Concrete

Powering Performance

Published

11 months ago

June 17, 2025

admin

India’s cement industry is undergoing a strategic shift, embracing innovation, lean operations and sustainability to boost productivity. ICR delves into the smarter systems, greener practices and skilled workforces that the sector is investing in to stay competitive and future-ready.

India’s cement industry stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s infrastructure development, ranking as the second-largest producer globally. With a market size of 338.04 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024, it’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4 per cent to reach 571.97 MMT by 2034. This growth is fuelled by robust infrastructure projects, urbanisation and government initiatives.
Despite this upward trajectory, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating demand, rising input costs and environmental concerns. To navigate these, cement plants must prioritise productivity enhancements. Embracing technological advancements, optimising operations and sustainable practices are pivotal in achieving this goal.

Embracing Industry 4.0 and digital transformation
The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is revolutionising cement manufacturing. Approximately 15 per cent of major Indian cement plants have initiated the adoption of these technologies, leading to a 12 per cent improvement in production efficiency.
Digital tools such as IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics and real-time monitoring systems enable predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtimes. For instance, AI algorithms can analyse equipment data to forecast potential failures, allowing timely interventions.
JayaKrishna Kokku, Lead – Technical Operations, APAC and Middle East, Nanoprecise Sci Corp, says, “The AI-driven analytics platform from Nanoprecise processes sensor data using advanced machine learning and physics-based algorithms. It detects early signs of component degradation (e.g., bearing faults, misalignment and imbalance) and provides actionable insights. By identifying potential failures weeks or months in advance, the platform allows cement plant operators to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance.”
Moreover, automation in processes like material handling and quality control ensures consistency and reduces human error. This not only enhances product quality but also optimises resource utilisation.
Investments in digital infrastructure are crucial. Over the past two years, the Indian cement industry has invested around `5.00 billion (approximately $67 million) in upgrading technologies to align with Industry 4.0 standards.

Operational excellence through lean manufacturing
Implementing lean manufacturing principles can significantly boost productivity. Techniques like Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and the 5S methodology have proven effective in the cement sector.
TPM focuses on proactive maintenance to prevent equipment failures, thereby ensuring continuous production. By involving all employees in maintenance activities, plants can achieve higher equipment efficiency and reduce downtime.
“Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime,” says Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon.
The 5S methodology—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain—enhances workplace organisation. A well-organised workspace reduces waste, improves safety and facilitates smoother operations.
Adopting these lean tools fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where employees are empowered to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, leading to sustained productivity gains.

AFR: A sustainable route to productivity
As cement plants seek to optimise operations while aligning with sustainability goals, the use of Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials (AFR) has emerged as a transformative solution. AFR not only reduces dependency on traditional fossil fuels but also contributes to waste management and cost efficiency. According to the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), the Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) in India rose from 4 per cent in 2010 to approximately 7 to 8 per cent by 2024, with a government target to reach 25 per cent TSR by 2030. This shift directly supports both environmental objectives and plant productivity by enhancing kiln efficiency and lowering energy costs.
Cement kilns, operating at extremely high temperatures (up to 1450°C), are capable of safely co-processing various types of waste, including municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, biomass, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). This not only helps reduce the carbon footprint of the plant but also ensures steady fuel supply at reduced cost. For instance, Geocycle, a global waste management brand, has partnered with Indian cement companies to expand the co-processing of waste in kilns, helping improve fuel efficiency and reduce production interruptions due to conventional fuel shortages.
Alternative raw materials such as fly ash, slag and silica fume also play a crucial role in boosting cement plant productivity. These materials, when used in blended cement production, not only reduce clinker consumption (the most energy-intensive component of cement) but also improve the long-term strength and durability of the final product. This leads to lower energy consumption per ton of cement and a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 30 per cent, depending on the blend. Plants using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) often report improved operational stability in grinding and reduced maintenance needs.
To fully leverage AFR, cement companies must invest in pre-processing facilities, modify feeding systems, and ensure regulatory compliance. While initial investments can be significant, the long-term gains in cost savings, environmental performance, and operational continuity make it a worthwhile strategy. Additionally, government incentives and evolving waste management policies in India are accelerating the adoption of AFR, presenting a win-win opportunity for productivity and sustainability in cement manufacturing.

Energy efficiency and sustainable practices
Energy costs constitute a significant portion of cement production expenses. In FY2024, prices of coal and pet coke declined by 47 per cent and 33 per cent respectively, offering some relief. However, long-term sustainability requires a shift towards energy-efficient practices.
Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into cement production processes is gaining traction. Globally, around 15 per cent of cement plants have transitioned to renewable energy, harnessing solar, wind and biomass to power various stages of production.
Additionally, the adoption of waste heat recovery systems can capture and reuse energy from kiln exhaust gases, reducing overall energy consumption. Such initiatives not only lower operational costs but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Implementing energy management systems and conducting regular energy audits can further identify areas for improvement, ensuring optimal energy utilisation across the plant.

Workforce development and skill enhancement
A skilled workforce is integral to the successful implementation of productivity-enhancing strategies. With the advent of advanced technologies, there’s a pressing need for upskilling employees to handle new tools and processes.
Janak Vakharia, CEO, Xpedeon, says, “Xpedeon fosters cross-functional collaboration by connecting departments such as engineering, procurement, finance, and site teams on a single digital platform. Its integrated system provides a common data environment that supports consistent and reliable project tracking. Features like role-based dashboards, document workflows, and system-generated alerts enable better communication and accountability. Office and site teams can coordinate activities more effectively, reducing rework and friction. The platform’s cloud-based nature ensures that information flows securely and instantly across multiple locations, supporting collaboration regardless of geography.”
Training programs focusing on digital literacy, equipment maintenance and process optimisation can empower employees to contribute effectively. Collaborations with technical institutes and industry experts can facilitate comprehensive training modules.
Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation encourages employees to seek improvements proactively. Recognition and reward systems can motivate staff to engage in productivity-enhancing initiatives.
Investing in human capital not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances employee satisfaction and retention, contributing to long-term organisational success.

Strategic planning and market adaptability
In an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment, strategic planning and market adaptability have become essential pillars for boosting productivity in cement plants. The industry is facing multifaceted challenges including fluctuating demand, volatile input costs, environmental regulations and shifting customer expectations. To navigate this complexity, cement manufacturers must adopt a long-term strategic outlook that encompasses operational resilience, financial optimisation and agility in responding to market changes. According to a recent report by CRISIL, the Indian cement industry is expected to grow at 6 to 7 per cent CAGR between 2024 and 2028, making it critical for companies to align production strategies with market demand cycles to capture growth opportunities while maintaining efficiency.
One of the key aspects of strategic planning is demand forecasting using advanced analytics and real-time data. Cement plants are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and ERP systems to analyse market trends, construction cycles, and regional demands to plan production schedules more effectively. For instance, using predictive analytics, manufacturers can adjust output levels in anticipation of seasonal slowdowns or surges, preventing underutilisation or overstocking, both of which hurt productivity and profitability. Furthermore, portfolio diversification through product innovation—such as launching premium or blended cements tailored for infrastructure, residential, or green building projects—can buffer market volatility and create new revenue streams.
Geographical diversification and market segmentation are also vital for strategic adaptability. Companies with multiple production units or grinding stations are better positioned to respond to regional demand fluctuations by reallocating resources and optimising logistics. Market segmentation allows cement producers to offer differentiated value propositions to various customer segments—such as ready-mix concrete producers, contractors, and institutional buyers—ensuring better customer retention and tailored service. By customising pricing strategies, packaging solutions and delivery schedules, cement firms can improve customer satisfaction and streamline distribution, which directly feeds into enhanced
plant efficiency.
Lastly, strategic partnerships, mergers and digital transformation initiatives are enabling cement companies to stay ahead in a transforming market. Collaborations with technology providers, infrastructure developers, or waste management firms are helping plants access new capabilities and alternative resources. Furthermore, scenario-based planning and risk assessment have become key tools in preparing for supply chain disruptions or regulatory shifts. Plants that incorporate such flexibility into their strategic DNA are better equipped to make swift, informed decisions, ultimately boosting productivity while minimising operational risks.

Conclusion
Boosting productivity in cement plants is a multifaceted endeavour, encompassing technological adoption, operational efficiency, energy management, workforce development and strategic agility. By embracing these strategies, the Indian cement industry can enhance its competitiveness, meet growing demand, and contribute to sustainable development.
As the sector evolves, continuous innovation and adaptability will be key drivers of success. Stakeholders must collaborate to foster an ecosystem that supports productivity enhancements, ensuring the industry’s robust growth in the years to come.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Filtration Technology is Critical for Efficient Logistics

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

admin

Niranjan Kirloskar, MD, Fleetguard Filters, makes the case that filtration technology, which has been long treated as a routine consumable, is in fact a strategic performance enabler across every stage of cement production and logistics.

India’s cement industry forms the core for infrastructure growth of the country. With an expected compound annual growth rate of six to eight per cent, India has secured its position as the second-largest cement producer globally. This growth is a result of the increasing demand across, resulting in capacity expansion. Consequently, cement manufacturers are now also focusing on running the factories as efficiently as possible to stay competitive and profitable.
While a large portion of focus still remains on production technologies and capacity utilisation, the hidden factor in profitability is the efficiency of cement logistics. The logistics alone account for nearly 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the total cost of cement, making efficiency in this segment a key lever for profitability and reliability.
In the midst of this complex and high-intensity ecosystem, filtration often remains one of the most underappreciated yet essential enablers of performance.

A demanding operational landscape
Cement production and logistics inherently operate in some of the harshest industrial environments. With processes such as quarrying, crushing, grinding, clinker production, and bulk material handling expose the machinery to constant high temperatures, heavy loads, and dust, often the silent destructive force for engines.
The ecosystem is abrasive, and often one with a high contamination index. These challenging conditions demand equipment such as the excavators, crushers, compressors, and transport vehicles to perform and perform efficiently. The continuous exposure to contamination across every aspect like air, fuel, lubrication, and even hydraulic systems causes long-term damage. Studies have also shown that 70 to 80 per cent of hydraulic system failures are directly linked to contamination, while primary cause of engine wear is inadequate air filtration.
For engines as heavy as these, even a minor contaminant has a cascading effect; reducing efficiency, performance and culminating to unplanned downtime. Particles as small as 5 to 10 microns, far smaller than a human hair (~70 microns), can cause significant damage to critical engine components. In an industry where margins are closely linked to operational efficiency, such disruptions can significantly affect both cost structures and delivery timelines.

Dust management: A persistent challenge
Dust is a natural by-product in cement operations. From drilling and blasting in the quarries to packing in plants, this fine particulate matter does occupy a large space in operations. Dust concentration levels in quarry and crushing zones often create extremely high particulate exposure for equipment. These fine particles, when enter the engines and critical systems, accelerates the wear and tear of the component, affecting directly the operational efficiency. Over time every block fall; engine performance declines, fuel consumption rises, and maintenance cycles shorten. In this case, effective air filtration is the natural first line of defence. Advanced filtration systems are designed to capture high volumes of particulate matter while maintaining consistent airflow, ensuring that engines and equipment operate under optimal conditions.
In high-dust applications, as in cement production, even the filtration systems are expected to sustain performance over extended periods without the need of frequent replacement. This becomes crucial in remote quarry locations where access to frequent maintenance may be limited.

Fluid cleanliness and system integrity
Beyond air filtration, fluid systems also play a crucial role for equipment reliability in cement operations. Fuel systems are required to remain free from contaminants for efficient working of combustion and injection protection. Additionally, lubrication systems also need to maintain the oil purity to reduce friction and prevent any premature wear of moving parts. The hydraulic systems, which are key to several heavy equipment operations, are especially sensitive to contamination.
If fine particles or water enters these systems, it can lead to reduced efficiency, erratic performance, and eventual failure of the system. Modern filtration systems are designed with high-efficiency media capable of removing extremely fine contaminants, with advanced fuel and oil filtration solutions filtering particles as small as two to five microns. Multi-stage filtration systems further ensure that fluid performance is maintained even under challenging operating conditions.
Another critical aspect of fuel systems is water separation. Removing moisture helps prevent corrosion, improves combustion efficiency and enhances overall engine reliability. Modern water separation technologies can achieve over 95 per cent efficiency in removing water from fuel systems.

Ensuring reliability across the value chain
Filtration plays a critical role across every stage of cement logistics:
• Quarry operations: Equipment operates in highly abrasive environments, requiring strong protection against dust ingress and hydraulic contamination.
• Processing units: Crushers, kilns, and grinding mills depend on clean lubrication and cooling systems to sustain continuous operations.
• Material handling systems: Pneumatic and mechanical systems rely on clean air and fluid systems for efficiency and reliability.
• Transportation networks: Bulk carriers and trucks must maintain engine health and fuel efficiency to ensure timely deliveries.
Across these operations, filtration plays a vital role; as it supports consistent equipment performance while reducing the risk of unexpected failures.
Effective filtration solutions can reduce unscheduled equipment failures by 30 to 50 per cent across heavy-duty operations.

Uptime as a strategic imperative
In cement manufacturing, uptime is currency. Downtime not only delays the production, but it also greatly impacts the supply commitments and logistics planning. With the right filtration systems, contaminants are kept at bay from entering the
critical systems, and they also significantly extend the service intervals.
Optimised filtration can extend service intervals by 20 to 40 per cent, reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining consistent performance across demanding operating conditions. Filtration systems designed for heavy-duty applications sustain efficiency throughout their lifecycle, ensuring reliable protection with minimal interruptions. This leads to improved equipment availability, lower maintenance costs, and more predictable operations, with well-maintained systems capable of achieving uptime levels of over 90 to 95 per cent in challenging cement environments.

Supporting emission and sustainability goals
With the rising environmental awareness, the cement industry too is aligning with the stricter norms and sustainability targets. In this scenario, the operational efficiency is directly linked to emission control.

Air and fuel systems that are clean enable
much more efficient combustion. They also reduce emissions from both the stationary equipment and transport fleets. Similarly, with a well-maintained fluid cleanliness, emission systems function better. Poor combustion due to contamination can increase emissions by 5 to 10 per cent, making clean systems critical for compliance.
Additionally, efficient and longer lasting filtration systems significantly reduce any waste generation and contribute to increased sustainable maintenance practices. Extended-life filtration solutions can reduce filter disposal and maintenance waste by 15 to 20 per cent. Smart and efficient filtration in this case plays an important role in meeting the both regulatory and environmental objectives within the industry.

Advancements in filtration technology
Over the years, there has been a significant evolution in the filtration technology to meet the modern industrial applications.
Key developments include:
• High-efficiency filtration media capable of capturing very fine particles without restricting flow
• Compact and integrated designs that combine multiple filtration functions
• Extended service life solutions that reduce replacement frequency and maintenance downtime
• Application-specific engineering tailored to different stages of cement operations
Modern multi-layer filtration media can improve dust-holding capacity by up to two to three times compared to conventional systems, while maintaining consistent performance. These advancements have transformed filtration from a basic maintenance component into a critical performance system.

Adapting to diverse operating conditions
The cement industry of India operates across diverse geographies. Spanning across regions with arid regions with higher dust levels, to the coastal areas with higher humidity, challenges of each region pose different threats to the engines. Modern filtration systems are thus tailored to address these unique challenges of each region.
Indian operating environments often range from 0°C to over 50°C, with some of the highest dust loads globally in mining zones.
Additionally, filtration technology can also be customised to variations which then align the system design with factors like dust load, temperature, and equipment usage patterns. Equipment utilisation levels in India are typically higher than global averages, making robust filtration even more critical. This approach ensures optimal performance and durability across different operational contexts.

Impact on total cost of ownership
Filtration has a direct and measurable impact on the total cost of ownership of equipment.
Effective filtration leads to:
• Lower wear and tear on critical components
• Reduced maintenance and repair costs
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Extended equipment life
• Higher operational uptime
Effective filtration can extend engine life by 20 to 30 per cent and reduce overall maintenance costs by 15 to 25 per cent over the equipment lifecycle. These benefits collectively enhance productivity and reduce lifecycle costs. Conversely, inadequate filtration can result in frequent breakdowns, increased maintenance expenditure, and reduced asset utilisation.

Building a more efficient cement ecosystem
With the rising demand across various sectors, the cement industry is expected to expand at an unprecedented rate. This growth is forcing the production to move towards a more efficient and resilient system of operations. This requires attention not only to production technologies but also to the supporting systems that enable consistent performance. Filtration must be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a routine consumable. By ensuring the cleanliness of air and fluids across systems, it supports reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

The road ahead
The future of cement logistics will be shaped by increasing mechanisation, digital monitoring, and stricter environmental standards. The industry is also witnessing a shift towards predictive maintenance and condition monitoring, where filtration performance is increasingly integrated with real-time equipment diagnostics.
In this evolving landscape, the role of filtration will become even more critical. As equipment becomes more advanced and operating conditions more demanding, the need for precise contamination control will continue to grow. From quarry to construction site, filtration technology underpins the performance of every critical system. It enables equipment to operate efficiently, reduces operational risks, and supports the industry’s broader goals of growth and sustainability. In many ways, it is the unseen force that keeps the cement ecosystem moving, quietly ensuring that every link in the value chain performs as expected.

About the author
Niranjan Kirloskar, Managing Director, Fleetguard Filters, is focused on driving innovation, operational excellence, and long-term business growth through strategic and people-centric leadership. With a strong foundation in ethics and forward-thinking decision-making, he champions a culture of collaboration, accountability, and technological advancement.

Concrete

Cement’s Next Fuel Shift

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2026

admin

Jignesh Kindaria highlights how Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) is emerging as a critical lever for cost savings, decarbonisation and competitive advantage in the cement industry.

India is simultaneously grappling with two crises: a mounting waste emergency and an urgent need to decarbonise its most carbon-intensive industries. The cement sector, the second-largest in the world and the backbone of the nation’s infrastructure ambitions, sits at the centre of both. It consumes enormous quantities of fossil fuel, and it has the technical capacity to consume something else entirely: the waste our cities cannot get rid of.
According to CPCB and NITI Aayog projections, India generates approximately 62.4 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with that figure expected to reach 165 million tonnes by 2030. Much of this waste is energy-rich and non-recyclable. At the same time, cement kilns operate at material temperatures of approximately 1,450 degrees Celsius, with gas temperatures reaching 2,000 degrees. This high-temperature environment is ideal for co-processing, ensuring the complete thermal destruction of organic compounds without generating toxic residues. The physics are in our favour. The infrastructure is not.
Pre-processing is not the support act for co-processing. It is the main event. Get the particle size wrong, get the moisture wrong, get the calorific value wrong and your kiln thermal stability will suffer the consequences.

The regulatory push is real
The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026 mandate that cement plants progressively replace solid fossil fuels with Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), starting at a 5 per cent baseline and scaling to 15 per cent within six years. NITI Aayog’s 2026 Roadmap for Cement Sector Decarbonisation targets 20 to 25 per cent Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) by 2030. Beyond compliance, every tonne of coal replaced by RDF generates measurable carbon reductions which is monetisable under India’s emerging Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). TSR is no longer a sustainability metric. It is a financial lever.
Yet our own field assessments across multiple Indian cement plants reveal a sobering reality: the primary barrier to scaling AFR adoption is not waste availability. It is the fragmented and under-engineered pre-processing ecosystem that sits between the waste and the kiln.

Why Indian waste is a different engineering problem
Indian municipal solid waste is not the material that imported shredding equipment was designed for. Our waste streams frequently exceed 40 per cent to 50 per cent moisture content, particularly during monsoon cycles, saturated with abrasive inerts including sand, glass, and stone. Plants relying on imported OEM equipment face months of downtime awaiting proprietary spare parts. Machines built for segregated, low-moisture waste fail quickly and disrupt the entire pre-processing operation in Indian conditions.
The two most common failures we observe are what I call the biting teeth problem and the chewing teeth problem. Plants relying solely on a primary shredder reduce bulk waste to large fractions, but the output remains too coarse for stable kiln combustion. Others attempt to use a secondary shredder as a standalone unit without a primary stage to pre-size the feed, leading to catastrophic mechanical failure. When both stages are present but mismatched in throughput capacity, the system becomes a bottleneck. Achieving the 40 to 70 tonnes per hour required for meaningful coal displacement demands a precisely coordinated two-stage process.

Engineering a made-in-India answer
At Fornnax, our response to these challenges is grounded in one principle: Indian waste demands Indian engineering. Our systems are built around feedstock homogeneity, the holy grail of kiln stability. Consistent particle size and predictable calorific value are the foundation of stable kiln combustion. Without them, no TSR target is achievable at scale.
Our SR-MAX2500 Dual Shaft Primary Shredder (Hydraulic Drive) processes raw, baled, or loosely mixed MSW, C&I waste, bulky waste, and plastics, reducing them to approximately 150 mm fractions at throughputs of up to 40 tonnes per hour. The R-MAX 3300 Single Shaft Secondary Shredder (Hydraulic Drive), introduced in 2025, takes that primary output and produces RDF fractions in the 30 to 80 mm range at up to 30 tonnes per hour, specifically optimised for consistent kiln feeding. We have also introduced electric drive configurations under the SR-100 HD series, with capacities between 5 and 40 tonnes per hour, already operational at a leading Indian waste-processing facility.
Looking ahead, Fornnax is expanding its portfolio with the upcoming SR-MAX3600 Hydraulic Drive primary shredder at up to 70 tonnes per hour and the R-MAX2100 Hydraulic drive secondary shredder at up to 20 tonnes per hour, designed specifically for the large-scale throughput that higher TSR ambitions require.

The investment case is now
The 2070 Net-Zero target is not a distant goal for India’s cement sector. It starts today, with decisions being made on the plant floor.
The SWM Rules 2026 are already in effect, requiring cement plants to replace coal with RDF. Carbon credit markets are opening up, and coal prices are not going to get cheaper. Every tonne of coal a cement plant replaces with waste-derived fuel saves money on one side and generates carbon credit revenue on the other. Pre-processing infrastructure is no longer just a compliance requirement. It is a business investment with a measurable return.
The good news is that nothing is missing. The technology works. The waste is available in every Indian city. The government has provided the policy direction. The only thing standing between where the industry is today and where it needs to be is the commitment to build the right infrastructure.
The cement companies that move now will not just meet the regulations. They will be ahead of every competitor that waits.

About the author
Jignesh Kundaria is the Director and CEO of Fornnax Technology. Over an experience spanning more than two decades in the recycling industry, he has established himself as one of India’s foremost voices on waste-to-fuel technology and alternative fuel infrastructure.

Concrete

Dalmia Bharat Cement launches water repellent cement brand Weather 365 in Eastern India

Published

4 hours ago

May 15, 2026

admin

The company has introduced water repellent cement to target rising consumer demand for weather-resilient housing solutions.

New Delhi, May 15, 2026

Dalmia Bharat Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturing companies, has launched Weather 365, a new super-premium water repellent cement brand aimed at addressing growing consumer demand for durable, weather-resistant construction materials in Eastern India. The product is positioned as a high-performance offering for consumers seeking long-term protection against seepage, dampness and moisture damage. The launch marks a strategic push by Dalmia Bharat Cement into the fast-growing premium cement segment, where consumer preference is increasingly shifting from price-led purchases to specialised, performance-oriented building materials.

Reinforcing its super-premium positioning, the product will be available in premium-quality water-resistant and tamper-proof BOPP packaging. ‘Weather 365’ will be introduced across its retail markets in West Bengal and Bihar.

In addition to the product rollout, the company will provide on-site technical support through its engineering and technical services teams to guide customers on best construction practices and improve long-term building performance.

Speaking on the launch, company spokesperson from Dalmia Bharat Cement said: “Weather 365 is a testament to Dalmia Bharat Cement’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Eastern India experiences prolonged monsoons, high humidity and challenging weather conditions that significantly impact the life of buildings and homes. Consumers today are actively looking for solutions that offer long-term protection and lower maintenance costs. Weather 365 is our answer to that need – a differentiated premium product that combines structural strength with advanced moisture protection that safeguards homes at every level, every season. We believe this category will see strong growth in the coming years.”

Weather 365 is a specialised cement product developed to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction in regions exposed to high humidity, heavy rainfall and extreme weather cycles. Designed for roofs, columns and foundations, it delivers end-to-end moisture protection across the entire home from the structure’s core to its visible surfaces. Its proprietary uniform water repellent technology helps reduce water penetration, minimize steel corrosion in RCC structures while preventing efflorescence and damp patches, thereby ensuring stronger concrete, improved paint life and long-lasting structural health. Positioned as a super-premium product in Dalmia Bharat Cement’s portfolio, Weather 365 targets discerning homeowners, contractors and builders who seek the best-in-class protection for their construction investments.

With a strong manufacturing and market presence across Eastern India, Dalmia Bharat Cement continues to strengthen its footprint in one of its key strategic markets. As the company advances towards its vision of becoming a pan-India cement leader, it remains focused on delivering innovative, premium construction solutions tailored to evolving consumer needs.

Dalmia Bharat Cement, a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited, is a leading player in the cement manufacturing segment and has been in existence since 1939. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 & EV100 (first triple joiner) – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 49.5 million tonne, Dalmia Bharat Cement is the fourth-largest cement manufacturing group in India by installed capacity. Spread across ten states and fifteen manufacturing units, the company is a category leader in super-specialist cement used for oil well, railway sleepers and airstrips and is the country’s largest producer of Portland Slag Cement (PSC).