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, MD 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.”