Indian Chamber of Commerce successfully hosted the 7th Cementing India on Thursday, 19th December 2024, at Kolkata. The event served as a vital platform to discuss advancements in technology and sustainability initiatives within the cement and concrete industry. It also featured engaging sessions on supply chain management and the dynamics of demand and supply in the sector. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as Mr. Yaswant Mishra, President (Corporate) and Chief Financial Officer, Mangalam Cement Limited; Mr. Hemantha Kumar SS, Vice President, Birla Corporation Limited; Dr. Pietro Recchi, Asian Pacific Regional Head, MAPEI; Mr. Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director & CEO, TKIL Industries Private Limited; and Mr. Siddhant Kaul, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce. These industry stalwarts, along with other prominent experts, shared their insights and expertise, making the event a significant confluence of knowledge and innovation for the cement and concrete industry.
While delivering the welcome address, Mr Siddhant Kaul, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “Cement plays a critical role in shaping India’s future and driving forward our growth. It’s the foundation on which our nation’s economy is being built. In fact, it’s not just central to the local economy but crucial to the global economy, especially in finance, where global investment is key. India is in a unique position with government capex and private investment aligning to fuel our growth. However, the cement industry is also one of the most energy-intensive and significant greenhouse gas emitters. Growth in this sector must not come at the cost of environmental degradation. India’s GDP growth, projected at 6.5% to 7.5% annually, is a testament to our status as the fastest-growing major economy globally. A large part of this growth stems from the ongoing development of highways and infrastructure. To sustain this, we must also focus on expanding housing and industrial areas, ensuring that all aspects of the economy are in sync.”
Dr. Pietro Recchi, Asian Pacific Regional Head, MAPEI, said, “Global warming is an undeniable reality with a sharp rise in the planet’s average temperature. Cement, as one of the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions, must evolve to meet this challenge. As global cement production is projected to increase from 4 billion tons annually to 5 billion tons over the next 30 years, reducing emissions will become the key driver for the industry’s sustainability. Among the four strategies—thermal energy efficiency, fuel replacement, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and reducing the clinker-to-cement ratio—clinker replacement emerges as the most effective short-term solution. Replacing clinker offers multiple advantages: it is easy to implement, doesn’t require new equipment or fuel changes and delivers measurable and impactful results. This approach has the potential to significantly lower direct emissions while ensuring the industry’s growth and sustainability. The cement industry has a pivotal role in combating climate change, and clinker replacement stands out as the most practical, cost-effective step we can take today.”
On India’s Net-Zero Goals and Cement Industry Challenges, Mr Yaswant Mishra, President (Corporate) and Chief Financial Officer, Mangalam Cement Limited, said, “Producing clinker requires 1450°C of heat, involving substantial energy consumption. Mining, transportation and other activities also heavily rely on diesel, adding to carbon emissions. While the industry has adopted measures like using fly ash and slag to reduce the clinker factor, much more needs to be done. The government still specifies the use of OPC cement instead of PPC, despite the latter being more sustainable. The government’s focus on infrastructure development has been a game-changer. Transportation times have reduced drastically, from six days to four, which has helped the industry significantly. Small recycling units must be established, and individuals, industries and the government must work together to reduce pollution.”
Emphasising on sustainability in the cement industry by mitigating CO2 emissions with Al and IoT interventions, Mr Hemantha Kumar SS, Vice President, Birla Corporation Limited, said, “The challenge lies in reducing carbon footprints, which makes digitalisation and technological innovation imperative for organisational growth. Adopting the latest digital technologies requires significant investment, technical expertise and, most importantly, a cultural shift within organisations. Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and it is essential for all of us to have a clear vision for a digital future. Digital transformation demands a change in mindset, talent development to bridge skill gaps and opportunities for growth through training. Change management is crucial—addressing concerns, motivating employees, and communicating the vision effectively. Additionally, resource allocation is key, as digital initiatives require strategic investments. At our organiation, we have introduced the Plants of Tomorrow (POT) initiative—a pioneering digital transformation project aimed at creating smarter, more sustainable cement plants through cutting-edge technologies.”
On the importance of cement’s environmental impact, Mr Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director & CEO, TKIL Industries Private Limited, said, “Cement production accounts for 7-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a sector under constant scrutiny. In India, per capita cement consumption stands at approximately 250 kg, compared to the global average of 500 kg. With infrastructure being a cornerstone of economic growth, India’s cement consumption is poised for sustained growth over the next decade. We now have cement plants capable of operating solely on waste recovery, a significant milestone. However, challenges persist in securing a reliable supply chain and ensuring material availability. Technological innovation within organisations is crucial to address these issues. While the cement production process inherently emits CO2, capturing it in a commercially viable way is essential. One approach is reducing nitrogen to achieve a dense CO2 concentration, enabling efficient capture. Additionally, the cement industry has potential to produce green hydrogen, a key component for decarbonisation. Green cement with zero CO2 emissions is achievable but it requires robust policies, an enabling environment and cooperative customers willing to pay a premium for sustainable solution. We must take this initiative seriously to achieve net-zero emissions in the cement industry well before 2050.”
