JSW Is Leading the Way in Sustainability & Circular Economy! Check How

In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of business practices, JSW Cement is taking substantial steps to integrate circular economy principles into its operations. The company is not only focusing on reducing its carbon footprint but also spearheading innovative practices to create a more sustainable future for the cement industry. We sat down with Mr. Manoj Kumar Rustagi, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer at JSW Cement, to discuss their journey towards a greener and more circular economy.

Adopting Circular Economy in Cement Manufacturing

To understand the company’s approach, Mr. Rustagi first explained the resource-intensive nature of traditional cement production.

“Cement is manufactured traditionally with limestone, making it a commodity that is resource-heavy and has a significant environmental impact,” he said.

In response, JSW Cement has made strides in adopting alternative resources and utilizing waste from other industries.

“We use blast furnace slag from steel plants, red mud from aluminum industries, and even municipal solid waste (MSW) as alternative fuels,” he explained. These initiatives have allowed the company to reduce its reliance on natural resources, with “65 to 70% of our raw material requirement coming from waste, helping conserve natural resources.”

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The Link Between Innovation and Sustainability

When asked about the role of innovation at JSW Cement, Mr. Rustagi emphasized how innovation is integral to achieving sustainability.

“Sustainability and innovation are two sides of the same coin. To transition to a low-carbon economy, we need to rethink how we do things,” he said.

The construction industry, particularly, has seen limited innovation in building materials over the past few decades, which is why JSW Cement is investing in new, low-carbon products.

He elaborated on the importance of product innovation: “We are constantly working on innovative products that reduce carbon emissions, and we collaborate with top academic institutions in India to develop green and resilient building materials.”

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Green Cement and New Products in Focus

JSW Cement is also a pioneer in producing green cement. The company manufactures slag cement, which has the lowest global warming potential compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). “Slag cement has 30% of the carbon intensity of OPC,” he highlighted, further solidifying the company’s commitment to producing low-carbon products.

Mr. Rustagi also emphasized the necessity for defining "green cement," as it is still a buzzword within the industry.

“The journey to producing low-carbon or green products requires embracing circular economy practices at every stage,” he said.

Overcoming Challenges in Circular Economy Adoption

While JSW Cement is at the forefront of adopting circular economy principles, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. According to Mr. Rustagi, the concept of circular economy has been prevalent in India for centuries.

“If we look at Indian history, resource conservation has always been a part of our culture. The ‘use and throw’ culture is more of a Western phenomenon,” he said.

However, the challenge lies in changing the mindset within industries to embrace recycling and reuse, ensuring that waste materials are integrated into manufacturing processes.

“Circular economy is about conserving resources, recycling products, and ultimately achieving a zero-waste culture,” he added.

JSW's Collaboration with Startups and Academia

JSW Cement’s efforts extend beyond its own operations. The company is working with academia, startups, and research institutions to further its sustainability goals.

“We collaborate with top academic institutions, including IITs, to work on research and development for new products,” said Mr. Rustagi. “We are exploring new technologies such as 3D printing and biodegradable packaging with IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati.”

The company has also been actively engaging with India’s startup ecosystem. Through innovation challenges and partnerships, JSW Cement is encouraging entrepreneurs to develop solutions for real-time problems.

“We work with startups through initiatives like Wendy, a global cement and concrete research network, to solve pressing industry challenges,” he explained.

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The Role of Platforms Like ICEF

Mr. Rustagi also highlighted the value of platforms like the Indian Circular Economy Forum (ICEF) in promoting circular economy adoption.

“This initiative is fantastic for spreading awareness about circular economy principles,” he said. “By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, ICEF fosters discussions that drive change.”

He believes that raising awareness is the first step in embracing circular economy practices.

“Forums like ICEF provide a collaborative environment to brainstorm and come up with practical solutions that help industries adopt circular economy principles,” he added.

JSW Cement’s approach to sustainability is a blend of innovation, research, and a strong commitment to circular economy practices. Through their efforts, they are not only transforming the cement industry but also setting a benchmark for others to follow. As Mr. Rustagi rightly said, “To transition to a low-carbon economy, innovation is not just a choice, it’s a necessity.”

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