India’s core sector industries are growing at an amazing pace due to increased spending in infrastructure, housing and also boost in production of automobile, white goods etc. Refractories, which remains a silent driver of steel, cement, copper, aluminium, glass production as also witnessed significant growth in the past few years. Domestic refractory industry now has a turnover of Rs. 20,000 crore plus while its production touches almost 2 million tonnes.

Globally, green house gas emission remains a challenge which is particularly true for core sector industries which contribute to this process as a response, scientists and technocrats are working to realign production along green route for which we see steel making with hydrogen, increased focus on recycling and scrap usage, usage of cleaner fuel etc. Refractories have dual role to play in this critical move:

i. Reduce GHG emissions of its own production process.
ii. Help reduce the GHG emissions of its user industries.

Already a number of Indian refractory makers, both Indian and abroad have developed various innovative solutions to address this issue which includes cleaner fire and technology, value added recycled raw materials etc. in the production site and increased lining life, retention of heat at the process site. The theme of IREFCON 2026 is “Innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow” where scientists, R&D experts, business leaders across the globe will assemble to discuss deliberate and assimilate knowledge on the aforementioned issues.