The Indian Chamber of Commerce successfully hosted the 7th Cementing India in Kolkata. The event provided an important platform for discussing technological breakthroughs and environmental measures in the cement and concrete sector. It also included interesting talks on supply chain management and the dynamics of demand and supply in the industry.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries like 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 veterans, along with other important specialists, presented their thoughts and skills, making the event a noteworthy gathering of information and innovation for the cement and concrete industries.

Mr Siddhant Kaul, Past President, of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “Cement is vital to molding India’s future and fueling our progress. It is the foundation upon which our country’s economy is being created. In truth, it is not only important to the local economy but also to the global economy, particularly in finance, where global investment is essential. India is in a unique situation, with government spending and private investment aligned to drive growth. However, the cement sector is among the most energy-intensive and substantial greenhouse gas emitters. Growth in this industry must not be at the expense of environmental damage”.

Dr. Pietro Recchi, Asian Pacific Regional Head, MAPEI, said, “Global warming is an irrefutable phenomenon, as the average temperature of the earth has risen dramatically. Cement, a major contributor to CO₂ emissions, must develop to meet this challenge. As worldwide cement output is expected to rise from 4 billion tons per year to 5 billion tons over the next 30 years, decreasing emissions will become a critical driver of the industry’s sustainability. Among the four strategies—thermal energy efficiency, fuel replacement, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and lowering the clinker-to-cement ratio—clinker replacement is the most effective short-term approach. Clinker replacement has several advantages, including ease of implementation, no need for new equipment or fuel changes, and measurable and meaningful outcomes. This technique has the potential to drastically reduce direct emissions while ensuring the growth of the industry”.

Green cement with zero CO2 emissions is possible, but it will require strong policies, an enabling environment, and cooperative customers prepared to pay a premium for a sustainable solution. The industry must take this endeavor seriously to attain net zero emissions in the cement sector by 2050.

Priyanka Dutta