As construction and infrastructure projects become larger, more technically demanding and increasingly focused on quality, the role of field service support has evolved far beyond product delivery. Today, experienced technical specialists working directly alongside contractors, concrete producers and project teams have become an essential part of ensuring consistent concrete performance from batching plant to final placement.

Concrete performance is influenced by a wide range of variables including raw material variability, changing environmental conditions, transport times, placing methods and curing practices. Even where premium construction chemicals are specified, achieving the desired results depends on their correct application and ongoing optimisation throughout the life of the project.

This is where Chryso’s technical field service teams add significant value. Rather than providing support only when problems arise, Chryso specialists work proactively with customers from the earliest stages of a project, assisting with mix optimisation, product selection, site trials and performance monitoring. By maintaining a regular presence on site and at batching plants, they are able to identify potential issues before these develop into production delays, quality concerns or unnecessary costs.

According to Cornelius Julyan, Field Services Team Leader at Chryso Southern Africa, technical field service has become one of the most important differentiators in modern concrete construction.

“Construction projects operate under immense pressure to meet demanding quality standards while maintaining programme schedules and controlling costs. Having experienced technical specialists available on site allows challenges to be addressed quickly, ensuring concrete performs as intended under actual operating conditions rather than simply under laboratory conditions,” Julyan says.

Chryso teams understand that every project presents unique conditions. Differences in aggregate characteristics, cement chemistry, water quality, ambient temperatures and logistics all influence concrete behaviour. Continuous monitoring allows admixture dosages and mix designs to be finetuned where necessary, ensuring consistent workability, strength development, durability and finish quality throughout construction.

This technical support becomes particularly valuable on major infrastructure developments, high-rise buildings, industrial facilities and specialised civil engineering projects where concrete specifications are often highly engineered and performance tolerances are extremely tight.

Rapid response is another major advantage, Julyan says. Should unforeseen challenges arise, experienced technicians investigate the root cause immediately and recommend practical corrective actions. This minimises disruption to production, reduces the likelihood of rejected concrete and helps contractors avoid costly delays that can impact overall project schedules.

The information gathered by Chryso’s field teams also creates valuable feedback for customers. Performance observations, testing data and practical site experience help optimise future pours, improve batching consistency and support continuous improvement across multiple projects.

“Successful concrete construction is built on partnership. Our field service teams work alongside customers throughout the project lifecycle, sharing technical knowledge, optimising concrete performance and helping ensure that every load delivered consistently meets the project’s requirements. This collaborative approach gives customers greater confidence, reduces operational risk and ultimately contributes to better project outcomes,” Julyan adds.

Beyond solving technical challenges, regular engagement with customers also supports skills transfer. Chryso specialists work closely with batching personnel, quality control laboratories, contractors and placing crews, helping strengthen understanding of best practice in concrete production and application. This knowledge sharing improves consistency long after individual projects have been completed.

As construction techniques continue to evolve and sustainability targets become increasingly important, field service support is also playing a growing role in helping customers optimise cement content, improve material efficiency and reduce waste without compromising concrete performance.

“For Chryso, technical support in the field is not simply an after-sales function but a strategic extension of our commitment to helping customers deliver safer, more efficient and higher-quality construction projects,” Julyan concludes. “By combining advanced admixture technology with practical on-site expertise, we help ensure that engineered concrete solutions perform reliably under real-world conditions, giving contractors and concrete producers the confidence to deliver projects successfully.”

As infrastructure projects across Southern Africa continue to place increasing emphasis on durability, long-term performance and lifecycle cost efficiency, effective waterproofing at structural joints remains a critical component of quality construction.

Responding to this need, Chryso Southern Africa continues to support the market with ADCOR® 500S, a high-performance hydrophilic waterstop solution engineered to prevent water ingress through concrete construction joints and penetrations.

ADCOR® 500S is a conformable, butyl rubber-based hydrophilic waterstop strip that expands on contact with water. Once fully encapsulated within poured concrete, the controlled expansion creates a robust seal against adjacent concrete faces, effectively preventing water entry into below-ground and other water-sensitive structures.

This makes the product particularly well suited to critical applications such as basements, retaining walls, pile caps, floor slabs, lift pits, tunnels, water-retaining structures and pipe penetrations, where waterproof integrity is essential to long-term structural reliability.

According to Andries Janse Van Rensburg, Specialty Materials Head – Infrastructure BU, Chryso Southern Africa, waterproofing failures at construction joints can have significant implications for structural durability, maintenance costs and operational continuity.

“Water ingress through joints remains one of the most common risks in below-grade and water-retaining concrete structures. ADCOR® 500S provides a highly reliable and technically advanced sealing solution that responds directly to the presence of moisture, creating an active barrier where it is needed most,” Janse Van Rensburg says.

A key differentiator of ADCOR® 500S is its controlled volumetric expansion which reduces the risk of concrete spalling while maintaining cohesive strength after expansion. Unlike conventional bentonite-based systems the product is designed for reproducible swelling performance, even after repeated wet-dry cycles, ensuring long-term sealing integrity in demanding environments.

The product is also highly malleable and conformable, allowing for easy application to irregular substrates and complex concrete profiles. This flexibility simplifies installation on site and supports quality workmanship across a wide range of project conditions.

“With modern infrastructure projects becoming increasingly complex, contractors require waterproofing systems that combine performance with ease of installation,” Janse Van Rensburg explains. “ADCOR® 500S offers both technical reliability and practical site advantages, helping to reduce installation risk while supporting long-term structural durability.”

The waterstop system is designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure of up to 70 metres and delivers a minimum volumetric expansion of 100%, making it particularly effective in high water table environments and critical civil engineering applications.

As part of Chryso Southern Africa’s broader waterproofing and construction chemicals offering, ADCOR® 500S reinforces the company’s focus on delivering advanced, fit-for-purpose solutions that enhance the performance and longevity of infrastructure assets across the region.

Abundant deposits of clay across Africa make limestone calcined clay cement (LC³) a popular lower carbon option for the continent and Chryso Southern Africa is finding innovative solutions to the challenges posed by clay variability. 

While South Africa has access to traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and slag, most African countries need to rely on natural clay deposits to reduce the clinker in cement, according to Chryso Southern Africa’s Research and Development Manager, Mpume Mabaso-Mlalazi. This is driven by the cement industry’s commitment to decarbonise production by reducing the proportion of carbon-intensive clinker in cement. 

“LC³ has the potential to transform cement production across Africa,” Mabaso-Mlalazi argues. “However, this requires that we manage the variability and performance of clay holistically – from raw material selection through to final concrete.”

She highlights that Chryso has invested heavily in research and development into LC³ solutions – analysing over 30 calcined clays to characterise variability in mineralogy, fineness, reactivity and water demand. The company has developed advanced testing methodologies, including a proprietary clay test to assess polymer intercalation and its impact on admixture efficiency. 

“Clays have a high affinity for water but we don’t want excess water in concrete because it compromises strength,” she explains. “Managing that balance therefore becomes critical to the application and scalability of LC³.”

This challenge is closely linked to rheology, or how the material flows, and ultimately impacts both workability and strength development. In addition, interactions between clay particles and chemical admixtures – particularly superplasticisers – can reduce admixture efficiency.

“Where clay absorbs the admixture, much higher dosage may be needed to achieve the same effect,” Mabaso-Mlalazi explains. “This has cost implications for producers, so should be avoided.”

Leveraging this insight, Chryso designs tailored polymer chemistries and specialised product ranges to stabilise performance, control rheology and optimise strength development. Its work bridges laboratory research and industrial application, enabling customised, cost effective solutions that support consistent, scalable adoption of LC³ across diverse raw material conditions.

“Industry is now transitioning from research to industrial deployment, so the need for practical, scalable solutions is becoming increasingly urgent,” she says. “This was highlighted once again at the International Conference on Calcined Clays for Sustainable Concrete (ICCCSC 2026) held earlier this year in Cape Town, which called for more collaboration and real-world implementation support.”

Chryso Southern Africa is well positioned to meet this need, combining global R&D expertise with local application knowledge, she argues. By addressing the technical complexities of LC³ – particularly its variability, rheology and admixture interaction – the company is enabling producers to adopt low clinker systems with confidence.

“By doing this, Chryso is not only supporting decarbonisation targets, but also helping to build a more resilient and sustainable construction ecosystem for Africa,” Mabaso-Mlalazi says. “We make the technology easier to use, more reliable and more affordable, which will ultimately enable the scaling up of LC³.”

Within the Saint-Gobain group, GCP’s internationally recognised waterproofing membrane technologies are setting the standard for reliability and performance in demanding construction applications. Across Africa, these solutions are available through Chryso Southern Africa, offering contractors and engineers a range of advanced products for below-ground and above-ground protection.

Among the leading solutions in the range are BITUTHENE® 3000 and low temperature membrane, PREPRUFE® 120S pre-applied membrane and PREPRUFE® DLM (Detailing Liquid Membrane) – each engineered for specific site conditions to ensure long term waterproofing integrity.

BITUTHENE® 3000 is a self-adhesive high-performance membrane designed for critical waterproofing applications in basements, retaining walls and substructures. It combines a robust cross-laminated HDPE film with a self-adhesive rubberised asphalt layer, providing excellent adhesion, tear resistance and durability. Its proven track record in both commercial and infrastructure projects makes it a go-to choice for challenging environments.

For projects where colder conditions can impact installation, BITUTHENE® Low Temperature Membrane offers the same reliable performance with a special adhesive formulation designed to allow easier handling and application in lower ambient temperatures. This ensures quality results year-round.

The PREPRUFE® 120S Membrane is a fully adhered, pre-applied waterproofing system that forms a permanent bond to concrete, preventing water migration and protecting against ingress even if the membrane is damaged during construction. This feature is particularly valuable for deep basements, tunnels and other below-grade structures where water pressure can be significant.

PREPRUFE® DLM (Detailing Liquid Membrane) has been developed to deliver the same pre-applied fully bonded performance in horizontal applications, offering high durability, chemical resistance and consistent protection for waterproofing details. 

“These membranes are proven in projects worldwide and have been extensively tested in the harsh conditions often encountered locally,” Andries Janse van Rensburg, Specialty Materials Head  Infrastructure BU at Chryso Southern Africa. “Choosing the right membrane is critical to ensuring the service life and performance of a structure, and our technical team works closely with customers to specify the best solution for each application. With these products, contractors benefit from both ease of installation and long-term protection.”

Through Chryso Southern Africa, customers gain access to not only the GCP range but also the technical expertise needed to ensure correct specification, detailing and installation – all essential for avoiding costly failures later in a project’s life.

From commercial basements to large scale civil works, the combination of Chryso’s local support and GCP’s proven technology is providing the South African construction sector with waterproofing membranes that deliver dependable performance in every application.

Chryso is setting a new benchmark in concrete waterproofing across Africa as the first and only supplier of a high performance liquid crystalline waterproofing admixture – Chryso® CWA Liquid 200. This cutting-edge technology is revolutionising how the industry approaches integral waterproofing, delivering long-term protection from within the concrete itself.

When added to cement, Chryso® CWA Liquid 200 chemically reacts with the cement paste to form a non-soluble crystalline structure. This process reduces pore and capillary size throughout the concrete matrix, permanently sealing the structure and preventing water ingress. As a result, the concrete is waterproofed from the inside out, eliminating the need for external membranes, joints or surface treatments.

Patrick Flannigan, Chryso GM Technical and Product Support Management Africa, explains that Chryso® CWA Liquid 200 represents a leap forward in integral waterproofing. “It is not just about preventing water penetration – it is about fundamentally improving the performance, durability and longevity of concrete infrastructure. From a safety, environmental and quality perspective, the benefits over traditional powder-based solutions are significant.”

Using advanced nanotechnology, the liquid admixture offers multiple performance enhancements. These include increased concrete strength and resistance to chloride and sulphate ingress as well as protection against carbonation, chemical attack and freeze-thaw damage. Its ability to self-heal micro-cracks and hairline cracks up to 0.5 mm ensures long-term resilience, even in the most demanding environments.

The product is suitable for a wide range of applications including basements, water tanks, reservoirs, dams, tunnels, wastewater and water treatment plants, swimming pools, marine structures and roads and bridges. Flannigan says that because it is added directly to the concrete mix, it avoids the need for costly and time-consuming surface preparation and is not constrained by weather conditions which is an important advantage for large scale or fast track construction projects.

Another key benefit of Chryso® CWA Liquid 200 is its compatibility with all types of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), making it highly adaptable across different mix designs. It also complements Chryso’s broader range of admixture technologies, providing concrete producers with an integrated performance solution.

“Unlike powder waterproofing products that are manually added at batching plants, our liquid solution is accurately dosed through Chryso dispensing systems,” says Flannigan. “This means improved traceability, consistent quality and reduced health and safety risks associated with powder handling.”

The liquid format also improves concrete workability and can enhance hydration, reducing the need for other admixtures and helping optimise cost control. Importantly, Chryso® CWA Liquid 200 is non-toxic, contains no VOCs and is environmentally friendly – aligning with modern demands for greener construction methods.

“Chryso’s commitment is not only to develop high performance admixtures and construction chemicals but also to support our customers throughout the construction process,” Flannigan adds. “We offer full technical backup, ensuring each mix design is optimised for maximum waterproofing performance.”

With Chryso® CWA Liquid 200, the company is reaffirming its leadership in innovative admixture technology, delivering waterproofing and corrosion protection solutions that extend the life and performance of concrete while helping to meet evolving industry standards for sustainability, safety and efficiency.

As infrastructure networks age and traffic demands increase, the long term protection of bridges, overpasses, culverts and other critical concrete structures has become a top priority for engineers and contractors. 

Within the Saint-Gobain group, GCP’s internationally proven waterproofing technologies – available in South Africa through Chryso Southern Africa – are providing advanced solutions for both new construction and rehabilitation projects. These products, including BITUTHENE® 5000 and ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing, are engineered to extend service life, improve safety and reduce costly maintenance on vital transport infrastructure.

BITUTHENE® 5000 is a heavy duty composite membrane developed for use beneath hot-applied asphalt concrete wearing courses. It incorporates a moisture and water resistant rubberised asphalt layer reinforced with a puncture and heat resistant polypropylene mesh, providing dimensional stability, flexibility and excellent adhesion. 

Supplied in rolls with a protective release paper for easy handling, the membrane is cold applied, requiring no heating or hot bitumen bedding. It is suitable for both new construction and repair applications, offering effective waterproofing for bridges, overpasses and other vehicular traffic structures as well as parking decks.

In rehabilitation projects, BITUTHENE® S5000 strips are recommended for restoring concrete pavements with asphalt overlays, preventing premature deterioration caused by reflection cracking and sub-base erosion. The membrane’s high resistance to water, combined with its ability to remain flexible over extreme service temperatures, ensures performance even during harsh winter cycling over small cracks. 

On structures where detailing is critical, BITUTHENE® Liquid Membranes and BITUTHENE® 5000 Mastic can be used to seal terminations, edges and overlaps, ensuring complete waterproofing integrity.

“BITUTHENE 5000 is designed with the realities of modern infrastructure projects in mind,” Andries Janse van Rensburg, Business Development Manager – Specialty Building Materials at Chryso Southern Africa, says. “Its robust construction, flexibility and proven ability to withstand extreme conditions make it a trusted choice for protecting concrete structures against water ingress and deterioration. The fact that it is cold applied means faster, safer and more consistent installation on site.”

The ELIMINATOR® Bridge Deck Waterproofing membrane offers equally impressive performance for steel and concrete bridges which are constantly exposed to water, chlorides and frost – conditions that can lead to deterioration and even structural failure. 

This cold spray-applied system is based on ESSELAC® advanced resin technology, creating a fully bonded composite layer between the bridge deck, waterproof membrane and asphalt surfacing. The result is a membrane that withstands punishing climate conditions and heavy traffic loads while maintaining its bond and integrity. 

ELIMINATOR® can be applied in virtually any climate, curing in just one hour even in high humidity or low temperatures, preventing costly weather delays and allowing for greater scheduling flexibility. A two colour application process enables on-the-spot quality assurance, while the membrane’s ability to withstand asphalt surfacing temperatures up to 250°C eliminates overcoating time constraints and accelerates project completion.

“ELIMINATOR has a proven global record of protecting thousands of bridges over decades of service,” Janse van Rensburg adds. “Its rapid curing time, adaptability to almost any climate and long term durability are significant advantages for contractors and road authorities who cannot afford prolonged closures or recurring maintenance. It is a cost effective way to protect the substantial investments made in these essential structures.”

With proven track records on thousands of bridge and concrete structures worldwide, both BITUTHENE® 5000 and ELIMINATOR® provide engineers and contractors with reliable long lasting waterproofing systems. Supplied in South Africa by Chryso Southern Africa, these GCP technologies safeguard critical infrastructure against water ingress, chloride attack and freeze-thaw damage, extending service life, enhancing safety and reducing the long term costs associated with maintenance and repair.

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.”

An upward trend in the use of surface retarders in South Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector is shining a spotlight on the increasing popularity of exposed aggregate concrete finishes. According to Michelle Fick of Chryso Southern Africa, this trend reflects a growing appreciation for both the aesthetic and functional benefits that exposed aggregate offers.

“Exposed aggregate is no longer just a decorative finish; it’s being adopted across a wide range of applications from pavements and driveways to architectural facades and public infrastructure,” says Fick. “The textured non-slip surface offers a safer option for high traffic zones, while the natural stone aesthetic enhances the visual appeal of buildings and outdoor spaces.”

The finish is also ideal for preparing concrete surfaces that will receive a subsequent layer. Whether it is a waterproofing membrane, screed or cladding, the roughened texture created by the exposed aggregate allows for superior bonding, improving the durability and lifespan of the entire system. This makes it a preferred solution not only in aesthetic applications but also where structural performance is key.

Chryso Southern Africa offers surface retarders designed specifically to meet these evolving needs. The company’s products facilitate reliable consistent exposure of the aggregate to the required depth – up to a maximum of 3 mm – ensuring a uniform and high quality result. This is essential for specialist applicators who rely on precision and repeatability, particularly in large-scale or architecturally sensitive projects.

“The simplicity of the application process is another advantage,” Fick explains. “After the concrete is poured, the surface retarder must be applied evenly before the concrete begins to set. Following a predetermined curing period the surface is washed with water, removing the top layer of cement paste and revealing the aggregate below. A final sealant is then applied to enhance the surface’s durability and finish.”

Sealants can be selected to suit different environments and project need including internal and external use, UV resistance and finishes ranging from matte to high-gloss. This flexibility allows architects and contractors to customise the final appearance while ensuring long term performance.

Significantly, Chryso was the first manufacturer to offer a mineral solvent-free water-based retarder designed to prevent soil and groundwater pollution during the cleaning of treated concrete. The product contains no toxic substances, is 85% biodegradable, classified as harmless and complies with EEC Directives 88/379 and 93/18.

Fick notes that Chryso’s surface retarders are developed with the applicator in mind, offering not only technical consistency but also ease of use in site conditions that can often be challenging. “Our retarders provide reliable performance even under variable temperature and humidity conditions, which is critical for projects with tight timelines and complex environmental demands.”

With sustainability and safety continuing to drive specification choices in the built environment, the use of exposed aggregate finishes is expected to grow. “The combination of visual impact, surface durability, slip resistance and improved bonding makes it a smart choice for both new builds and renovations,” Fick concludes. “As the trend gains momentum, we are committed to supporting the market with reliable solutions that ensure consistent high quality results.”

As urban spaces evolve and developers seek more creative yet practical finishes, the role of surface retarders – and particularly exposed aggregate – is likely to become even more prominent in shaping the look and functionality of tomorrow’s concrete structures.

With growing demand for buildings that are not only functional but also visually striking, Chryso is helping customers reshape the face of concrete. Driven by technological advancements and a strong appreciation for architectural innovation, the company offers a broad portfolio of solutions that ensure concrete is both durable and beautiful.

According to Michelle Fick, Business Unit Development Manager for Concrete Aesthetics at Chryso Southern Africa, customers now have access to a wide range of innovative products tailored to various applications. “To achieve the desired aesthetic impact, it is essential to consider how the concrete is applied,” says Fick. “That is why we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, including surface retarders, integral pigments, surface treatments, curing compounds and demoulding oils.”

These products can be used in combination to enhance even the most basic concrete features such as pillars or floors, ensuring that aesthetics are never overlooked, regardless of the project’s scale or complexity. 

One of the most common requirements in aesthetic concrete applications is colour consistency. Chryso’s integral iron oxide pigments provide vibrant durable colour throughout the concrete mass – so even chips or abrasions won’t reveal an underlying colour difference.

Surface quality is another priority. Chryso’s plasticisers and superplasticisers improve the workability and flow of the concrete mix, reducing surface defects and ensuring a smooth high quality finish. To further strengthen and enhance surface performance, the company also offers densifiers and hardeners that provide improved abrasion resistance. Additionally, its release agents support a clean separation from formwork, enabling a high class finish with consistent colour and texture.

Texture also plays a vital role in the visual appeal of concrete. Viscosity modifying admixtures like CHRYSO® Quad 20 improve cohesion, preventing issues such as segregation or honeycombing. 

Efflorescence – the white powdery residue that can appear on concrete surfaces – is a common challenge that Chryso tackles with products like CHRYSO® Fuge B, an integral waterproofing admixture that blocks pores and reduces the risk of moisture ingress. The company also offers water-repellent surface treatments, such as dry-coat sealers, which prevent water from reacting with free lime  – the cause of efflorescence.

Surface finishing is key to consistency, and CHRYSO® FiniSafe can be applied just before the final finishing operation to enhance surface uniformity. Fick stresses that the success of any aesthetic concrete application depends on best practice. “Consistent batch control, quality materials and correct curing techniques are essential,” she says. “We always recommend proper concrete trials before commencing a project, especially for large-scale applications, to confirm the best combination of admixtures and placement methods.”

Chryso takes a collaborative approach, working closely with customers from planning to execution to ensure outstanding aesthetic outcomes. “Our innovations are designed to make concrete beautiful,” concludes Fick. “But it is our hands-on support that helps customers unlock their full creative and architectural potential.”

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.