The past four years have been tumultuous for India’s cement industry. From the economic slowdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic to the energy price shocks triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sector has faced unprecedented challenges. Yet, for JSW Cement, part of the diversified $23 billion JSW Group, these crises have acted as a catalyst for transformation, particularly in sustainability and innovation.
The cement industry, known for its material and energy intensity, has been heavily impacted by rising energy costs, which account for nearly 50% of manufacturing expenses. “The energy crisis has accelerated the shift from coal to alternative fuels that are locally sourced and often derived from industrial waste,” explained Manoj Rustagi, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer at JSW Cement. These include municipal and pharmaceutical waste, refuse-derived fuels, and by-products from other industries. Rustagi revealed the company’s ambition to increase its use of alternative fuels from the current 8-10% to 30-40% in the next six to seven years, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
JSW Cement was founded in 2009 with sustainability at its core. It pioneered the use of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), a by-product of steel manufacturing, in cement production. For every tonne of steel produced, approximately 400 kg of blast-furnace slag is generated. This innovative approach not only supports the circular economy but also reduces the clinker factor in cement, resulting in one of the industry’s lowest carbon footprints. In FY2020-21, JSW Cement achieved specific CO2 emissions of 216 kg per tonne of cementitious material, significantly lower than the global and Indian averages. Around 88% of its product portfolio now consists of blended cement and cementitious products, aligning with its decarbonisation goals. JSW Cement is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s infrastructure development and climate initiatives. With the government targeting net-zero emissions by 2070 and boosting infrastructure funding through a ₹5 trillion development finance institution, the company’s green innovations are perfectly aligned with national priorities.
In 2021, JSW Cement expanded its portfolio to include eco-friendly construction chemicals and ready-mix concrete under the JSW Concrete brand. These sustainable products cater to the growing demand for green infrastructure solutions. JSW Cement aims to increase its production capacity from 19 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes by 2030. Beyond scaling up operations, the company is exploring new low-carbon cement and concrete products to further its sustainability agenda. “Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand,” Rustagi emphasised. The cement giant’s resilience and adaptability underscore its commitment to decarbonisation and sustainable growth. As the world embraces change amid ongoing challenges, JSW Cement continues to lead by example, proving that crises can be a springboard for meaningful transformation.
