Concrete

Achieving net zero is a collective responsibility

Published

1 year ago

December 24, 2024

Roshna

Mayank Kamdar, Marketing Director, Lilanand Magnesite, talks about innovative solutions to address refractory-related challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

Tell us about Lilanand Magnesite.
We are a manufacturer of castable and gunning refractories, based in Porbandar, Gujarat. Our company has been in the business for nearly 25 years, specialising in the manufacturing and supply of high-performance castable refractories, which are primarily used in critical areas of cement plants. Over the years, we have also expanded our customer base to include industries such as steel, cement, and thermal power stations, where we address their refractory-related challenges.

Could you elaborate on some of the bottleneck issues that cement plants typically face and how your products help address these challenges?
Bottleneck issues often arise in specific equipment or areas that experience frequent failures. To address this, we study these areas closely to identify the root causes of the failures. Based on our findings, we develop solutions that either improve the refractory material itself or optimise the application methods in those critical areas. Our goal is to enhance the life and durability of the refractory materials used, thus helping to prevent unplanned shutdowns and minimise operational disruptions.

How does your company maintain consistently high quality or improve quality over time?
We maintain high quality through a rigorous procurement process. Every raw material we use is thoroughly tested before it is incorporated into our production. We work with a select group of reputable suppliers who have consistently provided quality materials over the years, ensuring that the final product meets our strict standards. Additionally, we focus on continuous improvement, constantly evaluating and refining our processes to ensure the highest quality in every batch.

With regard to innovation, are there any new developments or technologies that your company is working on to improve your products?
At Lilanand Magnesites, we are always striving to improve our products through continuous research and development. Currently, one of the key areas of focus is adapting our products to the increasing use of alternative fuels and municipal waste in cement kilns. Over the years, we have developed specialised products designed to withstand the challenging environments created by the burning of alternative fuels. For example, we offer anti-coating castables that are highly durable and suited for use in areas such as the kiln inlet, where AFR and municipal waste are burned.

How does your company contribute to sustainability and environmental conservation?
Our approach to sustainability is focused on manufacturing high-performance products that last longer than conventional refractories. By providing our customers with products that have a longer lifespan, we significantly reduce the need for frequent replacements. This ultimately lowers the refractory consumption per ton of cement produced, making our solution more sustainable. Additionally, by offering durable products, we reduce the overall environmental footprint associated with the manufacturing and disposal of refractories.

What challenges do you face in your industry, and how do you address them?
One of the biggest challenges in the refractory industry is the reliance on natural mineral resources. As these resources are finite, their quality can vary, which poses a challenge in ensuring consistent product quality. To address this, we explore new sources for raw materials and also develop synthetic products that offer consistent quality. Thus, we ensure that our products meet the high standards of our customers, even as natural resources become scarcer.

What is your view on the concept of net zero, and how is your company contributing to achieving this goal?
Achieving net zero is a collective responsibility that involves all stakeholders, from the bottom-most supplier to the top-most consumer. It is not something that can be achieved by any one individual or organisation alone. In our own factory, we have taken significant steps towards sustainability, such as installing solar energy systems that power the entire facility, eliminating our reliance on grid electricity. We also believe that using more durable products, rather than cheaper, less sustainable options, can contribute to reducing the environmental footprint. Every step in the supply chain, from production to consumption, must be geared towards minimising carbon emissions and waste, which will help us collectively achieve the net zero target.

– Kanika Mathur

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Concrete

Ramco Cements’ Hard Worker Campaign Wins Seven Awards

Campaign earns honours for direction, editing and cinematography

Published

4 hours ago

June 15, 2026

admin

The Hard Worker campaign by The Ramco Cements has secured seven honours at the Good Ads Matter Awards 2026, adding to its growing list of accolades and reinforcing its standing among the year’s most recognised advertising campaigns.

The awards were presented during the Good Ads Matter Awards Night 2026 held at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai. The campaign received recognition across multiple categories, highlighting excellence in direction, editing, cinematography and storytelling.

Among the honours, the campaign won Silver in the Campaign of the Year – Direction category, while filmmaker Prakash Varma was named Director of the Year for the films Tortoise & Hare and Eco Plaster. Tortoise & Hare also received Silver awards for Best Editing and Best Colour Grading, along with a Bronze award for Best Cinematography. Eco Plaster earned Bronze awards in the Best Direction – Narrative and Best Direction – Humour categories.

Both films extended their award-winning run, with Eco Plaster being recognised for its narrative centred on water conservation through innovative construction solutions, while Tortoise & Hare was honoured for its storytelling and craft execution.

The Hard Worker campaign was built around the idea that hard work deserves recognition and respect. Through culturally rooted and emotionally engaging stories, the campaign has connected with consumers, engineers, masons and the wider construction community across the country.

Commenting on the achievement, A V Dharmakrishnan, CEO of The Ramco Cements Limited, said that the continued recognition across leading creative platforms reflects the company’s commitment to meaningful and authentic communication rooted in the values of the people it serves.

Balaji K Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, The Ramco Cements Limited, said the awards recognise the craftsmanship behind the storytelling, from direction and cinematography to editing and narrative execution.

Following recognition at both the Kyoorius Creative Awards and the Good Ads Matter Awards, the Hard Worker campaign continues to demonstrate the impact of purpose-driven storytelling combined with strong creative execution and consumer relevance.

Concrete

Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

1 week ago

June 5, 2026

admin

World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

admin

Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.