Chryso and Ecocem combine their expertise to accelerate the development of low-carbon concrete

Reducing clinker content is now recognised as one of the most effective ways of decarbonising cement. ACT technology, developed by Ecocem, directly addresses this challenge. However, to ensure the optimal durability of concretes produced with ACT technology, admixture solutions must be adapted accordingly. This is precisely where Chryso's expertise in construction chemistry comes into play. In close cooperation with Ecocem, Chryso's R&D teams have developed a new EnviroMix® superplasticiser, that is specifically formulated for use with Ecocem ACT cement. The EnviroMix range, dedicated to low-carbon concrete, has expanded significantly in recent years to support the rapid evolution of cement technologies. EnviroMix® 3150 ACT is the latest milestone in this journey.

Frédéric Guimbal, Vice President Performance Segment, Construction Chemicals at Saint-Gobain, said:

"Decarbonising concrete is not just about developing new cements. It also requires admixture technologies that can unlock their full potential. Leveraging its expertise in construction chemistry, Chryso develops solutions that address the performance and implementation challenges associated with low-carbon concrete. Our ambition is to accelerate the adoption of these solutions on a large scale by providing concrete producers with effective, robust, and easy-to-implement products that integrate seamlessly into industrial production processes."

From cement innovation to concrete innovation

The collaboration between Chryso and Ecocem is based on two complementary innovations. Ecocem ACT is a low-carbon cement technology that can reduce cement carbon emissions by up to 70%. Chryso provides its admixture expertise to adjust to the specific chemistry of this new type of binder, while delivering the essential properties required for concrete production and placement. This collaboration has already resulted in two patent applications being filed, which highlights the innovative nature of the jointly developed solution.

Olivier Guise, Executive Director for Ecocem, said:

"While the decarbonisation of construction necessarily involves innovations in cement, such as Ecocem ACT, it also requires a holistic approach that evolves every component of concrete. Our collaboration with Chryso is a perfect illustration of this vision. Together, we are showing that it is possible to combine a low carbon footprint with high technical performance and ease of use, thereby accelerating the adoption of these new solutions throughout the construction industry." 

Performance tailored to the requirements of low-carbon concrete

When combined with Ecocem ACT cement, EnviroMix 3150 ACT allows concrete mix-designs to reach a reduction in carbon footprint over 50%, corresponding to GWR5 classification and beyond. This highly durable concrete solution offers high flowability and low viscosity, even at low water-to-cement ratios. It is also robust against variations in water content and delivers workability retention of over 90 minutes, which can be further extended without segregation.

A technology already proven on construction sites in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Ecocem ACT technology is currently being used in the refurbishment of the former John Lewis headquarters in London, where nearly 1300 m^³ of low-carbon concrete will have been poured by the end of the year. For this project, C20/25 and C30/37 concrete mixes incorporating Ecocem ACT have been developed. Using EnviroMix 3150 ACT ensured 90 min. workability retention and excellent pumpability. This real-world application provides valuable feedback under actual job-site conditions, representing an important step in the development of this new generation of low-carbon concrete.

Collaboration around Ecocem ACT and EnviroMix 3150 ACT also opens the door to new opportunities, with additional areas of cooperation already being explored to support the continued development of low-carbon cements and concretes.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/02102026/chryso-and-ecocem-combine-their-expertise-to-accelerate-the-development-of-low-carbon-concrete/