As Africa’s construction industry embraces greener practices in meeting its infrastructure needs, CHRYSO is on board with a rebranded focus on sustainability.

Having merged with GCP Applied Technologies under the Saint-Gobain banner, Chryso’s new identity reflects its commitment to eco-friendly innovation, according to Sibu Hlatshwayo, Managing Director of Chryso Southern Africa. This focus is at the core of its mission to responsibly support Africa’s infrastructure growth.

“We are addressing local needs while helping customers reduce CO₂ emissions,” says Hlatshwayo. “Our new green branded identity signals our dedication to pioneering the future of construction by creating practical, sustainable solutions.”

He highlights that Chryso’s approach centres around four pillars: innovation, proximity, partnership and sustainability. An example of its innovative edge is the Chryso® Quad Range, which allows contractors to use local aggregates that fall below traditional standards, to minimise transport distances and reduce carbon emissions.

“Our Chryso Quad app complements our technical capability, guiding users to the best products based on specific aggregate characteristics, while our clay testing kit helps ensure quality results,” he explains. “Our Chryso EnviroAdd Range further reduces the environmental impact of construction by lowering clinker content in concrete mixes, as clinker is one of cement’s most energy-intensive components.”

Another breakthrough is Chryso’s innovations related to limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), a more sustainable alternative to traditional cement that blends limestone and clay to produce a greener concrete.

“Proximity is also a critical aspect of CHRYSO’s strategy, as we consider ourselves as a ‘multi-local’ business – rather than just multinational,” he says. “Our African footprint is well equipped to meet specific local needs with our facilities and our sales and technical support teams. By expanding our network of local laboratories – recently opening a new facility in Kenya, for instance – we can test raw materials locally and quickly to provide optimised solutions.”

Through more localised production, such as its manufacture of cement additives in Ghana, customers have the advantage of quicker turnaround times and reduced logistics costs, as well as the convenience of purchasing in local currency.

“CHRYSO is also driven by a passion for collaboration,” says Hlatshwayo. “Climate change requires a united approach, so we work with partners across the construction ecosystem to enhance our impact.”

Sustainability is at the heart of Chryso’s mission, and the company shares both admixture solutions and specialised knowledge to help customers to reduce their environmental footprint. The Chryso Academy is a valuable resource in this mission, offering courses to contractors, universities and other stakeholders to promote sustainable construction.

He concludes that sustainability needs to include renewed attention on the circular economy, as Africa’s rapid urbanisation is demanding increased recycling of concrete. This is another area where Chryso admixtures are playing their role.