Gauteng-based manufacturer of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) products, GFRP Tech has introduced an environmentally sustainable alternative to steel mesh, as its latest product offering to the South African construction market.

Aimed at strengthening foundations, EnviraMesh is available in rolls and can be used to enhance the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. Tailored for heavy-duty applications, including high-load-bearing structures, highway and airport pavements, and reinforced concrete slabs, the new product is corrosion-resistant, non-conductive and electro-magnetic neutral.

“Good construction relies heavily on the quality of its foundation for the durability and the safety of the structure. With EnviraMesh providing three times more strength than traditional steel mesh, we are enhancing the tensile strength of concrete structures, while reducing the risk of cracks. EnviraMesh truly represents a leap forward in the construction industry,” notes GFRP Tech CEO Allen Fiford.

Fiford believes that GFRP Tech’s innovative products will bring more sustainable solutions to the industry, asserting that a move away from steel mesh will help to reduce carbon emissions, enhance quality control and address the impact of the steel industry on the environment.

The production of traditional steel reinforcement usually involves significant energy consumption and Fiford explains that the use of GFRP materials significantly reduces energy usage while also streamlining the construction process, reducing maintenance costs and expanding the lifespan of buildings.

The company says it has seen significant interest in its locally manufactured products, and the company is supplying EnviraMesh to various residential projects.

“EnviraMesh perfectly complements our existing products in the EnviraBar range, which is a lightweight, no-corrosion, superior tensile strength, and high mechanical performance alternative to traditional steel rebar,” adds Fiford.