JK Cement Ltd has achieved a major milestone in sustainable construction by becoming the first company in India and the broader subcontinent to commercially launch Portland Calcined Clay Limestone Cement, also known as LC3. The product rollout took place at the company’s Mangrol unit in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, and marks a significant step toward decarbonizing the cement industry.
Key Highlights of the Launch
- JK Cement’s LC3 is manufactured under the IS 18189:2023 standard and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards
- The cement blend comprises 50 percent clinker, 30 percent calcined clay, and 15 percent limestone, offering up to 40 percent lower carbon emissions compared to Ordinary Portland Cement
- The product is designed for large-scale infrastructure projects and aligns with India’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement
- The launch reinforces JK Cement’s commitment to sustainable innovation and circular economy principles
This development positions JK Cement as a pioneer in low-carbon cement technology, with implications for both environmental impact and long-term cost efficiency.
Sustainability and Strategic Vision
- The LC3 initiative is part of JK Cement’s broader sustainability framework built on four pillars: decarbonization, circular economy, resource efficiency, and innovation
- By reducing clinker content and utilizing abundant raw materials like clay and limestone, LC3 minimizes energy consumption and carbon footprint
- The cement’s durability and resistance to chloride and sulfate attacks make it ideal for coastal and high-moisture environments
- The company aims to supply LC3 to marquee infrastructure projects across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh
These efforts reflect a strategic shift toward climate-conscious construction and long-term resilience in building materials.
Technology and Industry Collaboration
- LC3 is the result of over a decade of research and collaboration between Indian institutions and Swiss partners, including EPFL and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
- The IS 18189:2023 standard was developed through joint efforts involving IIT Delhi, TARA, and other stakeholders to ensure performance and safety benchmarks
- JK Cement’s adoption of LC3 follows successful pilot trials and raw material procurement across its operational sites
- The company’s move complements similar initiatives by JK Lakshmi Cement and other players exploring calcined clay technology
This cross-border collaboration highlights the role of global partnerships in accelerating sustainable industrial transformation.
Market Potential and Competitive Edge
- India’s cement industry accounts for nearly 8 percent of global CO2 emissions, making LC3 a timely and impactful innovation
- With declining availability of fly ash and slag, LC3 offers a scalable alternative for supplementary cementitious materials
- JK Cement’s early adoption gives it a competitive edge in public procurement and green building certifications
- The company is expected to benefit from rising demand for low-carbon materials in infrastructure, real estate, and government-backed projects
LC3’s market viability is supported by regulatory momentum and growing awareness of climate risks in construction.
Outlook and Future Expansion
- JK Cement plans to expand LC3 production capacity based on demand and regulatory support, including potential retrofitting of existing kilns
- The company is engaging with developers, contractors, and policymakers to promote LC3 adoption across India
- Further R&D is underway to optimize mix designs and explore regional sourcing of calcined clay
- The launch sets the stage for broader deployment of LC3 in South Asia and other emerging markets
As India pushes toward net-zero targets, JK Cement’s LC3 initiative could serve as a blueprint for sustainable industrial growth.
Conclusion
JK Cement’s launch of Portland Calcined Clay Limestone Cement marks a transformative moment for India’s construction sector. By combining environmental stewardship with technical innovation, the company is leading the charge toward greener infrastructure. With regulatory backing, industry collaboration, and a clear strategic vision, LC3 is poised to redefine the future of cement in India and beyond.
Sources: Reuters, Business Upturn, CemNet, RMI India, JK Cement investor disclosures, Economic Times, Investing.com India, Bureau of Indian Standards IS 18189:2023 documentation
