Environment

Composite cement helps conserve our natural resources

Published

6 years ago

January 9, 2019

admin

Do you still see a preference for OPC in certain segments of the cement market such as institutional or in certain geographies? How do you deal with these national preferences?
Yes. OPC cement commands preference in certain geographic markets and institutional segment in comparison to trade segment. This preference is predominantly in institutional segment due to faster setting time and better compressive strength over PPC/PSC cement. OPC Grade 43 / 53 are more preferred in infrastructure projects and have emerged as the top choice of engineers and engineering companies engaged in construction of mega projects – such as national highways, bridges, transmission lines, power plants, industrial and residential structures. Also in major infrastructure projects OPC Grade 43 / 53 is approved through central/State Government/local governing bodies/institutions over PPC/PSC, making OPC preferred product in institutional segment.

Another reason why OPC is preferred over PPC / PSC is because in certain geographies or markets availability/supply of fly ash and slag is a constraint due to location of power and steel plant because of which supply of PPC/PSC cement is very limited hence people go for OPC cement more. Some of its properties like higher strength and faster setting the consumers consider that OPC cement is better over PPC and PSC.

What is your company’s overall product mix – OPC, PPC and PSC? To what extent is this mix is influenced by market preferences and to what extent by availability of fly ash and/or slag?
At Nuvoco, we are committed to sustainability and hence our product mix is skewed towards PPC and PSC cement than OPC. The product mix is primarily based on the preferences of the consumer as well as geographic locations. In certain market consumer preferences are driven by color of cement thought it does not have an impact on its properties. In some markets consumers prefer to use darker cement i.e. PPC while in other market they opt for PSC cement as it is lighter in shade. Whereas in certain market consumer prefer OPC cement. Simultaneously, the customer prefer to go with a particular type of cement be it OPC, PSC or PPC based on the supply / availability in that particular market because if the customer is building his own house then he would not like to wait for a particular type thereby increasing the wait time.

Availability of fly ash and slag is another factor, which affects the availability of various cement grades. Basis the location of steel and power plants, fly ash and slag is available. Not only this cement plants should also be strategically located so that both these materials are readily available to manufacture PPC and PSC cement. To overcome this hurdle many cement companies are entering into long term supply agreement with various steel and power plants to get an uninterrupted supply of these raw materials.

How do you view the historical growth rates of PSC & PPC in your markets? How do you project this growth in coming five years?
Historically ever since government allowed blending of cement with OPC there has been continuous growth in the sales of PSC / PPC cement. There has been a very good penetration of blended cements in the market. Earlier OPC used to be the market leader in India. However, today, it represents only about 20-25 per cent of the market share. In this context, it is encouraging to note that nearly 75 per cent of cement production in India at present is in the form of blended cement of various types, as against only 30 per cent in 1999-2000. We are committed towards the preservation of natural resources and in that context we have put major thrust on using blended cements like PPC and PSC.

In order to promote a sustainable future, cement companies should pass on cost benefits and the government must provide incentives along with compulsory use of blended cement in all government projects. Since blended cement uses factory waste, a by-product, as its raw material, it is important for environmental reasons that we maximize the use of PPC / PSC and move towards a greener path.

Major companies are migrating from traditional OPC (approximately 95 per cent clinker) towards alternative types of cements such as fly ash based (approximately 75 per cent clinker) or recently growing composite cement which is a mixture of slag as well as fly ash (approximately 65 to 70 per cent clinker) thus not only reducing the carbon emission due to manufacturing process of clinker but also using materials, which were earlier disposed from carbon intensive sectors like power and steel. With the growing awareness towards environmental issues and the internal target of large cement manufacturers to increase the share of alternative fuels, the share of alternative fuels would increase to around 10 per cent and contribution from traditional fuels is going down.

What are the applications or regions where you would recommend use of PPC/PSC to your customers and why?
Selection of a particular grade of cement is almost always based on the type of concrete, which will be used for construction so as to ensure durability of the structure. Thus, making wise choice of cement type for particular construction site prevents structure from deteriorating and saves much repair and rehabilitation cost later.

PSC and PPC cement is suitable for high rainfall areas and coastal areas as these offer higher longevity of structures. As PSC / PPC are left with very little lime after complete hydration reaction they offer highest resistance against sulphate and chloride attacks and environmental pollutants.

Applications of Portland Slag Cement (PSC) – It is OPC + granulated slag cement. It gives low heat of hydration. The slag should be more than 50 per cent and up to 70 per cent. It is used for:
Marine and off shore structures – very high chloride and sulphate resistant.
Sewage disposal treatments works
Water treatment plants
Constructions which are expected to be attacked by dissolved chlorides and sulphate ions.
Should be mainly used for all future structures.
Applications of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) – It gives low heat of hydration and reduces the leaching of calcium hydroxide. Thereby PPC is prone to fewer cracks and reduced shrinkage, better workability and finishing (as fly ash based cement are spherical in shape and finer in size). It is used for:
Hydraulic structures – dams, retaining walls
Marine structures
Mass concrete works – like bridge footings
Under aggressive conditions
Masonry mortar and plastering

We have heard a lot about peculiar customer perceptions about colour and smell of cement in some markets? Have you experienced this phenomenon? Are these related to presence of slag/fly ash in cement? How do you deal with such idiosyncratic ideas?
Yes, customers in different geographies of our country have peculiar understanding towards the colour and smell of cement, however both has nothing to do with the quality of cement.

Colour of cement varies from dark to light due to the cementitous blends (fly ash / slag). Fly ash – a by-product from thermal power plant is used in producing PPC. This fly ash consists of traces of unburnt carbon and other impurities hence PPC is darker in colour. GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag) is off white in colour, which is used in producing PSC. Hence the colour of PSC is lighter. In certain geography lighter colour has advantages as darker colour and vice versa.

The colour of PPC containing fly ash as pozzolana will invariably be of slightly different colour than that of OPC, depending on the colour of the pozzolonic fly ash that is used in the manufacture. However, the colour of cement, whether it is PPC / PSC or be any other grade, has no relationship with the quality of cement. The colour of the cement is gauged by its C4AF content and the pozzolonic material used. The higher the C4AF the darker the cement will be. Similarly, the lighter the colour of pozzolonic material, the lighter the shade of the cement. As such, there is no governing specification for the colour of cement. One cannot gauge the quality of cement by looking at its colour. The quality of cement can be assessed only by testing its physical and chemical properties.

Traditionally basis availability of PPC / PSC cement and its usage, end user/mason/engineers have developed the perception that cement quality is dependent upon colour which is a myth. Basis our PPC / PSC product availability in different market, we conduct lots of customer engagement programmes, mason/engineers/architect meets to create awareness on the quality of product. We provide sampling at customer site and after sales service to resolve complains (if any). Our innovative product are tested at our research centre, i.e., CIDC and we provide customer with our quality test reports to convince them on the quality of cement.

Recently BIS have permitted composite cements to be manufactured and sold in India. What is your strategy for introducing this product in the market and what are the manufacturing and marketing challenges involved in this?
Composite cement is covered under IS: 16415-2015 and is best suited cement to produce high strength concrete, which is highly durable. Composite cement is a mixture of high quality clinker, fly ash, granulated slag and gypsum.

Composite cement offers better opportunity to conserve natural resources in terms of limestone by replacing higher percentage of clinker, having lower carbon footprint without compromising on concrete properties in green and hardened state. The finding of this study might be useful to accept composite cement for different concrete applications in construction.

Plants that are already making blended cements can easily and conveniently make composite cements. For example, those that are making PPC can add a hopper and feeder for limestone powder. Those that are making PPC can arrange to add slag, and vice versa. The proportions of the third component to be added, whether slag, fly ash or limestone, have to be decided in consultation with research institutes and in accordance with prevailing (or forthcoming) standards for composite cements.

The major challenge is making arrangements to store the different types of cement manufactured in a single plant. Configuration of mills making these cements and corresponding silos for storage would have to be worked out carefully, taking into account the volume and consistency of demand for each type of cement produced. For small and infrequent demands a multi-compartment silo could be used to store different types of cement. Again, factors like: dispatches by road and or rail and their respective volumes, dispatched in bag or in bulk would have to be taken into account in planning the overall layout of cement grinding, storage, and dispatch sections. Thus a layout would have to be worked out specifically for each plant to meet its requirements. These are the current challenges in aligning different activities for production of composite cement.

On marketing front awareness and acceptability with customer pose immediate challenges. However we understand these could be addressed by different activities we conduct to build the connection with our customers. Other challenge will be to get the product approved from different government agencies and passing the quality test.

The supply chain of both fly ash and slag has now become an integral part of cement manufacturer. In the light of this how do you see the current demand and supply scenarios of these two commodities. Fly ash and slag? What are the price movements of these two commodities? Are you recommending any regulatory help in ensuring more liberal supply of fly ash?
Coal/lignite based thermal power generation has been the backbone of power capacity addition in the country. Indian coal is of low grade with ash content of the order of 30-45 per cent in comparison to imported coals which have low ash content of the order of 10-15 per cent.

Several number of coal/lignite based thermal power plant is setup for providing electric to rapidly growing industrial as well as agriculture sectors. 70 percent of the electricity generated in India is from coal based thermal plant. The generation of coal fly ash is anticipated to increase for many more years, as a result of the increasing reliance on coal-fired power generation. Large quantity of ash is, thus being generated at coal/lignite based thermal power stations in the country, which not only requires large area of precious land for its disposal but is also one of the sources of pollution of both air and water. To reduce the problem caused by production of fly ash, it is now mandatory to use fly ash based products like cement.

Steel slag, a by-product of steel making, is produced during the separation of the molten steel from impurities in steel-making furnaces. The slag occurs as a molten liquid melt and is a complex solution of silicates and oxides that solidifies upon cooling. Virtually all steel is now made in integrated steel plants using a version of the basic oxygen process or in specialty steel plants (mini-mills) using an electric arc furnace process. The open hearth furnace process is no longer used. There has been continuous growth in steel industry due to increase demand in infrastructure development, real estate industry, etc.

With the increase in generation of by product from these industries, there dumping has always been an issue for these industries. Both by products are used in blending of cement to produce PPC and PSC cement. Logistics movement of both the by-product has been a challenge. Hence cement plant is ideally set up near to these industries. Logistics cost for movement of clinker is always lower compared to cost for movement of fly ash and slag. Cement industry go for a long term association with these industries for continuous supply of by-products.

Concrete

Solving AF Processing Challenge with Advanced Combustion

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

Roshna

Alternative fuels reduce cement plants’ carbon footprint, but infrastructure challenges limit adoption. Technologies like the HOTDISC® Reactor help overcome these barriers.

Alternative fuels are a relatively straightforward and readily available means of reducing a cement plant’s carbon footprint. The technology is proven and well used worldwide, and with the right controls in place the switch from fossil fuels to waste-derived fuels does not impact the quality of the end product. In some countries, cement plants are achieving near 100 per cent substitution in the calciner and high levels of substitution in the kiln. However, this trend is not universal, and some countries are struggling to achieve a thermal substitution rate (TSR) of 25 per cent. In this article, we will look at the obstacles to alternative fuels use and the technology that is available to overcome them.

Advantages of alternative fuels
Alternative fuels offer three key environmental advantages.
1) A lower carbon alternative to coal or petcoke.
2) A pathway for waste that might otherwise be landfilled, including hazardous waste.
3) An alternative to waste incineration, which is typically done at lower temperatures where emissions tend to be higher.
In addition, the cost of alternative fuels can often be lower than fossil fuels and is not subject to the fluctuations of the energy market.
The sources of alternative fuels are many and varied – to the extent that the supply chain looks vastly different from one region to the next. For example, whereas India has abundant sources of biomass such as rice husk, in Western Europe there are plentiful supplies of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). This is partly a matter of industry and partly of infrastructure. But given the importance of reducing the cement industry’s reliance on coal, a lack of infrastructure must not prevent greater utilisation of alternative fuels – which is why FLSmidth Cement has for some time been developing alternative fuels solutions that reduce the burden of pre-processing and enable cement plants to more easily and more cost-effectively utilise a wide variety of waste streams.

A solution for all waste
Direct calciner injection may seem like the simplest way to replace fossil fuels with alternatives. However, it’s not always the best. The options for alternative fuels are limited by the necessity to pre-process fuel in preparation for burning, which, as stated, requires established infrastructure, or additional facilities at the plant.
Though the CAPEX cost of direct calciner injection is low, the calciner fuel substitution rate is also low, so this method doesn’t enable cement plants to optimise the potential for fuel replacement. Plant operators must also consider the impact on the process of direct injection, which doesn’t allow the long residence time that can be required to reduce process volatility. No plant wants to contend with greater instability or an increase in emissions from adding alternative fuels to the mix. Fortunately, direct calciner injection is not the only option. There are other ways of extracting energy from waste that require no pre-processing at all.
The HOTDISC® Reactor can handle a wide variety of solid waste in sizes up to 1.2m – from sludge or grains to whole truck tyres. There’s no need for expensive shredding or pre-drying, or any pre-processing, which removes one of the obstacles to adopting alternative fuels. The broad range of accepted fuel types also means cement plants are free to shop the market and not tied into one supplier. This makes it a very cost-effective solution because cement plants can select the lowest cost fuel without worrying about the quality.

How does the HOTDISC® work?
The HOTDISC® is a moving hearth furnace that is integrated into the pyroprocess below the calciner bottom and above the kiln riser. Coarse alternative fuels are fed onto a slowly rotating disc. Hot tertiary air is directed into the HOTDISC to provide an oxidising atmosphere for the alternative fuel to burn. As the alternative fuel slowly travels around approximately 270 degrees on the rotating disc, almost all of it fully combusts. Depending on the nature of the alternative fuel (size, heat content, moisture, etc.), the rotational speed of the HOTDISC can be adjusted to optimise the residence time (up to 45 minutes) and combustion rate. In addition, the temperature inside the HOTDISC is controlled by directing a portion of the preheated raw meal into the HOTDISC. The HOTDISC operation generates a controlled mix of hot gases, combustion residue (ash) and calcined raw meal that exits the HOTDISC. The combustion gases and finer materials are carried with the hot gases into the bottom of the calciner, while the coarser residues meet a scraper at the end of the 270 degrees rotation, where they are directed down into the riser duct. From there, this material falls into the kiln and is incorporated into the clinker.
The HOTDISC is designed to achieve a calciner substitution rate in the range of 50 to 80 per cent – or even higher – of the calciner fuel. Results vary by the specific plant conditions and fuel specification, but based on over 20 years of plant data it is possible to predict the substitution rate in each application.
The HOTDISC was originally designed for use with In-Line Calciners (ILCs), but new models are now available for use with Separate Line Calciners (SLCs), enabling the HOTDISC to be installed under the calciner and still deliver the same benefits. The HOTDISC-S is installed in the bottom part of the SLC calciner on the ground, the reject will be cooled and transported to a container or back into the system, gas flow and AF flow operates counter current.
For cement plants that wanted to utilise a wide range of alternative fuels, the HOTDISC®-S is a cost-saving solution that avoids the expense of changing the SLC to an ILC while enabling a high substitution of alternative fuels. Another model, the HOTDISC®-HMT (Hot Material Transport), enables quicker and easier installation of the HOTDISC in existing plants. Instead of directly integrating the exit of the HOTDISC reactor to the calciner and riser duct, the new layout allows the HOTDISC reactor to be mounted two to five metres away. It is then connected to the calciner and riser duct via a hot material transport chute for gas flows and combustion ashes.

Further advances in alternative fuels technologies
Low or varying quality alternative fuels can be another inhibitor to substitution, given the requirements of the relatively delicate cement pyro process. FLSmidth Cement has expended considerable R&D effort developing solutions that can accommodate a wide range of fuel types, knowing that this is the easiest path to greater substitution and ultimately the near-elimination of fossil fuels. The FUELFLEX® Pyrolyzer was one result of this effort and offers an exciting prospect for cement plants wishing to achieve near – 100 per cent substitution in the calciner and minimise NOx emissions.

The FUELFLEX® Pyrolyzer utilises hot meal from the lower preheater cyclones (yellow arrows) to dry and pyrolyze RDF or biomass. Either part or the full stream of hot meal from a lower preheater cyclone is admitted to the Pyrolyzer via the U-Lock (controlled by two dividing gates). The U-Lock fluidises the hot meal, forming a U-shaped gas lock that prevents pyrolysis gases from flowing backwards through the process. Subsequently the hot meal stream flows into the Pyrolyzer vessel, which also has a U-shaped lower aerated section to contain the hot fluidised meal. Fuel is pneumatically fed to the pyrolyzer vessel wherein through contact with the hot meal, it is dried, heated and pyrolyzed to form reactive gases and char. The gases push upwards into the main pyrolyzer vessels while the char falls down into the fluidised meal bed, before being reunited and fed as a very reactive stream into the calciner. Aeration panels are used to fluidise the hot meal and drain gates are used to drain out debris and meal from the pyrolyzer to the kiln system in a controlled manner. The reactive stream of pyrolysis products reacts with rotary kiln NO by so-called ‘re-burning’ reactions, utilising pyrolysis gases to convert NO into free N2 in the reduction zone prior to mixing with preheated combustion air in the calciner. In addition, the full fuel pyrolysis preceding the calciner helps limit calciner NOx formation by limiting access to oxygen when burning.

By using the FUELFLEX® Pyrolyzer, cement plants can achieve up to 100 per cent fossil fuel replacement in the calciner, with the following benefits:

Reduced CO2 emissions, as net CO2 emissions from alternative fuels generally are lower than from fossil fuels.
Increased utilisation of local waste streams, avoiding the need to dispose of or store this waste in other ways.
Reduced fuel costs, especially in times of fluctuating energy prices.
Reduced fossil fuel use saves the associated environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction and transport.

Conclusion
The challenge is on: cement plants must reduce carbon emissions now, and continue to do so for the next several decades until the target of net zero is met. While there are some solutions that are not ready yet – i.e. carbon capture – alternative fuels offer a valuable means of reducing the cement industry’s environmental impact immediately, with the added benefit of providing a controlled means of waste disposal. New and proven technologies will help the cement industry to overcome alternative fuel supply chain problems and achieve a dramatic reduction in fossil fuel use.

(Communication by the management of the company)

Concrete

We consistently push the boundaries of technology

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

Roshna

Swapnil Jadhav, Director, SIDSA Environmental, discusses transforming waste into valuable resources through cutting-edge technology and innovative process solutions.

SIDSA Environmental brings decades of experience and expertise to the important niche of waste treatment and process technologies. As a global leader that is at the forefront of sustainable waste management, the company excels in recycling, waste-to-energy solutions and alternative fuel production. In this conversation, Swapnil Jadhav, Director, SIDSA Environmental, shares insights into their advanced shredding technology, its role in RDF production for the cement industry and emerging trends in waste-to-energy solutions.

Can you give us an overview of SIDSA Environmental’s role in waste treatment and process technologies?
SIDSA is a leading innovator in the field of waste treatment and process technologies, dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions that address the growing challenges of waste management.
SIDSA is a more than 52-year-old organisation with worldwide presence and has successfully realised over 1100 projects.
Our expertise is in the engineering and development of cutting-edge systems that enable the conversion of waste materials into valuable resources. This includes recycling technologies, waste-to-energy (W2E) systems, and advanced methods for producing alternative fuels such as refuse derived fuel (RDF). The organisation prioritises environmental stewardship by integrating energy-efficient processes and technologies, supporting industrial sectors—including the cement industry—in reducing their carbon footprint. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to promote a circular economy where waste is no longer a burden but a resource to be harnessed.

How does SIDSA Environmental’s shredding technology contribute to the cement industry, especially in the production of RDF?
SIDSA’s shredding technology is pivotal in transforming diverse waste streams into high-quality RDF. Cement kilns require fuel with specific calorific values and uniform composition to ensure efficient combustion and operational stability, and this is where our shredding systems excel. In India, we are segment leaders with more than 30 projects including over 50 equipment of varied capacity successfully realised. Some of the solutions were supplied as complete turnkey plants for high capacity AFR processing. Our esteemed client list comprises reputed cement manufacturers and chemical industries. Our technology processes various types of waste—such as plastics, textiles and industrial residues—breaking them down into consistent particles suitable for energy recovery.

Key features include:

High efficiency: Ensures optimal throughput for large volumes of waste.
Adaptability: Handles mixed and heterogeneous waste streams, including contaminated or complex materials.
Reliability: Reduces the likelihood of operational disruptions in RDF production. By standardising RDF properties, our shredding technology enables cement plants to achieve greater energy efficiency while adhering to environmental regulations.

What are the key benefits of using alternative fuels like RDF in cement kilns?
The adoption of RDF and other alternative fuels offers significant advantages across environmental, economic and social dimensions:

Environmental benefits: Cement kilns using RDF emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to those reliant on fossil fuels like coal or petroleum coke. RDF also helps mitigate the issue of overflowing landfills by diverting waste toward energy recovery.
Economic savings: Alternative fuels are often more cost-effective than traditional energy sources, allowing cement plants to reduce operational expenses.
Sustainability and resource efficiency: RDF facilitates the circular economy by repurposing waste materials into energy, conserving finite natural resources.
Operational flexibility: Cement kilns designed to use RDF can seamlessly switch between different fuel types, enhancing adaptability to market conditions.

What innovations have been introduced in waste-to-energy (W2E) and recycling solutions?
SIDSA’s machinery is meticulously engineered to handle the complex requirements of processing hazardous and bulky waste.

This includes:

Robust construction: Our equipment is designed to manage heavy loads and challenging waste streams, such as industrial debris, tires and large furniture.
Advanced safety features: Intelligent sensors and automated controls ensure safe operation when dealing with potentially harmful materials, such as chemical waste.
Compliance with standards: Machinery is built to adhere to international environmental and safety regulations, guaranteeing reliability under stringent conditions.
Modular design: Allows for customisation and scalability to meet the unique needs of various waste management facilities.

How does your organisation customised solutions help cement plants improve sustainability and efficiency?
We consistently push the boundaries of technology to enhance waste management outcomes.
General innovations and new product development focus on:

Energy-efficient shredders: These machines consume less power while maintaining high throughput, contributing to lower operational costs.
AI-powered sorting systems: Utilise advanced algorithms to automate waste classification, increasing material recovery rates and minimising errors.
Advanced gasification technologies: Convert waste into syngas (a clean energy source) while minimising emissions and residue.
Closed-loop recycling solutions: Enable the extraction and repurposing of materials from waste streams, maximising resource use while reducing environmental impact.

What future trends do you foresee in waste management and alternative fuel usage in the cement sector?
Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of waste management and alternative fuels in the cement industry:

AI integration: AI-driven technologies will enhance waste sorting and optimise RDF production, enabling greater efficiency.
Bio-based fuels: Increased use of biofuels derived from organic waste as a renewable and low-carbon energy source.
Collaborative approaches: Strengthened partnerships between governments, private industries and technology providers will facilitate large-scale implementation of sustainable practices.
Circular economy expansion: The cement sector will increasingly adopt closed-loop systems, reducing waste and maximising resource reuse.
Regulatory evolution: More stringent environmental laws and incentives for using alternative fuels will accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

(Communication by the management of the company)

Concrete

Technology is critical to our eco-friendly logistics

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

Roshna

Driving sustainable logistics with EV-powered supply chains, Pushpank Kaushik, CEO, Jassper Shipping, explains the correlation between reduced carbon emissions and efficient deliveries.

Jassper Shipping is advancing green logistics by integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into its supply chain and leveraging a transportation management system (TMS) to track and reduce carbon emissions at the shipment level. In this interview, Pushpank Kaushik, CEO, Jassper Shipping, tells us about the gameplan to achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2035, and being a pioneer in shaping the future of eco-friendly logistics in India.

How is Jassper Shipping integrating green logistics into its shipping operations?
Jassper Shipping’s green logistics are being integrated by expanding its fleet of EV, with 58 already in operation. Emission-reduction strategies and carbon offset programmes are being implemented in sea logistics to reduce environmental impact. With a strategically mapped network of 380 locations across India, including both major states and smaller towns, sustainable and accessible logistics solutions are being ensured supported by partnerships with FMCG brands and pharmaceutical companies as well as supermarket chains like D-Mart and Big Basket.
A transportation management system is also used to track and measure carbon dioxide emissions on a cargo basis. Jassper Shipping’s efforts remain focused on creating a future-ready, sustainable logistics network.

What sustainable practices are you implementing to reduce carbon emissions?
Jassper Shipping prioritises sustainability, with several measures in place to reduce carbon emissions. The inclusion of electric vehicles (EVs) into the distribution network represents a significant advancement, with 58 EVs currently operational. This change not only decreases the company’s carbon footprint, but it also improves operating efficiency, eliminates fuel cost uncertainty, and helps delivery partners by lowering costs. Collaboration with clients enhances sustainability efforts by producing eco-friendly supply chain solutions with low environmental effect. A transportation management system helps track and measure carbon dioxide emissions at the shipment level, ensuring a data-driven approach to sustainability. Participation in carbon offset programmes further contributes to reducing the environmental impact of shipments.

Are you investing in energy-efficient vessels or alternative fuels?
No, currently we are not investing in energy-efficient vessels or alternative fuels. Instead, our focus at Jassper Shipping is on developing EV fleets and strengthening a sustainable supply chain network in India to support green commerce solutions.

How does technology help Jassper optimise eco-friendly logistics solutions?
Technology is critical to our eco-friendly logistics. Our transportation management system (TMS) monitors and assesses carbon emissions,
allowing for more environmentally responsible operations. The growth of our electric vehicle (EV) fleet decreases environmental impact while assuring efficient transportation.

What challenges do you face in making shipping more environmentally sustainable?
The main challenge in making shipping more environmentally sustainable is the lack of global agreement and consistent efforts. Different countries and organisations have varying levels of commitment and policies, making it difficult to implement uniform sustainable solutions. Without widespread cooperation, progress toward greener shipping practices remains slow.

What are Jassper Shipping’s long-term goals for achieving greener logistics in Asia?
Jassper Shipping is dedicated to reducing carbon footprints, including those of clients. Emission-reduction plans and carbon offset investments aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. Over the next two quarters, the number of EVs in the fleet will increase from 58 to 150. The last-mile delivery supply chain is becoming more sustainable and efficient with EV integration while maintaining high-quality service.