India’s manufacturing sector is at a pivotal stage – contributing to the growth of the nation’s economy to achieve goals of ‘Make in India’ along with aligning operations in sync with the nation’s overall environmental and sustainability goals.  As India is poised to lead the global industrial resurgence, driven by focus on scaling new heights of excellence, it is imperative that these milestones are achieved with a strategic focus on sustainability practices. 

Given its crucial role in supporting high-temperature industrial processes such as those used in steel, cement, glass production and wherever high-temperature manufacturing is required, the refractory industry is by nature a ‘hard-to-abate’ industry. However, as India strives to meet its UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) for 2030, the refractory industry can play a vital role in contributing to these targets via its adherence to the 3Rs of the circular economy – reduce, reuse and recycle, as it will maximise the use of resources while extending the lifespan of products. A circular business model is in the interest of organizations and the nation. Adopting sustainable practices increases industry’s long-term viability, enhancing market positioning. 

Circularity is most beneficial for the environment since refractories will use recycled materials during production, rather than virgin ones, leading to lower emissions alongside conservation of resources. Reuse of materials also cuts down immensely on waste. For instance, used refractory bricks could be revived via the process of reconditioning. This involves the removal of carbon residue or other hazardous substances from used bricks so they can be reused safely in blast furnaces and allied high-temperature applications. Apart from extending the lifespan of goods, it lowers emissions generated during the manufacture of new items from scratch. 

Coming to the end-of-life recycling of used goods, this prevents them from being dumped in landfills. Some refractory materials typically recycled include basic bricks and insulating firebricks. Recycling ensures some embodied energy is recaptured from used products, which helps prevent environmental pollution. If enablers are provided with a balanced policy ecosystem,  to support the 3Rs ecosystem, the refractory industry can accelerate its contributions to the country’s SDG commitments. 

Further, policies encouraging the reclamation of used refractories backed by their processing and integration into new products can drastically curb waste and the dependence on new raw materials. Institutional incentives and industry partnerships in this domain could also make these practices more practical and cost-effective, driving greater resource efficiency to meet environmental objectives. Moreover, given it’s crucial role, the refractory industry will immensely benefit with policy support in other critical areas to create a conducive environment that ensures tangible and meaningful change. 

R&D initiatives & advancing carbon reduction initiatives

Refractory industry is making significant investments in research and development to advance the best refractory performance while having a specific focus on the efficacy of products from a 3R perspective. Industry is working in-house and through collaborating with research institutions on various initiatives like hydrogen adoption and carbon capture utilization. Policy ecosystem specific to refractory industry to support new technologies, as well as new infrastructure that will benefit a wider industrial decarbonization journey. Furthermore, support through incentivizing adoption of green technologies could further accelerate the segment’s drive to contribute to net-zero emission targets. 

Strengthening sustainable supply chains 

A vibrant, sustainable supply chain is vital for the industry’s long-term growth. Measures to promote supply chain security through sourcing of raw materials and limit transport-related emissions remain highly anticipated. Additionally, the industry should encourage collaborations with environmentally responsible logistics partners that can help lower the sector’s carbon trail while maintaining cost efficiency. 

Nurturing employee and community development  

Environmental concerns apart, the refractory industry’s sustainability efforts include employee and community well-being. Skill development programs that include education towards day-to-day contribution towards sustainable practices in manufacturing facilities will be important for industry going forward. Simultaneously, supportive steps to raise investments in health, safety and educational schemes for local communities will bolster societal development programmes. 

Sustainability in India’s manufacturing sector is more than a strategic choice; it’s an essential requirement. Embracing sustainable practices will also boost global competitiveness, paving the way for long-term success. By implementing energy efficiency measures, incorporating renewable energy sources, and enhancing and adopting waste management practices including through the 3R approach, the manufacturing sector can play a pivotal role in the global transition to a greener economy. The continuous support from government initiatives, along with technological advancements, will further promote the integration of sustainability as a core component of modern manufacturing in India. 

Refractories are an overlooked ‘critical’ global industry, a facilitator of the building blocks of modern society. Accordingly, the refractory industry looks forward to enabling policies that realise the above goals.