s in it for the long haul, building a sustainable logistics setup that lines up with global goals like the International Maritime Organisation’s decarbonisation targets and national carbon-neutral plans. We are gradually bringing in low-emission transport, teaming up with eco-minded logistics firms, and investing in the latest green tech. By sparking collaboration and innovation across the industry, Flomic wants to lead the charge toward greener supply chains.

Concrete

Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication 

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement 

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing. 

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities. 

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations. 

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events. 

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders. 

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem. 

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution. 

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Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, 
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”

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Concrete

UltraTech becomes first Indian cement firm to cross 2 GW green energy

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UltraTech Cement has crossed 2 GW of captive green energy capacity, with renewables and waste heat recovery meeting 48 per cent of its power needs.

Mumbai

UltraTech Cement Limited has surpassed 2 GW of installed green energy capacity for captive use, becoming the first cement company in India to achieve the milestone. The Aditya Birla Group company commissioned 116.55 MW of wind capacity at its Inter-State Transmission System-connected wind-solar hybrid project in Barmer, Rajasthan, along with 10 MW of Waste Heat Recovery System capacity at Sarlanagar Cement Works in Karnataka.

With these additions, UltraTech’s cumulative installed green energy capacity has reached 2,024 MW. This includes 1,580 MW of renewable energy capacity and 444 MW of waste heat recovery capacity, together meeting around 48 per cent of the company’s current power requirements.

The company said the milestone reflects the progress of its long-term energy transition strategy. In FY27 so far, nearly one-third of UltraTech’s 76 manufacturing units in India have maintained green energy utilisation above 50 per cent of their electricity requirements, while five units have crossed 95 per cent.

K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Crossing the 2 GW green energy milestone is the result of a strategy we have pursued consistently over the past decade. Cement is an energy-intensive, hard-to-abate sector, and showing that reliability and growth can go hand in hand with a rapid shift to green energy sets a benchmark for the industry. With nearly half of our power needs now met through green energy, we are significantly less exposed to fossil fuel supply constraints and power price volatility. As we scale up renewables, waste heat recovery and battery storage across our operations, we are building an energy foundation for stable, long-term growth.”

UltraTech commissioned 430 MW of green energy capacity in FY26 and continues to expand its renewable energy and waste heat recovery portfolio.

The company is also progressively integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems across its operations to improve renewable energy utilisation and supply reliability.

In 2025, UltraTech operationalised what it described as India’s first on-site hybrid round-the-clock renewable energy project at Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The project combines solar, wind and battery storage.

As part of its decarbonisation strategy, UltraTech said it has not invested in new captive thermal power capacity for either greenfield projects or brownfield expansions at its integrated units for more than a decade.

The company said its expanding green energy portfolio is helping reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and fossil fuel-based power, while lowering exposure to fluctuations in coal and electricity prices.

UltraTech aims to increase green energy’s share in its total power mix to 85 per cent by 2030. As a member of RE100, it has also committed to meeting 100 per cent of its electricity requirement through renewable sources by 2050.

UltraTech Cement, the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has a total grey cement capacity of 210.1 MTPA and white cement and putty capacity of 3.5 MTPA. The company is also a signatory to the GCCA Climate Ambition 2050 and has committed to the GCCA Net Zero Concrete roadmap.

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