Zerund Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. is revolutionizing the construction industry with its eco-friendly, lightweight bricks that not only offer high strength and durability but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Since its inception in 2018, Zerund has made significant strides in producing cost efficient, earthquake and fire resistant bricks that have proven to save both time and money.
Zerund’s bricks stand out for their use of plastic waste and other industrial byproducts, reducing the carbon footprint of traditional construction practices while offering a viable solution to the growing global waste crisis.
A Revolutionary Start in Construction
Zerund’s journey began as a college project in Assam, India, where founders Rupam Choudhury, Mousum Talukdar, and David Pratim Gogoi, all civil engineers from Assam Engineering College, developed a solution to the pressing challenges of waste management and carbon emissions in the brick manufacturing industry.
Through rigorous research and innovation, they created a lightweight brick composed of 70% waste materials such as plastic waste and fly ash, offering an alternative to the high-emission red clay bricks that dominate the market.
By 2024, Zerund’s production capacity had expanded to 50,000 cubic meters annually, driven by the increasing demand for their eco-friendly and sustainable products.
Their lightweight bricks have been particularly well-received, reducing construction time by 25% and saving up to 30% in costs for builders, without compromising quality.
Eco-Friendly Innovation: Turning Waste into Wealth
One of Zerund’s key contributions is its use of plastic waste in the production of its bricks.
India produces a staggering 9.5 million tons of plastic annually, most of which ends up in landfills or polluting oceans.
Zerund has set an ambitious goal of converting over 10,000 tons of plastic and industrial waste per year into building materials.
This not only helps combat the country’s mounting plastic pollution crisis but also provides a sustainable alternative to traditional red clay brick production, which is responsible for 42.64 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Zerund’s innovative approach minimizes environmental impact at every stage of production.
Unlike conventional bricks, which rely on fertile agricultural soil and consume vast amounts of energy, Zerund bricks use industrial byproducts and require significantly less energy to manufacture.
Moreover, their bricks are designed to have minimal water absorption, preventing issues such as cracks and structural weakening, which are common in conventional building materials.
A Product with Multiple Benefits
Zerund bricks offer a range of features that set them apart from traditional materials.
Their lightweight nature—50% lighter than red clay bricks—makes them easier to handle, reducing construction time and labor costs.
Additionally, these bricks exhibit higher compressive strength and fire resistance, providing builders and homeowners with a safe and reliable option for construction.
In fact, Zerund’s bricks boast 1.4 times more fire resistance than standard clay bricks, ensuring enhanced protection in the event of a disaster.
Another unique feature of Zerund bricks is their ability to provide excellent sound and heat insulation.
This makes them ideal for buildings requiring such properties, like hospitals, auditoriums, and commercial spaces.
Zerund bricks also offer superior earthquake resistance due to their reduced mass, a critical factor in earthquake-prone regions like Northeast India.
Social and Economic Impact
In line with its mission to drive sustainable development, Zerund is committed to supporting local communities and promoting green building practices.
Zerund organizes regular “Mason Meets,” providing hands-on training to construction workers on the proper use of their products.
These sessions include live demonstrations and discussions on new technologies, empowering workers to adopt best practices in green construction.
Zerund’s eco-friendly bricks have gained significant traction across various sectors in India.
The company’s products have been used in projects like the Assam Secretariat, where high heat and sound insulation are essential, and in low-cost housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana initiative.
Public sector undertakings like Numaligarh Refinery Limited also favor Zerund’s bricks for their strength and sustainability, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.
A Vision for the Future
Zerund’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products.
The company actively works towards reducing its carbon footprint by continually improving its manufacturing processes and expanding its use of recycled materials.
Looking ahead, Zerund plans to introduce new products like the Zerund Premix, a polymer technology-based admixture that will further reduce raw material and water usage in the brick manufacturing process.
As Zerund continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its vision of providing top-quality, eco-friendly solutions to the construction industry.
By turning waste into wealth and reducing the environmental impact of building practices, Zerund is not only building stronger homes but also a cleaner, greener future for the next generation.
