As the construction industry intensifies its focus on sustainability, a common challenge has been balancing lower carbon emissions with the need for fast-paced project delivery. Chryso is addressing this issue with its EnviroMix® range – a solution that allows for the use of low-carbon concrete without sacrificing early strength performance.

“Reducing the carbon footprint of buildings is no longer optional – it is becoming a priority for developers and specifiers,” says Patrick Flannigan, Chryso GM Technical and Product Support Management Africa. “But traditional methods for lowering embodied carbon, such as replacing ordinary Portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), typically slow down early strength development.”

This trade-off can cause costly delays on site as slower strength gain means formwork and scaffolding must remain in place longer. It also limits turnaround time in precast manufacturing, where production speed is key to profitability.

Chryso’s EnviroMix® range effectively resolves this challenge. Designed to support concrete mixes with high SCM content – such as fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag – EnviroMix® ensures that early strength targets are still reliably achieved. This allows for quicker demoulding, formwork removal and overall project momentum, without compromising sustainability goals.

“The economic impact of delayed early strength is significant,” Flannigan explains. “Whether it's slowing down a construction schedule or reducing precast output, it affects profitability. EnviroMix® gives contractors and manufacturers the ability to keep to their deadlines while using greener materials.”

Backed by a strong global track record, Chryso’s low-carbon solutions were responsible for avoiding 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2023 alone. The company’s laboratories also offer customised formulations, tailored to the variability of locally sourced SCMs, ensuring consistent results.

“With EnviroMix, sustainable concrete no longer means a compromise on productivity or quality,” says Flannigan. “It is a vital step toward greener construction – made practical, reliable and economically viable.”