Concrete

Forecast: Black, Green or Blah Blah Blah…?

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2021

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The entire world was looking at the 26th edition of Conference of Parties (COP26) with high expectations.

The entire world was looking at the 26th edition of Conference of Parties (COP26) with high expectations. With almost 200 countries weighing in with their outlook on carbon emissions, COP26 achieved in voicing opinions but lacked in concrete decisions. The outcome of the summit received mixed reactions – from Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg summarising it as ‘blah blah blah’ to 151 countries submitting their new climate plans to slash their emissions by 2030. However, at the end of it all, it was concluded that climate action is imminent, and we cannot delay it any further.

Intrinsically cement is an energy intensive material and moreover its production uses large amounts of non-renewable materials. The manufacturing of cement generates between 5 to 10 per cent of the harmful anthropogenic gases that impact the climate negatively. With the world production of cement estimated to reach 5 billion tonnes by 2030, there seems to be an alarming situation in the future. Therefore, cement industriesand buildings professionals are advocating for the use of industrial by-products and environment friendly materials that could mitigate the negative impacts threatening sustainable development.

A report by McKinsey states that the cement industry alone is responsible for about a quarter of all industry CO2 emissions, and it also generates the most CO2 emissions per dollar of revenue. This puts cement production at the centre of the eye of the storm. The UK, India, Germany, Canada and UAE have committed to support new markets for low carbon steel, cement and concrete at COP26.

Ian Riley, CEO, World Cement Association, while speaking at the Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF), called upon governments to encourage faster adoption of low-carbon technologies. This has paved the way for more innovations in the field and I am positive that India will be at the forefront of it with cement manufacturers and technology start-ups pitching in with their respective expertise.

Closer home, there has been a spike in cement prices, which will have a domino effect on the construction industry. According to CRISIL, rising input costs have pushed the cement prices through the roof. All commodities, for various reasons, are on a spiral. Now only demand dynamics can bring stability.

Who would have believed in March 2020 that even in January 2022 we would be seeking succour from the pandemic? Yet by some twist of fate, sustainability and climate change have received larger acceptance during this period.

At Indian Cement Review, we bring you a comprehensive take on decarbonising the cement industry with both Indian and global perspectives in this annual issue. The industry has fared well through the trying times of 2020 and 2021, and while we are poised for a successful and sustainable year 2022, we have a responsibility to fulfil.

Pratap Padode, Founder & Editor in Chief

Concrete

Bangur Cement Launches Premium Product for Solid Bright Homes

Setting New Standards in Premium Construction Quality

Published

3 hours ago

February 7, 2025

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Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has launched its premium product, Bangur Marble Cement, under its master brand, Bangur Cement. This PSC cement offers best-in-segment brightness, superior strength, and crack resistance, making it ideal for exposed concrete structures and ensuring grand, imposing designs.

The Bangur Marble Cement was launched today in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The product will be further rolled out in Bihar, West Bengal and other Indian states. Bangur Marble Cement will be available to over 2000 retailers across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Retailers will have access to the product, with in-store product demonstrations highlighting the features of the new product.

Speaking on the launch, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., said, “Bangur Marble Cement is a testament to our commitment to innovation and quality. This product is engineered to meet the evolving needs of modern construction, offering brightness, strength, and durability. With this launch, we continue reinforcing our mission of providing cutting-edge building materials that set new industry standards.”

Furthermore, the product offers high-performance attributes and an eco-friendly approach, incorporating GGBS, a by-product from steel manufacturing. This eco-friendly composition supports stronger, more durable structures while reducing the environmental footprint. Shree Cement is taking a digital-first approach to reach consumers, which is unique to the cement industry. This product will be offered alongside Bangur Cement’s premium lineup, including Jungrodhak, Rockstrong, Powermax, Magna, and Roofon. With this launch, Shree Cement continues to set new benchmarks in quality and sustainable construction solutions.

Concrete

Sambhv Steel Tubes is Now Certified as a Great Place to Work

This certification, valid from January 2025 to January 2026.

Published

3 days ago

February 4, 2025

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Sambhv Steel Tubes Limited, one of the key manufacturers of electric resistance welded (“ERW”) steel pipes and structural tubes (hollow section) in India in terms of the installed capacity as of March 31, 2024 (Source: CRISIL Report) is pleased to announce that it has been officially certified as a “Great Place to Work® for 2025.

This certification, valid from January 2025 to January 2026, is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering a workplace environment built on trust, collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. Sambhv Steel Tubes also invites talented professionals who share its values of trust, collaboration, and innovation to join its team and be part of its growth journey. The Great Place to Work® certification is a recognized benchmark for workplace excellence. It is awarded based on employee feedback and an evaluation of workplace practices. Achieving this certification underscores Sambhv Steel Tubes’ dedication to nurturing a culture where Sambhv Steel strives to ensure that employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally

The DRHP is available on the website of the Company at www.sambhv.com, SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of BSE Limited at www.bseindia.com and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.nseindia.com and the website of the book running lead managers, i.e. Nuvama Wealth Management Limited and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited at www.nuvama.com and www.motilaloswalgroup.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” of the RHP, when filed. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for making any investment decision. This announcement does not constitute an offer of the Equity Shares for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and the Equity Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption from registration.

Any public offering of the Equity Shares to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the Company and that will contain detailed information about the Company and management, as well as financial statements. However, the Equity Shares are not being offered or sold in the United States. CRISIL Market Intelligence & Analytics (CRISIL MI&A), a division of CRISIL Limited, provides independent research, consulting, risk solutions, and data & analytics to its clients. CRISIL MI&A operates independently of CRISIL’s other divisions and subsidiaries, including, CRISIL Ratings Limited.

Image Source: Sambhv Steel Tubes

Concrete

Cement Industry Key to Growth, Jobs, and Nation Building in Budget

Budget presents opportunities for cement sector in growth, jobs, and infra.

Published

3 days ago

February 4, 2025

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The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) welcomes the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by the Honourable Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. CMA Member Companies have been at the forefront of nation building by significantly contributing to infrastructure development, employment generation, and economic growth. CMA believes that the Budget presents a commendable vision for India’s development through strategic investments in people, economy, and innovation.

Commenting on the Budget, Neeraj Akhoury, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, Shree Cement Limited, stated, “CMA hails the Union Budget, announced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development. The Budget reinforces a transformative journey towards building a resilient economy for advancing India’s development goals. The various initiatives announced by the Government balance people’s aspirations with the future requirements for the Country’s economic growth. The focus on increased investments on infrastructure across States amplifies opportunities and avenues for the growth of the Cement sector. We appreciate the sustained core focus on infrastructure and reiterate our commitment to being partners in Nation’s progress.<p></p>

<p>The increased spending on large scale housing and infrastructure projects will drive demand for construction materials allowing capacity expansion and promotion of innovation in sustainable practices. We are certain that despite challenges these measures will support the Cement Industry in achieving a consistent CAGR growth rate of more than 6 per cent of installed cement capacity in the present financial year. Policy reforms in Budget 2025-26 signal a reaffirmation of the Government’s intent to augment socio economic growth across core sectors.”

The Cement Industry plays a vital role in creating direct and indirect employment across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and construction, thereby supporting millions of livelihoods. Additionally, the industry remains a key contributor to the Government exchequer through taxes, duties, and levies, strengthening the country’s fiscal framework.

Parth Jindal, Vice President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, JSW Cement Limited, said, “The Budget presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is a forward-looking roadmap that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s cement industry, in line with the country’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It prioritizes growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. The increased investment in technology will accelerate advancements in green cement solutions, driving both sustainability and innovation within the industry. Notable allocations, including Rs 200 billion to foster innovation and Rs 1.5 billion in 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure on infrastructure development, are expected to significantly bolster growth in the core sectors, including cement sector.

He further added, “The Budget’s focus on a three-year pipeline of projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model will incentivize private sector investment and catalyse a transformation in the infrastructure landscape. Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for skill development, as part of the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative, will ensure that India’s emerging workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.”

In light of the recent Budget announcements, which prioritise infrastructure expansion and affordable housing, the Cement Industry is poised to leverage these opportunities by ensuring steady and sustained supplies of Cement to meet the Nation’s growing domestic market and infrastructure demand coupled with sustainable and innovative technologies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the Cement Industry will continue to drive India’s progress and economic resilience.