Economy & Market

Green cement: Smart strategy

Published

1 year ago

May 13, 2025

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As India races to build its future, green cement emerges as a powerful tool to balance growth with sustainability. Through innovative technologies and supportive policies, the cement industry is sculpting a low-carbon pathway for construction—toward climate-resilient infrastructure.

India’s rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development have positioned it as the second-largest cement producer globally. However, this growth comes with environmental challenges, as the cement industry contributes approximately six per cent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the industry is increasingly turning to green cement—a sustainable alternative that aims to reduce the environmental footprint of construction activities.
According to a report by Ernst & Young Parthenon (published February 2025), India is positioning itself as a pivotal force in the global green hydrogen economy, leveraging hydrogen’s potential as a clean and adaptable energy source to drive its decarbonisation. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, encourages the production and utilisation of this clean energy source. Green hydrogen is set to play a vital role in decarbonising sectors like steel, cement, and transportation, significantly reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
Hard-to-abate industries like steel, cement, power and utilities, oil and gas, auto-OEMs are high energy consuming and high emitting. These industries are pivotal for economic growth and hence its quintessential for them to decarbonise their production processes if India is to meet its emissions-reduction goals. The emission contribution of these sectors is expected to grow in the coming years. EY analysis indicates that the critical manufacturing sectors would reach a mark of ~2 gigaton CO2 emissions annually in the next 15 years.
Green cement minimises emissions by using alternative materials and low-carbon production techniques. Primary raw materials for this include industrial waste products like blast furnace slag and fly ash, reducing the clinker-to-cement ratio and an effort to close the loop across the cement production value chain as well.
Satish Maheshwari, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Shree Cement, says, “The future of green cement in global construction is set for rapid transformation, driven by sustainability goals and evolving industry demands. With stricter carbon regulations and a growing push for green-certified buildings, the shift toward low-carbon materials is accelerating. Green cement offers more than just environmental benefits. Its superior tensile strength and corrosion resistance make it a viable alternative to traditional cement. Builders are increasingly recognising its role in enhancing long-term project value while reducing carbon footprints.”
India’s cement industry, the world’s second-largest, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s infrastructure and economic development. However, it also contributes approximately 5.8 per cent of the country’s CO2 emissions as of 2022. Recognising this environmental challenge, India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, with an interim goal of sourcing 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The transition to green cement—produced using alternative fuels and raw materials—offers a viable pathway to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint while supporting sustainable growth.

Understanding green cement
Green cement refers to cementitious materials produced using sustainable methods, incorporating alternative raw materials and energy-efficient processes. Unlike traditional Portland cement, which relies heavily on clinker—a primary source of CO2 emissions—green cement utilises industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag and silica fume. These substitutions not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the durability and performance of the final product.
The IMARC Group’s report on the India Green Cement Market highlights the pivotal role of alternative raw materials in driving the sector’s growth. In 2024, the market was valued at USD 1.6 billion and is projected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.11 per cent during 2025–2033. This growth is largely attributed to the increasing incorporation of industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag and silica fume in green cement production. These materials, by substituting traditional inputs like limestone and clay, not only reduce the reliance on finite natural resources but also lower the carbon emissions associated with cement manufacturing. Additionally, certain green cement formulations have the capability to absorb carbon dioxide during the curing process, further mitigating their environmental impact.
The report also underscores a broader industry shift towards sustainable construction practices in India. The adoption of alternative raw materials aligns with national efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction sector. By leveraging industrial waste products, the green cement industry not only addresses waste management challenges but also contributes to the creation of more sustainable building materials. This approach supports India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and positions green cement as a viable solution for eco-conscious construction projects.

Market dynamics: Growth and projections
The Indian green cement market has witnessed significant growth, valued at US$ 2.31 billion in 2024 and projected to reach US$ 3.28 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.85 per cent. This upward trajectory is driven by increasing environmental awareness, government initiatives promoting sustainable construction, and the rising demand for eco-friendly building materials.
A key driver of the Indian green cement market is the growing environmental awareness among consumers, builders and developers. Heightened by visible climate change impacts, media coverage, and educational initiatives, this awareness has fuelled demand for eco-friendly construction materials that reduce the carbon footprint. Green cement, with its lower embodied carbon, reduced energy consumption during production, and responsible use of raw materials, is increasingly preferred over traditional alternatives. Certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and recognition from the Green Building Council of India (GBCI) have further incentivised the use of sustainable materials, motivating developers to
adopt green cement in order to meet regulatory and client expectations.
Manoj Rustagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, JSW Cement says, “In India, in the last couple of years, there have been many policy interventions which have been initiated. One of them, namely the carbon market is under notification; others like Green Public Procurement, Green Cement taxonomy and National CCUS Mission are in the advanced stages and are expected to be implemented in the next couple of years.”
This shift aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals. The country, one of the world’s largest producers of renewable energy, had achieved over 175 GW of renewable energy capacity—including solar and wind power—by 2024. With an ambitious target of reaching 500 GW by 2030, the focus on reducing environmental impact across sectors, including construction, is stronger than ever. As a result, green cement is emerging as a crucial component in India’s transition toward sustainable infrastructure and development.

Environmental impact: Reducing the carbon footprint
Traditional cement production emits approximately 0.66 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of cement. By adopting green cement technologies, this emission intensity can be reduced to 0.53 tonnes, representing a significant step toward decarbonising the sector. Moreover, the utilisation of industrial waste materials not only mitigates environmental pollution but also conserves natural resources.
Ganesh W Jirkuntwar, Senior Executive Director and National Manufacturing Head, Dalmia Cement (Bharat), says, “Low carbon cement not only matches but, in some cases, exceeds the durability of traditional cement. It offers superior resistance to chemical attack, chloride penetration and sulphate exposure, making it particularly well-suited for marine and industrial environments. Cements made with materials like fly ash or slag can achieve compressive strength comparable to that of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), though they may exhibit a slower initial strength gain that improves significantly over time.”
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) report, Evaluating Net-zero for the Indian Cement Industry, underscores the significant environmental impact of cement production in India. In the fiscal year 2018-19, the industry produced 337 million tonnes of cement, resulting in approximately 218 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Notably, 56 per cent of these emissions stemmed from the calcination process during clinker production, 32 per cent from fuel combustion for process heating, and the remaining 12 per cent from electricity consumption. The report emphasises that while energy efficiency measures can reduce emissions intensity by 9 per cent, and the use of renewable energy and alternative fuels can contribute an additional 13 per cent reduction, a substantial 67 per cent of emissions would still need to be addressed through carbon management solutions such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
Financially, the transition to a net-zero cement industry is substantial. The report estimates a requirement of US$ 334 billion in capital expenditure and an additional US$ 3 billion in annual operating costs to achieve full decarbonisation. However, it also highlights that implementing decarbonisation measures with negative mitigation costs can reduce emissions intensity by 20 per cent and even lower the cost of cement by 3 per cent. Further reductions up to 32 per cent in emissions intensity can be achieved without increasing current production costs by adopting efficient technologies and practices. Nevertheless, achieving net-zero emissions would necessitate the adoption of more expensive technologies like CCUS, which could increase the cost of cement by 19 to 107 per cent, depending on the specific methods employed.
Radhika Choudary, Co-Founder and Director, Freyr Energy, says, “Solar-powered plants amplify the environmental benefits of green cement by ensuring that its production processes—from raw material handling to kiln operations—are powered by clean energy. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions across every stage of the cement’s lifecycle. In addition, leveraging solar energy aligns with emerging green building certifications and sustainability frameworks, making the final product more attractive to eco-conscious developers and construction companies. By adopting solar energy holistically, cement manufacturers not only meet regulatory standards but also position themselves as industry leaders in climate-resilient infrastructure.”

Technological innovations driving green cement
Advancements in technology are central to the production of green cement in India. Innovations include the use of alternative raw materials such as fly ash, slag, and calcined clay, which reduce the reliance on traditional clinker and lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, energy-efficient manufacturing processes and the adoption of renewable energy sources are contributing to more sustainable cement production. By embracing these technological advancements, India’s cement sector can progress towards its decarbonisation goals, aligning with national and global sustainability targets.

Several technological advancements are propelling the adoption of green cement in India:

Alternative raw materials: Incorporating fly ash, slag, and other industrial by-products reduces reliance on clinker and lowers CO2 emissions.
Energy-efficient processes: Implementing waste heat recovery systems and optimising kiln operations enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS): CCUS is emerging as a critical strategy for decarbonising India’s cement sector. Given that cement production is responsible for a significant share of industrial CO2 emissions, integrating CCUS technologies can substantially mitigate environmental impacts. The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and the Global CCS Institute have identified potential CO2 storage sites across India, including saline formations and depleted oil and gas fields, which could be instrumental in implementing CCUS at scale.

Implementing CCUS in India requires a collaborative approach involving industry stakeholders, policymakers, and financial institutions. Developing supportive policy frameworks and financing mechanisms is essential to facilitate the deployment of CCUS technologies. Moreover, establishing CO2 hubs and infrastructure for transportation and storage will be crucial to the success of CCUS initiatives in the cement industry.
Dr Yogendra Kanitkar, VP – Research and Development, Pi Green Innovations, says, “CCUS is highly critical. If you are exporting to carbon-sensitive markets, you are likely to be hit with a carbon tariff. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is one such example. Even within India, the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) has been notified, and around 283 entities have been obligated to reduce their CO2 footprints. So, it’s extremely important for Indian industries to wake up to this reality. If you want to remain competitive in foreign markets, adopting CCUS is non-negotiable.”

Policy framework and government initiatives
The Indian government has introduced several policies to promote sustainable construction practices:

Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Encourages industries to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Outlines strategies for promoting sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions across various sectors.
Incentives for green buildings: Provides tax benefits and subsidies for adopting eco-friendly construction materials and practices.

These initiatives aim to align the cement industry with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Challenges and barriers to adoption
Despite the promising outlook, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of green cement:

Cost implications: The initial investment for green cement technologies can be high, deterring small and medium-sized enterprises. The cost for decarbonising India’s cement industry amounts to more than US$330 billion in capital expenses and over US$3 billion in annual operating expenses, according to a report by Ernst & Young Parthenon (published February 2025)
Lack of awareness: Limited knowledge about the benefits and availability of green cement among consumers and builders affects demand.
Regulatory hurdles: Inconsistent regulations and standards across states can create confusion and impede adoption.
Supply chain constraints: Ensuring a consistent supply of alternative raw materials like fly ash and slag is crucial for sustained production.

Future outlook: Strategies for sustainable growth
To overcome these challenges and promote the adoption of green cement, the following strategies can be implemented:

Research and development: Investing in R&D to develop cost-effective and efficient green cement technologies.
Public-private partnerships: Collaborations between government bodies and private companies can facilitate knowledge sharing and resource pooling.
Education and training: Conducting awareness campaigns and training programs for stakeholders in the construction industry.
Standardisation of regulations: Establishing uniform standards and certifications for green cement to streamline adoption.

Conclusion
The transition to green cement represents a transformative opportunity for India’s cement industry to align economic growth with environmental responsibility. As the country continues to urbanise and expand its infrastructure, the adoption of sustainable practices becomes not just desirable, but essential. Green cement offers a viable pathway to reduce the carbon intensity of construction through innovative technologies, alternative raw materials, and energy-efficient production processes. With the support of robust policy frameworks like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme, the industry is well-positioned to meet the dual goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining its critical role in national development.
However, realising the full potential of green cement requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving government, industry, academia, and financial institutions. Addressing cost barriers, improving supply chain logistics, and raising awareness among end-users are essential for scaling adoption. As India targets net-zero emissions by 2070, with interim renewable energy and efficiency milestones, green cement will play a pivotal role in the nation’s decarbonisation journey. By investing in innovation, standardisation, and education, India can emerge as a global leader in sustainable construction and set a powerful precedent for other developing economies facing similar climate and infrastructure challenges.

– Kanika Mathur

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Economy & Market

The Road Ahead Begins Here

Published

14 hours ago

August 11, 2026

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The future of India’s roads took centrestage at RAHSTA Expo 2026, where policymakers, contractors and industry leaders came together under one roof. The event blended thought leadership, technology showcase and industry recognition into a single powerful platform.

India’s roads and highways community gathered in full strength at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, for the 16th edition of the RAHSTA Expo (Roads and Highways Sustainable Technologies & Advancement). Over two action-packed days, the event brought together policymakers, contractors, consultants, developers, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, technology providers and investors to deliberate on the future of India’s ,infrastructure while showcasing the latest innovations driving the sector.

The event culminated in the prestigious RAHSTA Awards, where Shri. Ajay Tamta, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, felicitated organisations and professionals for their outstanding contributions to road construction, engineering, safety, sustainability and technology. With leading contractors, senior government officials, industry veterans and technology providers under one roof, the event reaffirmed RAHSTA’s position as one of India’s most influential platforms for the roads, highways, bridges and tunnels ecosystem.

Organised by FIRST Construction Council in association with ASAPP Info Global Group, RAHSTA has steadily evolved beyond an exhibition into a platform where policy, technology, engineering and business converge to address the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s next generation of transport infrastructure.

Beyond expansion, towards value

The conference opened with a thought-provoking address by Pratap Padode, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Construction World, who observed that India’s highways sector has reached an important inflection point. Introducing this year’s theme – ‘From Expansion to Value: The Next Phase of India’s Highways’ – he noted that while the country has successfully expanded its road network over the past two decades, the industry’s priorities are now shifting towards building infrastructure that delivers greater lifecycle value, durability, safety and operational efficiency. With funding pressures, asset monetisation and evolving project models changing the sector’s dynamics, he said the focus must now move beyond kilometres constructed to the quality and long-term performance of every asset.

Dr Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director, Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), reminded delegates that successful infrastructure delivery is ultimately a collective effort. Emphasising on collaboration between government, industry and engineering professionals, he remarked, “There is no loser in a winning team, and there is no winner in a losing team,” urging stakeholders to work together to deliver projects with quality, financial sustainability and technological excellence.

Delivering the keynote address, Bidur Kant Jha, Director, New Technologies for Highway Development, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), outlined the Government’s long-term vision for India’s highway network. Highlighting the country’s 6.26 million km roads network, he spoke about the growing adoption of digital planning tools such as BIM and GIS, bridge health monitoring systems and Integrated Smart Transport Corridors under the Vision 2047 roadmap. He emphasised that while India remains open to global innovations, every new technology must be adapted to Indian conditions before large-scale deployment.

Addressing the gathering during the awards ceremony, Tamta underlined the increasing role of specialised equipment and modern construction technologies in executing complex infrastructure projects across diverse terrains. Referring to challenging tunnel projects in Uttarakhand, he noted how advanced machinery has transformed execution capabilities, while also acknowledging the rapid evolution of Indian contractors into globally competitive infrastructure companies. Recognising excellence through industry awards, he said, motivates organisations to continually raise performance standards and embrace innovation.

Meanwhile, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, highlighted that infrastructure development must increasingly focus on integrated urban mobility. Reflecting on Mumbai’s engineering journey – from its historic underground utility network to the Coastal Road and other transformative projects – he underlined that future infrastructure planning must seamlessly integrate roads, metro systems and public transport to create efficient, multimodal cities.

Uttar Pradesh takes centrestage

One of the highlights of the second day was Uttar Pradesh’s comprehensive presentation on its infrastructure-led industrial transformation.

Srihari Pratap Shahi, IAS, Additional CEO, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), demonstrated how the state’s expanding expressway network is evolving into a catalyst for industrial development through integrated manufacturing and logistics clusters. Expressways, he noted, are no longer merely transport corridors but engines of economic competitiveness.

Building on this narrative, Deeksha Jain, IAS, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), showcased the state’s rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem supported by extensive expressway connectivity, dedicated freight corridors, airports, industrial townships and investor-friendly policies. She highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s strong manufacturing growth, expanding industrial land bank, plug-and-play infrastructure and increasing use of digital governance to facilitate investments.

Further underlining the significance of the platform, Deepak Kumar, IAS, Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Government of Uttar Pradesh, remarked, “RAHSTA provides an excellent platform for states to showcase our infrastructure progress and investment ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh has transformed significantly over the past decade, backed by more than 34 investor-friendly industrial policies, and platforms like RAHSTA help communicate these developments to industry stakeholders from across the country.”

Ideas that shaped the industry conversation

The two-day conference featured seven panel discussions, each examining a critical dimension of India’s evolving roads and highways sector.

The opening discussion on ‘Financing Roads & Highways in a Capital-Constrained Era’ brought together experts from Cube Highways, NIIF, SBI Capital Markets, Centrum Capital and Bandhan Infra Fund, who examined how the financing landscape is changing. Discussions revolved around asset monetisation, InvITs, institutional investments and new funding structures, with panellists agreeing that better project preparation, transparent governance and predictable returns will be crucial for attracting long-term capital into infrastructure.

Attention then shifted to execution realities during the panel on ‘Contractors’ Perspective: Execution Realities, Risks & the Quality Imperative.’ Representatives from GHV Infra Projects, PNC Infratech, NCC and Maccaferri candidly discussed the challenges of delivering projects amid contractual complexities, land acquisition delays, rising costs and tight timelines. While execution pressures remain significant, the discussion reinforced that better collaboration across the project value chain is essential for achieving both speed and quality.

Day 2 opened with a technically rich discussion on ‘Designing Roads for Sustainability, Durability & Climate Resilience’. Experts from CSIR-CRRI, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, Zydex Group and SRMB Steel explored advanced pavement technologies, recycled materials, climate-resilient designs and scientific construction practices that can significantly improve durability while lowering lifecycle costs. Sustainability, they agreed, must become an integral part of road design rather than an afterthought.

The subsequent session on ‘Bridges & Tunnels: Complex Engineering, Safety & Future Readiness’ highlighted the growing complexity of India’s infrastructure projects. Panellists discussed advances in structural engineering, digital monitoring, risk management and safety practices that are enabling the successful delivery of increasingly ambitious bridge and tunnel projects across the country.

Technology remained a recurring theme during the discussion on ‘Technology as a Risk-Mitigation Tool for Developers & Investors’. Experts explained how AI, BIM, drones, predictive analytics, digital twins and intelligent monitoring systems are helping improve project planning, minimise execution risks, strengthen quality assurance and enhance asset management throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.

The construction equipment panel brought together leading industry experts to examine how technology, sustainability and digitalisation are redefining construction equipment in an era of rising cost pressures. Discussions centred on enhancing productivity, reducing lifecycle costs and preparing the industry for India’s infrastructure ambitions leading up to 2047.

The conference concluded with an engaging CXO Forum on ‘Rebuilding Confidence in India’s Roads & Highways Sector’, where senior industry leaders emphasised that stronger governance, better project preparation, digitalisation, transparent contracting and closer public-private collaboration will be essential to sustain India’s infrastructure growth over the coming decades.

Technology and recognition under one roof

Beyond the conference halls, RAHSTA Expo reflected the technological transformation underway across India’s road infrastructure ecosystem. Leading equipment manufacturers, technology companies and material suppliers showcased advanced construction equipment, intelligent digital platforms, pavement technologies, structural materials and productivity-enhancing solutions designed to improve project efficiency and asset performance. The exhibition created valuable opportunities for contractors, consultants, government agencies and project developers to evaluate new technologies while interacting directly with solution providers.

The event also served as a celebration of excellence through the RAHSTA Awards 2026, which recognised outstanding achievements across road construction, contracting, materials, equipment, technology, safety, sustainability and infrastructure development. Presented by Minister Tamta, the awards honoured organisations that are setting new benchmarks for quality, innovation and execution across India’s roads sector.

RAHSTA Expo 2026 also received extensive support from across the infrastructure ecosystem. Alongside leading corporate sponsors, the event was backed by industry bodies including the Builders Association of India (BAI), Construction Equipment Rental Association (CERA), Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), International Road Federation (IRF), CSIR-CRRI, CILT India, All India Transporters Welfare Association, Hydraulic Trailer Owners Association (HTOA), Gujarat Contractors Association, Bitumen Forum, Fluid Power Society of India, Indian Institute of Material Management, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Mumbai First, reflecting the industry’s collective commitment to advancing India’s road infrastructure.

As the curtains came down on the two-day event, one message resonated throughout the conference: India’s highways story is entering a new chapter. While expansion will continue, the future will increasingly be defined by smarter planning, stronger partnerships, digital transformation, sustainable engineering and long-term value creation. By bringing together the entire infrastructure value chain on a single platform, RAHSTA Expo 2026 once again demonstrated why it has become one of the country’s most influential forums for shaping the future of roads, highways, bridges and tunnels.

Economy & Market

Fornnax Names Lukas Baur as Authorised Service Partner to Bolster EU Operations

Published

3 weeks ago

July 23, 2026

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Strapline: Fornnax Technology has appointed NOBA Maschinenservice’s Lukas Baur as its authorised service partner for the European Union, strengthening its commitment to delivering fast, reliable, and localised after-sales support across the region.

Fornnax Technology, a leading manufacturer of industrial shredding solutions, has announced the appointment of Mr. Lukas Baur of NOBA Maschinenservice as its authorised service partner for the European Union. The partnership, formalised under the authorisation of Fornnax CEO Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, reinforces the company’s commitment to providing dependable, localised service support to its expanding customer base across Europe.

Strengthening Service Through Proven Expertise

With over two decades of experience in servicing, maintaining, and overhauling industrial shredders, Mr. Baur brings extensive technical expertise to the partnership. His capabilities span welding, hardfacing, shaft and knife rebuilding, complex assembly, hydraulics, and complete electrical engineering services, delivered in collaboration with a trusted partner company based in Halle/Saale.

Operating from Worbis, Germany, Mr. Baur is strategically positioned to provide emergency support across the European Union within 24 hours, covering an operational radius of approximately 1,000 kilometres.

Supporting this capability is a well-equipped service infrastructure comprising 12 Mercedes Sprinter service vans, a team of 24 skilled technicians, specialised bearing-change tools, a fully equipped hydraulic workshop, and a 1,000-square-metre facility with a five-ton crane track. Together, these resources position his team to manage the complete spectrum of Fornnax’s European service requirements efficiently and reliably.

Partnership Driven by Industry Insight

Having spent years servicing Eldan, Lindner, and Vecoplan shredders across the European recycling industry, Mr. Baur’s decision to collaborate with Fornnax is rooted in his understanding of market needs and customer expectations. His experience has provided valuable insight into what recycling plant operators require—not only from their machinery but also from the service teams supporting them.

According to Mr. Baur, Fornnax’s reputation for robust machine construction, superior wear protection, and maintenance-friendly design made the partnership a natural fit.

The collaboration comes at a time when Europe’s tyre recycling industry is facing mounting challenges, including rising cost pressures, shrinking margins, delayed investments, and a shortage of skilled labour. Mr. Baur believes these conditions reinforce the need for technically strong service partners capable of delivering rapid, dependable support.

Commenting on the partnership, he said, “Fornnax, with its exceptional price-performance ratio and superior quality, has the potential to become a market leader in Europe. We would like to be their service partner in this journey.”

Comprehensive Support Across the Equipment Lifecycle

As Fornnax’s authorised service partner, Mr. Baur will oversee the complete lifecycle support of the company’s equipment throughout the European Union. His responsibilities will include installation, commissioning, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and spare parts support across mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.

Looking ahead, he also plans to develop a centralised spare parts distribution hub for European customers, particularly if Fornnax establishes a warehouse facility in Worbis to facilitate faster deliveries. To further strengthen service coverage, Mr. Baur intends to expand operations by adding two to three additional service teams and vehicles each year, progressively increasing capacity across the continent.

A Shared Commitment to Customer Excellence

Highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership, Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of Fornnax, said:

“We strongly believe that by continuously improving our service quality and customer satisfaction index, we can build long-term relationships with our customers. Higher customer satisfaction leads to greater trust, which significantly increases repeat orders and ultimately drives sustained growth in our sales revenue.”

This customer-first philosophy underpins Fornnax’s strategy of building a dedicated European service partner network instead of relying solely on remote support. With Mr. Baur joining this network, customers across the European Union will benefit from faster response times, expert technical assistance, and dedicated on-ground support from a partner with extensive experience in high-throughput shredding operations.

Mr. Baur’s appointment also reflects Fornnax’s broader ambition to establish itself as the preferred shredding solutions provider for the European recycling industry, marking another important milestone in the company’s international growth strategy.

Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas launches Limla cement plant, expands Gujarat footprint

Published

4 weeks ago

July 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas opens a 2 MMTPA grinding unit at Limla, entering Gujarat and advancing its target of 35 MMTPA capacity by FY 2028.

Surat (Gujarat)

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Ltd, a part of Nirma Group and one of India’s leading building materials company, has inaugurated the Limla Cement Plant in Surat (Gujarat), one of Vadraj Cement Limited’s (VCL) principal manufacturing facilities. The commissioning represents a key milestone in Nuvoco’s acquisition and restoration of VCL, while supporting the company’s expansion across the Western Indian cement market.

Vadraj Cement Limited is a subsidiary of Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited and has installed cement capacity of 6 MMTPA across its assets. The Limla inauguration therefore represents the first operational step in the acquired platform’s wider revival, while the Kutch facilities provide clinker supply, mineral security and coastal logistics support for the western business.

Nuvoco completed its acquisition of Vadraj Cement Limited, then under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process, after paying a consideration of Rs 1,800 crore in June 2025. VCL’s asset portfolio comprises a clinker unit at Kutch and a grinding unit at Limla in Surat. It also includes high-quality captive limestone reserves and a captive jetty at Kutch, supporting more efficient logistics. Following the takeover, Nuvoco began an extensive programme of restoration, refurbishment and expansion at both locations, leading to the commissioning of the Limla plant.

The Limla Cement Plant is expected to support a phased increase in sales volumes across Gujarat. It will also help Nuvoco supply neighbouring markets in Western Maharashtra and release cement capacity from its northern plants, which can consequently be redirected towards markets in North India. The plant will manufacture a full portfolio comprising Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Slag Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Composite Cement. It will additionally produce the complete Nuvoco Duraguard range, including the premium Nuvoco Duraguard Microfibre product. The acquisition is also expected to generate operational synergies with Nuvoco’s existing plants at Nimbol and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, improving logistics optimisation and market reach across important regional markets.

The grinding unit at the Limla Cement Plant was completed ahead of schedule, with 2 MMTPA of capacity now inaugurated to expand Nuvoco’s operating scale and customer reach. After Vadraj Cement’s assets become fully operational, plants in North and West India are expected to account for nearly 40 per cent of Nuvoco’s total cement capacity. This will broaden the company’s manufacturing network, strengthen access to high-growth markets and support its plan to increase consolidated cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY 2028, reinforcing its longer-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the development, Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd, said: “The inauguration of the Limla Grinding Unit in Surat is an important milestone in Nuvoco’s growth journey and demonstrates our commitment to disciplined, value-accretive expansion. Gujarat is strategically significant for Nuvoco, with substantial opportunities arising from infrastructure investment, industrial growth, rapid urbanisation and continuing demand from the housing and construction sectors. The facility strengthens our regional footprint, improves operational flexibility and increases our ability to serve customers across northern and western markets with greater reliability and efficiency.”

He added: “Through the Vadraj acquisition, we have refurbished and restarted a strategically important asset, returning it to operations in record time through strong execution and collaboration between teams. The achievement demonstrates our ability to create value from acquired assets, fulfil our commitments and retain the confidence of stakeholders. It also highlights the strength of our project delivery capabilities and our continued focus on building sustainable, profitable growth over the long term.”

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is a building materials company whose vision is to build a safer, smarter and more sustainable world. It is among the leading players in East India and has a significant presence across North and West India. Nuvoco began operations in 2014 with a greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. It later acquired Lafarge India Limited, which had entered India in 1999, followed by Emami Cement Limited in 2020 and Vadraj Cement Limited in April 2025. The company has also announced an expansion in eastern India through a new grinding mill at the Arasmeta Cement Plant, supported by several debottlenecking programmes involving equipment upgrades, process improvements and internal capacity initiatives. These developments place Nuvoco on track to achieve total cement capacity of approximately 35 MMTPA. The company reported total income of Rs 11,362 crore in FY 2025-26, reflecting its continuing growth trajectory.

Nuvoco operates a diversified portfolio across three segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete and Modern Building Materials. Its cement portfolio includes Concreto, Duraguard, Double Bull, PSC, Nirmax and Infracem, covering Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Slag Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement and Portland Composite Cement. Its pan-India RMX business provides value-added products under Concreto for performance concrete, Artiste for decorative concrete, InstaMix for ready-to-use bagged concrete, X-Con covering M20 to M60 grades, and Ecodure for specialised green concrete. Nuvoco has supplied materials to projects including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Aquatic Gallery at Science City in Ahmedabad, and metro railway projects in Delhi, Jaipur, Noida and Mumbai.