By incorporating materials such as chemical gypsum, fly ash, and slag into our cement formulations, we have significantly reduced our reliance on virgin raw materials and promoted circularity in our operations
Please highlight the innovative approaches or technologies that the company has implemented in its operations?
At Nuvoco, our commitment to operational excellence drives us to implement innovative measures across our operations. Central to our strategy is the adoption of Integrated Business Planning (IBP), which harmonizes production capacities and inventory levels with market demand. By leveraging advanced analytics, real-time data, and demand forecasting, we enhance supply chain efficiency, improve customer responsiveness, and foster revenue growth. Additionally, at our select Cement Plants, we have deployed cutting-edge fuel feeding systems and refined coal grinding techniques to achieve optimal combustion and boost energy efficiency. We have also integrated AI optimization capabilities at one of our plants and implemented advanced control systems for real-time monitoring, which further enhances kiln and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) efficiency. Our Alternate Fuel Rate (AFR) strategy incorporates the LEAP-O system, which minimizes downtime and maintenance costs, and is supported by regular energy audits to detect and address energy wastage. Notably, we achieved a 13% AFR in the fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting our commitment to alternative fuels and sustainable practices.
What are the key initiatives the company has undertaken to promote environmental sustainability?
Sustainability is at the core of our growth strategy, prompting us to minimise the environmental impact and ensure our operations adhere to sustainable practices. Our ‘Protect Our Planet’ agenda is well crafted, incorporating the growing focus towards ESG and gaining momentum with each passing day. Our product development strategy is rooted in a sense of responsibility, ensuring that our products are safe and environmentally conscious.We have a robust portfolio of environmentally friendly products like Concreto & Duraguard in cement, and ECODURE in ready-mix concrete. We have also received GreenPro Certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for 16 of our RMX Plants that manufacture Ecodure. Our product portfolio offers blended cements such as Portland Composite Cement (PCC) and Portland Slag Cement (PSC). We are further leading the way in sustainability and operational efficiency with initiatives like the Aqua Zero Debris Recycler, which slashes freshwater consumption by 40% and eliminates debris from our plants. By incorporating materials such as chemical gypsum, fly ash, and slag into our cement formulations, we have significantly reduced our reliance on virgin raw materials and promoted circularity in our operations. In FY24, we made significant strides in our sustainability efforts, achieving a reduction in carbon emissions by approximately 2% year-on-year to 457 kg CO2 per ton of cementitious materials. These initiatives underscore our commitment to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to lead the industry towards a more sustainable future.
What technological advancements has the company adopted in its cement manufacturing and construction processes to enhance efficiency and quality?
We lead with innovative manufacturing solutions, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable practices. Being the fifth largest cement group in India in terms of capacity and a leading player in the East, we have a focus on effectively and efficiently utilising our capacities and growing our relationships. In line with our strategic objectives, we have judiciously prioritized sustainability, debottlenecking, payback-based projects, and expanding our presence in the northern and eastern region. Our recent expansion includes the commissioning of a 1.2 MMTPA grinding unit at our Haryana Cement Plant (Bhiwani), elevating our total capacity to 25 MMTPA. Additionally, we have successfully implemented alternate fuel co-processing and preprocessing systems at Risda and Nimbol, augmenting our ability to handle a wider range of fuels while increasing waste recycling tonnage. We also completed debottlenecking projects at the Risda and Nimbol plants, enhancing the clinker production capacity by 1,000 TPD at each plant. This relentless pursuit of operational excellence ensures that we remain agile and responsive to market dynamics.
Are there any specific innovations that have significantly improved the company's operations or product offerings?
Our commitment to innovation and premium-grade raw materials has earned us a reputation for providing best-in-class Building Material products. Central to our efforts is the Nuvoco’s Construction Development and Innovation Center (CDIC) which focuses on creating sustainable and cutting-edge products that meet the highest global standards. We continuously elevate our innovation game with groundbreaking products, a testament to which is the patent we hold for our 'Fibre Reinforced Cement Composition,' branded as 'Duraguard Microfiber Cement.' This uniquely formulated product features visible fibers that enhance binding, ensuring more durable and longer-lasting construction. Our recent product launches further exemplify our commitment to innovation. The ‘Ecodure Thermal Insulated Concrete’ is formulated with specialized aggregates that offer significantly lower thermal conductivity than conventional concrete. This advanced blend effectively reduces indoor temperatures, providing a sustainable solution to combat the effects of global warming. Similarly, ‘Concreto Uno - Hydrophobic Concrete’ boasts advanced hydrophobic properties combined with our innovative Damp-Lock Formula. This unique concrete redefines construction standards with its remarkably lower permeability compared to standard-grade options, enhancing both the strength and durability of structures and extending their lifespan. Our premium products are meticulously designed to not only enhance aesthetics but also to provide exceptional bonding strength and longevity, setting new benchmarks in the building materials industry.
