The total cost of logistics considering inbound and outbound movement can come up to 20 to 25 per cent of cement production cost. This is for companies having good infrastructure such as rail sidings, etc., and who transport 40 to 60 per cent product by rail.

Apart from saving the environment from pollution, use of fly ash in cement and concrete blend actively helps in strengthening the structure. It is no longer just a cement substitute, nor is its use just a way to dispose of waste material.

Though the regulatory systems are yet to evolve and embrace the new construction material, fly ash has already proved its worth in several large-scale construction projects all over the world.

When it comes to using fly ash for construction, Cyrus Pithawala is the first name that comes to our mind. He is one of the pioneers in this field and has played a key role in communicating and establishing the benefits of fly ash blending in the industry.

Availability of good quality fly ash is not an issue. And the methods for testing it are well established as well. Construction leaders have now realised the merits of blending fly ash, and some, like the Marathon Group

Schneider Electric, a specialist of energy management in more than 100 countries, has entered into a strategic partnership with Ramco Systems, an enterprise software product company.

The Indian Cement Industry has witnessed a sea change in its outlook towards environmental consciousness over the last three decades. The industry has taken significant strides towards transforming itself from one of the most polluted industries to a ´Green´ one. Madhavkrishna Singhania outlines the initiatives taken by the industry and the challenges on the way towards a sustainable manufacture.

ICR interacted with Dr Sanjay Bahadur, Global CEO, Construction Chemicals Division of Pidilite Industries, to know about the evolving customer focus of Pidilite.

There is hardly any company engaged in manufacturing that does not need storage space for its raw material or finished goods. From chemicals to automotive parts, and from fabrics to cement manufacturers, all have storage needs unique to their segment. Often these requirements call for novel approaches to the problem while keeping the solutions cost effective. The name Shivji Valji is well known when it comes to such customised solutions. Pratik Shah, General Manager, Shivji Valji, interacts with