The Micro Pellet Plant, the first of its kind in SAIL, has been established on a Construct, Operate and Maintain (COM) basis by M/s Shri Jagannath Steels & Power Ltd. The project has been set up with the objective of converting waste fines generated during the steelmaking process into value-added micro pellets for use in RSP’s sinter plants, thereby promoting circular economy and environmental sustainability and was commissioned ahead of targeted schedule.

Notably, the plant will process waste fines such as SMS and Blast Furnace sludges, ESP and bag filter dust, and other micron-sized iron-bearing materials that have accumulated over the years. Through a specialized agglomeration process, these materials will be converted into micro pellets of 1–6 mm size, making them suitable for utilization in the sinter making process.

The commissioning of the facility marks a major milestone in RSP’s journey towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable operations. Besides mitigating environmental concerns associated with waste disposal, the plant will enable recovery and reuse of valuable constituents such as iron (Fe), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), thereby reducing raw material consumption and enhancing overall process efficiency.

The Centre for Engineering & Technology (CET), Ranchi, served as the consultant for the project.

This industry-academia collaboration effectively combines PVUNL’s operational expertise with IIM Ranchi’s research and management capabilities to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable solutions. Under the leadership and vision of Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director of IIM Ranchi, the initiative highlights immense potential for joint research, executive education, and capacity building. Together, both institutions are working to turn industrial waste into wealth, transforming challenges into lasting economic opportunities while contributing meaningfully toward the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

#PVUNL #NTPC #IIMRanchi #CircularEconomy #AshUtilization #Innovation #Sustainability #ViksitBharat2047 #CleanEnergy #PowerSector

The seminar brought together over 70 delegates from 35 organisations representing the road construction, infrastructure, research, and policymaking ecosystem. The discussions focused on how recycling technologies can help improve resource efficiency, reduce project costs, and support sustainable road development in India.

With material costs continuing to rise and sustainability becoming a key priority for infrastructure projects, the event provided a platform for industry experts to exchange insights on the wider adoption of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and other recycling technologies.

The seminar featured presentations from industry and academic experts, including Mr. Prasad Dayal, General Manager, Ammann India, Mr. Martinho J. Fernandes, Assistant Vice President and Product Head, Asphalt Plants, Ammann India, Dr. Dharamveer Singh, Professor at IIT Bombay, Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Former Director, CSIR-CRRI, Dr. Ramya Sri Mullapudi, Assistant Professor, IIT Hyderabad, and Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pandey, Independent Director, Vertis Infrastructure Trust. The sessions explored a range of topics related to sustainable road construction, including asphalt recycling technologies, high RAP utilisation, pavement recycling practices, rejuvenator technologies, evolving policy frameworks, and the future of asphalt recycling in India.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Dheeraj Panda, Managing Director, Ammann India, said, “The defining question for India’s road construction industry over the next decade will not be how much infrastructure we build, but how much value we can create while consuming fewer virgin resources. The industry’s competitive advantage will increasingly come from innovation, circularity, and technology-led resource optimisation. Solutions such as Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) represent a fundamental shift in how we think about road assets as resources which can be renewed. Collaboration between industry, policymakers, researchers, and technology providers are critical to enable an ecosystem for recycling. Through discussions like these Ammann aims to achieve this and make recycling an integral part of road construction in India.”

Experts highlighted the growing potential of RAP to reduce dependence on virgin raw materials while maintaining pavement quality and performance and shared interesting insights on how advanced RAP technologies can substantially reduce virgin aggregate consumption, lower fuel consumption and generate cost savings. Participants also discussed pathways to increase recycling rates in India through greater technology adoption, policy support, and industry awareness.

The seminar also highlighted the significant opportunities for recycling-led road construction in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where continued investments in transportation infrastructure are driving demand for advanced construction technologies.

Ammann India commands an estimated 50% market share across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and has supported several road infrastructure projects in the region. Through its technology portfolio and local presence, the company continues to work closely with contractors and project stakeholders to advance sustainable road construction practices.

At the national level, Ammann India remains at the forefront of asphalt recycling innovation.

The seminar concluded with a shared commitment from participants to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the adoption of recycling technologies, reinforcing the role of sustainable construction practices in meeting India’s growing infrastructure needs.

The three award-winning products include:

• Easy Seal Peel CPP Film (HST-1 (LSR) CPP) – Winner under the Commercial Innovation category
• High Shrink PET Film (SSPF-0) – Winner under the Commercial Innovation category
• High Shrink PETG Film with 30% PCR Content (rHSPF-0) – Winner under the Commercial Sustainability category

The FIPSA Awards recognise packaging innovations that are better to use, efficient to produce, and safer for the environment. The recognition highlights Cosmo Films’ strong focus on advancing responsible packaging through product innovation, material efficiency, and sustainable design.

The Easy Seal Peel CPP Lidding Film has been developed to offer superior sealing performance along with easy peelability, enhancing consumer convenience while maintaining packaging integrity. The High Shrink PET Film delivers excellent shrink performance and aesthetics, enabling brands to achieve superior shelf appeal and operational efficiency. The High Shrink PETG Film with 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content supports circular economy objectives by incorporating recycled content without compromising performance, making it a sustainable solution for modern packaging applications.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Kulbhushan Malik, Global Business Head, Cosmo Films, said, “We are honoured to receive three FIPSA 2026 Awards, which reaffirm our commitment to developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. At Cosmo Films, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, and these recognitions reflect our continuous efforts to create products that not only deliver superior performance but also contribute towards a more responsible packaging ecosystem. We remain committed to partnering with brands across industries to help them achieve their packaging and sustainability goals.”

The awards further strengthen Cosmo Films’ position as a leading specialty films manufacturer focused on delivering high-value, future-ready packaging solutions. With sustainability becoming a key priority for brands and consumers alike, the company continues to invest in research and development to create innovative products that support resource efficiency, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact.