JUNE 202519Prasant Kumar Naik, Managing Director of TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd, in an interaction with Industry Outlook, discusses how India's refractory manufacturers are embracing innovations such as bio-based binders, AI-driven predictive analytics, nano-materials, and circular economy practices to reduce carbon emissions, enhance performance, and support sustainable, cost-effective operations in the steel and cement industries. With over three decades of industry experience, Naik brings strong business acumen and expertise in operations, procurement, strategic sourcing, and energy management, having held key leadership roles across production, marketing, sales, and risk management.INDUSTRY INSIGHTSSUSTAINABLE REFRACTORIES: INNOVATIONS DRIVING A GREENER STEEL AND CEMENT INDUSTRYWith stricter carbon regulations in India, how are refractory manufacturers innovating to reduce emissions while maintaining high-performance standards in steel and cement production?Refractory manufacturers in India are actively innovating to reduce emissions while maintaining high-performance standards in steel and cement production. One of the key strategies involve the use of bio-based binders and secondary raw materials, which help in reducing the carbon footprint while maintaining durability in steel and cement refractories. Additionally, advanced refractory coatings and nano-structured materials are being developed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption in kilns and furnaces.Another significant innovation is the adoption of AI-driven predictive analytics, which optimizes refractory lifespan, reduces downtime, and ensures consistent performance in steel and cement plants. Furthermore, scalable solutions are emerging to improve circularity and reduce landfill waste from spent refractories, addressing the limited recycling infrastructure in India.As sustainability pressures rise, how are innovations like bio-based binders and secondary raw materials reducing the carbon footprint while maintaining durability in steel and cement refractories?Bio-based binders and secondary raw materials help in lowering emissions by replacing traditional, carbon-intensive binders with more sustainable alternatives. Bio-based binders, derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and lignin, offer a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional petroleum-based binders. Additionally, secondary raw materials, which include recycled and by-product materials contribute to a circular economy by reducing the need for virgin raw materials and minimizing waste.In the context of steel and cement refractories, these innovations ensure that the performance and durability of the materials are not compromised. For instance, bio-based Prasant Kumar Naik, Managing Director, TRL Krosaki RefractoriesPrasant Kumar Naik, Managing Director
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