20/04/2026
As discussions deepen at the "Brainstorming Workshop on Decarbonising the Indian Brick Industry", some clear and actionable directions are emerging:
One of the most agreed-upon shifts is the move from FCBTK to zig-zag technology. While the direction is clear, the bigger question is what follows, resource optimisation, fuel transitions, and system readiness will determine how far this shift can go.
A particularly strong insight from the finance and market discussions was that material substitution is not just a decarbonisation lever, but a socio-economic one, with the potential to drive local jobs and economic resilience.
At the same time, a critical barrier persists: the โpakkaโ perception gap. The challenge is less about technology and more about trust, awareness, and market acceptance. There is also a growing push to build a finance-led ecosystem, one that moves beyond pilots to create proof of scale, using tools like blended finance, microfinance, carbon credits, and targeted incentives to unlock adoption.
From a policy perspective, a key concern remains the informality of the sector, which limits regulatory reach, access to finance, and data visibility. Strengthening data systems through GST, MSME, and SPCB linkages, along with mandatory technology shifts, fuel regulations, and stronger local enforcement, emerged as critical priorities.
The social discussions brought forward equally important realities. Low awareness of schemes, limited portability of benefits, and gaps in technical literacy continue to affect workers. As the sector transitions, there is a clear need to invest in upskilling, formal training pathways, and better communication on risks such as heat stress.
Across sessions, one message is clear:
the transition will not be driven by technology alone, it will depend on aligning markets, finance, policy, and people.
More insights to follow. Watch this space.
