Building an innovation-led nation

Commitment to nation-building and self-reliance begins with some of the most extraordinary homegrown innovations

The brilliance of Indian ingenuity knows no bounds. For millennia, Indians have been at the forefront of ideas and innovations that have dramatically altered the course of history. From introducing the concept of ‘zero’ in mathematics to developing life-saving surgical techniques, India has been home to some of the sharpest minds the world has ever seen.
Aditya Birla Group too has been championing this spirit of innovation. In 76 glorious years of independent India, the Group has contributed as a nation-builder. Leading the way across multiple sectors, including aluminium rolling and recycling, carbon black, viscose staple fibre, cement, copper, and chemicals, the Group has played a pivotal role in boosting India’s visibility on the global stage.

Its tireless efforts to expand, diversify, and innovate are in perfect sync with the nation’s collective aspiration for an Atmanirbhar Bharat – a self-reliant India. This Independence Day, the Group takes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of its indigenous innovations that promise not only to transform communities, but also firmly position India as a manufacturing powerhouse.

Revolutionising rail transport with all-aluminium rakes 

In October 2022, the Group’s metals flagship Hindalco unveiled India’s first all-aluminium rake. These marvels of engineering weigh 180 tonnes less than their steel counterparts and have the capacity to transport up to 10% more payload. However, the impact of this innovation extends far beyond the realm of logistics. Being lighter and stronger, each 61-wagon rake is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 14,500 tonnes over its lifetime. With the Indian Railways planning to deploy more than one lakh of these wagons in the coming years, the potential annual CO2 savings could well exceed 25 lakh tonnes – a remarkable step for India’s sustainability and net-zero goals! Recently, it announced a strategic alliance with Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd., a specialised engineering company, to develop and manufacture world-class aluminium rail wagons. As part of the alliance, Hindalco will provide profiles, sheets, and plates of its unique aluminium alloys, along with fabrication and welding expertise.

The leading manufacturer of can body stock in India 

The Group’s acquisition of Novelis in 2007 granted it access to manufacturing technology for can body stock, which was absent in India at the time. Infinitely recyclable, aluminium makes for an exceptionally appealing packaging material, particularly for the beverage industry. Moreover, as a value-added product, can body stock commands a substantial premium over primary aluminium. When the Novelis facility in Rogerstone (Britain) was closed down in 2009, Hindalco relocated the key equipment to its FRP unit in Hirakud, Odisha. This bold move resulted in cost savings of up to 30% for Hindalco and solidified its position as a downstream player. To date, Hirakud FRP proudly remains a leading manufacturer of can body stock in India.

Flame-retardant fibres that safeguard lives 

In June 2023, Birla Cellulose, the Group’s pulp and fibre business, launched a revolutionary breakthrough in textile segment – a first-of-its-kind sustainable, flame-retardant fibre, crafted after extensive research and development efforts. Branded as Birla SaFR, these novel phosphate-based cellulosic fibres have been engineered for use in protective clothing, catering predominantly to professionals employed in defence, emergency response, oil & gas, electrical utility, and manufacturing, who are at high risk of heat-related hazards.

Elevating structural integrity with lighter, stronger concrete 

UltraTech Cement boasts a unique product range known as ‘Very Amazing Concrete’ which stands out for its superior characteristics compared to conventional concrete. A standout offering within this lineup is UltraTech Litecon, an ingenious lightweight concrete meticulously crafted to optimise the structural weight and increase the profitability of real estate projects. Available in both structural and non-structural grades, UltraTech Litecon is up to 50% lighter than conventional filler materials such as sand, which often only contributes to unnecessary dead weight and adds to the overall cost. Infused with polystyrene, Litecon serves as an excellent filler material, proven to enhance structural stability at a low cost.

Sustainable mobility powered by aluminium-air batteries

In alignment with its mission to create a greener, stronger, and smarter world, Hindalco has signed an exclusive partnership with Phinergy, an Israel-based pioneer in metal-air battery technology, and IOP, a joint venture between Phinergy and Indian Oil Corporation, paving the way for green transportation in India. Hindalco will serve as the exclusive supplier of aluminium for Phinergy’s aluminium-air batteries. These batteries work by releasing energy when aluminium reacts with oxygen in the surrounding air to produce aluminium hydroxide. Not only can these batteries significantly extend the driving range of electric vehicles, but they also support quick refuelling, thus eliminating the need for expensive nationwide charging stations. This collaboration with Phinergy and IOP marks a turning point for India’s clean energy revolution, enhancing the nation’s energy security while also making EV adoption convenient for consumers.

As India emerges as a formidable force to be reckoned with, Aditya Birla Group eagerly looks forward to its continued role as a proud partner in nation-building and shaping a better future for communities for years to come.