Economy & Market

Opportunities galore

Published

8 years ago

December 30, 2017

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Greening of industry is a method to attain sustainable economic growth and promote sustainable economies. It includes policymaking, improved industrial production processes and resource-efficient productivity.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) can be given credit of coining the term Green Industries Initiatives. A few years back, UNIDO coined the concept ‘Green Industry’ to place sustainable industrial development in the context of new global sustainable development challenges. Green industry means economies striving for a more sustainable pathway of growth, by undertaking green public investments and implementing public policy initiatives that encourage environmentally-responsible private investments.
Green Industry Initiatives create awareness, knowledge and capacities about what is sustainable. UNIDO works with different governments to support industrial institutions that in turn provide assistance to enterprises and entrepreneurs in all aspects relating to the greening of industry. As an organisation, UNIDO extends support for integrating corporate social responsibility, water management, energy and promotion of eco-friendly processes into the policy framework of an industry.
On the other hand, industrial pollution is generally referred to the undesirable outcome when factories emit harmful by-products and waste into the environment such as emissions to air or water bodies (water pollution), deposition on landfills etc. (land pollution) or emission of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
Earth’s atmosphere is a dynamic system of natural gases that are necessary to sustain life, and while it has a defence mechanisms to absorb small quantities of air pollutants, high levels of gases can cause ozone depletion and other problems for living organisms. The main sources of gaseous air pollutants are fuel combustion in stationary sources, such as coal-burning power plants, as well as emissions from automobiles. While these gases are not the only ones contributing to air pollution, they are regarded as dominant sources of this world-wide problem.Carbon oxides: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas, dangerous due to its lack of odour and colour that is released into the atmosphere with the incomplete combustion of fuels, such as coal, wood or other natural sources, as well as exhaust from automobiles. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the greenhouse gas widely considered the main air pollutant in the earth’s atmosphere. Despite the fact that carbon dioxide is essential to support living organisms, it is considered a dangerous air pollutant caused by human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
Responsible for more than half of the global warming trend, carbon dioxide restricts infrared radiation leaving the Earth’s surface, causing the "greenhouse effect."Nitrogen oxides: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are air pollutants that contribute the most contaminants to the earth’s atmospheric. Like carbon oxides, vehicle emissions are a major source of nitrogen oxides, and these air pollutants are easily recognizable by the brown plume or haze that forms over areas with high concentrations of the gases. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the most prominent and dangerous air pollutants, and this toxic gas is easily identifiable by its reddish-brown color and distinctive, sharp odour.Sulphur oxides: Sulphur oxides (SOx) are another group of gases polluting the earth’s atmosphere. Of particular concern is sulphur dioxide (SO2), one of the major components of smog and a primary cause of acid rain. While sulphur dioxide is naturally produced by erupting volcanoes, the combustion of sulphur-containing fuels such as petroleum oils and coal have caused this gas to become a dangerous air pollutant that is eating away at the Earth’s fragile atmosphere. Dangerous to both plants and animals, sulphur oxides can injure organic matter when deposited in high concentrations and cause respiratory problems by irritating air passages and lungs.
On November 8, 2017, Delhi earned the unenviable distinction of becoming the most polluted city on Earth. The pollution surged so high that some monitoring stations reported an Air Quality Index of 999, way above the upper limit of the worst category, hazardous. (An extra-sensitive air quality instrument at the US embassy got a reading of 1,010, as you can see in the chart).
The airborne particles and toxic chemicals that make up the smog had choked the 19 million residents of the metropolitan area, where merely breathing the air was, at its worst, like smoking 50 cigarettes in a day. Hospitals reported a 20 percent surge in patients with pollution-related illnesses, and doctors had declared a public health emergency.
We are bringing out a classic case before the readers just to point out that what reckless industrialisation can bring out. In the entire spectrum of pollutants, automobiles cause the highest pollution then comes the power generating plants and close to that is cement industry. Therefore it is pertinent that cement industry initiates green initiatives. Why to take green steps?

Cement production is the third ranking producer of anthropogenic (man-made) CO2 in the world after transport and energy generation
About 4 – 5 per cent of the worldwide total of CO2 emissions is caused by cement production
CO2 is produced at two points during cement production:
The first is as a by-product of burning of fossil fuels, primarily coal, to generate the heat necessary to drive the cement-making process. The second from the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate in the process of producing cement clinker.
CaCO3 (limestone) + heat -> CaO (lime) + CO2
Production of one tonne of cement results in 780 kg of CO2
Of the total CO2 output, 30 per cent derives from the use of energy and 70 per cent results from de-carbonation

Important to realise is that although 5 per cent of the worldwide generation of CO2 is due to cement production, that level of output also reflects the unique and universal importance of concrete throughout the construction industry.Measures adopted by cement
The emission regulations moved from 250 mg/Nm3 to 30 mg/Nm3 progressively on par with the global best practices. The cement Industry is continuously adapting to the latest air pollution control technologies like Electrostatic Precipitators, Bag Filters for achieving lower stack emissions of 30 mg/Nm3. Cement Industry installed Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems and Continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations for on line reporting dust emissions. The provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, National Ambient Air Quality Standards has accelerated the Cement Industry’s efforts to pursue their initiatives more vigorously.Measures to control of water pollution: Cement Industry installed Sewage Treatment Plants and Effluent Treatment Plants to treat this water and to reuse for dust suppression & gardening. It is also doing huge amount of rain water harvesting in their mined out pits. Corporates like ACC, Ambuja and Dalmia Bharat have taken steps at few of their plants to become water positive. Sustainable mining and biodiversity conservation: All captive mines operated by Cement Industry strictly adhere to mining, environmental norms laid by Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Environment & Forest & Climate Control , State Pollution Control Board for eco-friendly mining and safety norms by Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) for safe mining. All cement plant and mine sites complies with earmarking 33 per cent of total land area for the green belt development and afforestation. Wild Life Protection Act (WPA) 1972 is further augmenting the Cement Industry’s efforts in preserving the biodiversity with clear guidance. Hazardous waste management & co-processing:Cement industry generates very limited quantity of hazardous waste such as spent oils and lubricants, grease, etc., which are either co-processed in cement kilns or sold to authorised recyclers. The Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 & amendment 2010 gives a clear guidance to the Industry for safe management, handling and disposal of hazardous waste. Apart from this industry also co-process various waste materials generated by other industry. The kiln of a cement plant is the best suited for processing of waste in the most cost effective manner which none other system offers world over. Today rapid urbanisation has created several problems of disposing off waste either industrial or domestic. The stock of fossil fuels is depleting very fast, we have to look for another source of energy. Therefore processing of waste in cement kilns has vast potential in our country. The technology as such is quite proven in Europe and other advance countries. We need to adapt it to local conditions. TSR (Thermal Substitution Rate) is a per cent age replacement of conventional fuel and the number for some of the countries is as high as 60 per cent where as in our case it is at meagre 4 per cent.
Apart from the above, the cement industry has following various innovations towards the sustainable development. Equipment Innovation: Cement
Industry has taken various energy conservation activities throughout the cement manufacturing process. Some of the notable initiatives are as given are
as under:

Advanced dry process kiln with energy efficient cooler with 6/7 stage pre heater
Low NOX burners and low NOX calciners to reduce NOX from the kiln
Energy-efficient grinding equipment like roller press and VRMs
Energy efficient compressors, pumps, lighting, variable speed drives, fans and motors
Process optimiser along with advanced energy management system, etc.,

Clinker factor improvement and natural resources conservation: Total cement grade limestone reserve available to meet the industry requirements is 89.86 billion tonne, which are expected to last only for another 40 years. Cement industry has carried out extensive research and development for substituting clinker and to absorbs huge quantities of industrial wastes like fly ash and slag. This not only helps in reduction in CO2 emission but also preserving natural resources like limestone and corrective materials.
Recycling of concrete as of date happens to be far stretched. Concrete mixture has the highest proportion of natural materials like stone chips, sand, water etc. If we are able to make use of used concrete we shall save our natural sources of sand and stones. Cement industry is expected to make investments in processing of used concrete which is not happening. With focus on infra development, the day is not far away when we shall be compelled to explore these options. With confidence we can say that Indian cement industry is on the right track though may be little late on few initiatives. The days ahead of us will see industry becoming greener.

Concrete

FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe

Published

6 days ago

February 5, 2026

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FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its new sales partner in Germany to strengthen its presence across Central Europe. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of FORNNAX’s high-capacity, sustainable recycling solutions while building long-term regional capabilities.

FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, one of the leading advanced recycling equipment manufacturers, has announced the appointment of a new sales partner in Germany as part of its strategic expansion into Central Europe. The company has entered into a collaborative agreement with Mr. Dieter Jerschl, a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of experience in the shredding and recycling sector, to represent and promote FORNNAX’s solutions across key European markets.

Mr. Jerschl brings extensive expertise from his work with renowned companies such as BHS, Eldan, Vecoplan, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led the deployment of both single machines and complete turnkey installations for a wide range of applications, including tyre recycling, cable recycling, municipal solid waste, e-waste, and industrial waste processing.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Jerschl said,
“I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art & high-capacity technology, it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey.”

The partnership will primarily focus on Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and neighbouring countries, with the flexibility to extend the geographical scope based on project requirements and mutual agreement. The collaboration is structured to evolve over time, with performance-driven expansion and ongoing strategic discussions with FORNNAX’s management. The immediate priority is to build a strong project pipeline and enhance FORNNAX’s brand presence across the region.

FORNNAX’s portfolio of high-performance shredding and pre-processing solutions is well aligned with Europe’s growing demand for sustainable and efficient waste treatment technologies. By partnering with Mr. Jerschl—who brings deep market insight and established industry relationships—FORNNAX aims to accelerate adoption of its solutions and participate in upcoming recycling projects across the region.

As part of the partnership, Mr. Jerschl will also deliver value-added services, including equipment installation, maintenance, and spare parts support through a dedicated technical team. This local service capability is expected to ensure faster project execution, minimise downtime, and enhance overall customer experience.

Commenting on the long-term vision, Mr. Jerschl added,
“We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to ten years.”

For FORNNAX, this partnership aligns closely with its global strategy of expanding into key markets through strong regional representation. The company believes that local partnerships are critical for navigating complex market dynamics and delivering solutions tailored to region-specific waste management challenges.

“We see tremendous potential in the Central European market,” said Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of FORNNAX.
“Partnering with someone as experienced and well-established as Mr. Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally,” he added.

This collaboration further strengthens FORNNAX’s commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable waste management, supporting the transition toward a greener and more circular future.

Concrete

Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook

Published

1 week ago

February 2, 2026

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Higher capex, city-led growth and CCUS funding improve demand visibility and decarbonisation prospects for cement

Mumbai

Cement manufacturers have welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27’s strong infrastructure thrust, with public capital expenditure increased to Rs 12.2 trillion, saying it reinforces infrastructure as the central engine of economic growth and strengthens medium-term prospects for the cement sector. In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has welcomed the Union budget 2026-27 for reinforcing the ambitions for the nation’s growth balancing the aspirations of the people through inclusivity inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Atmanirbharta.

The budget underscores India’s steady economic trajectory over the past 12 years, marked by fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation, and offers strong demand visibility for infrastructure linked sectors such as cement.

The Budget’s strong infrastructure push, with public capital expenditure rising from Rs 11.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025–26 to Rs 12.2 trillion in fiscal year 2026–27, recognises infrastructure as the primary anchor for economic growth creating positive prospects for the Indian cement industry and improving long term visibility for the cement sector. The emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with populations above 5 lakh and the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs) with an allocation of Rs 50 billion per CER over five years, should accelerate construction activity across housing, transport and urban services, supporting broad based cement consumption.

Logistics and connectivity measures announced in the budget are particularly significant for the cement industry. The announcement of new dedicated freight corridors, the operationalisation of 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, the launch of the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the modal share of waterways and coastal shipping from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047, and the development of ship repair ecosystems should enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and improve the sector’s carbon footprint. The announcement of seven high speed rail corridors as growth corridors can be expected to further stimulate regional development and construction demand.

Commenting on the budget, Parth Jindal, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), said, “As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, the three kartavya articulated in the Union Budget provide a clear context for the Nation’s growth and aspirations, combining economic momentum with capacity building and inclusive progress. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) appreciates the Union Budget 2026-27 for the continued emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, urban development and infrastructure modernisation, supported by over 350 reforms spanning GST simplification, labour codes, quality control rationalisation and coordinated deregulation with States. These reforms, alongside the Budget’s focus on Youth Power and domestic manufacturing capacity under Atmanirbharta, stand to strengthen the investment environment for capital intensive sectors such as Cement. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s focus on infrastructure led development emerging as a structural pillar of India’s growth strategy.”

He added, “The Rs 200 billion CCUS outlay for various sectors, including Cement, fundamentally alters the decarbonisation landscape for India’s emissions intensive industries. CCUS is a significant enabler for large scale decarbonisation of industries such as Cement and this intervention directly addresses the technology and cost requirements of the Cement sector in context. The Cement Industry, fully aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitment by 2070, views this support as critical to enabling the adoption and scale up of CCUS technologies while continuing to meet the Country’s long term infrastructure needs.”

Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA, said, “The government’s sustained infrastructure push supports employment, regional development and stronger local supply chains. Cement manufacturing clusters act as economic anchors across regions, generating livelihoods in construction, logistics and allied sectors. The budget’s focus on inclusive growth, execution and system level enablers creates a supportive environment for responsible and efficient expansion offering opportunities for economic growth and lending momentum to the cement sector. The increase in public capex to Rs 12.2 trillion, the focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and the creation of City Economic Regions stand to strengthen the growth of the cement sector. We welcome the budget’s emphasis on tourism, cultural and social infrastructure, which should broaden construction activity across regions. Investments in tourism facilities, heritage and Buddhist circuits, regional connectivity in Purvodaya and North Eastern States, and the strengthening of emergency and trauma care infrastructure in district hospitals reinforce the cement sector’s role in enabling inclusive growth.”

CMA also noted the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.3 per cent of GDP in FY27, reinforcing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.

Concrete

JK Cement Crosses 31 MTPA Capacity with Commissioning of Buxar Plant in Bihar

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

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JK Cement has commissioned a 3 MTPA Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking its total capacity to 31.26 MTPA and placing it among India’s top five grey cement producers. The ₹500 crore investment strengthens the company’s national footprint while supporting Bihar’s infrastructure growth and local economic development.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has announced the commissioning of its new state-of-the-art Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With the commissioning of this facility, JK Cement’s total production capacity has increased to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), enabling the company to cross the 30 MTPA threshold.

This expansion positions JK Cement among the top five Grey Cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national footprint and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the strategic achievement, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

The Buxar plant has a capacity of 3 MTPA and is spread across 100 acres. Strategically located on the Patna–Buxar highway, the facility enables faster and more efficient distribution across Bihar and adjoining regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the Buxar facility will now allow the company to serve the state locally, with deliveries possible within 24 hours across Bihar.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The new facility represents a strategic step in supporting Bihar’s development vision by ensuring faster access to superior quality cement for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Construction began in March 2025, and commercial production commenced on January 29, 2026.

In addition to strengthening JK Cement’s regional presence, the Buxar plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract ancillary industries, thereby contributing to the local economy and the broader industrial ecosystem.