Chryso and Ecocem Combine Expertise to Accelerate Low-Carbon Concrete Development
Chryso and Ecocem are combining their expertise in cement technology and construction chemistry to accelerate the development and adoption of high-performance, low-carbon concrete.
Unveiled at BATIMAT 2026, the new solution combines Ecocem ACT low-carbon cement technology with EnviroMix® 3150 ACT, a new admixture solution developed jointly by Chryso and Ecocem.
The collaboration is designed to simplify the formulation, production and placement of low-carbon concrete while maintaining the performance and durability required for modern construction projects.
Reducing clinker content to lower concrete carbon emissions
Reducing the amount of clinker used in cement is recognised as an important way of reducing cement and concrete carbon emissions.
Ecocem’s ACT technology has been developed to address this challenge by enabling the production of lower-carbon cement. However, reducing clinker content can also create new challenges when developing concrete mixes, particularly in achieving the required durability, workability and performance.
This is where Chryso’s expertise in construction chemicals and concrete admixtures comes into play.
Working closely with Ecocem, Chryso’s R&D teams have developed EnviroMix® 3150 ACT, a new superplasticiser specifically formulated for use with Ecocem ACT cement technology.
The new product expands Chryso’s EnviroMix® range of admixture solutions designed to support the development of low-carbon concrete as cement technologies continue to evolve.
“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.”
Frédéric Guimbal, Vice President Performance Segment, Construction Chemicals – Saint-Gobain
Combining low-carbon cement and concrete admixture technology
The collaboration between Chryso and Ecocem brings together two complementary technologies.
Ecocem ACT is a low-carbon cement technology that, according to Ecocem, can reduce cement carbon emissions by up to 70%.
Chryso has applied its expertise in concrete admixtures to develop a solution adapted to the specific chemistry of this type of binder, while supporting the properties required for concrete production and placement.
The companies say the collaboration has already resulted in two patent applications, highlighting the development work behind the jointly created solution.
“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.”
Olivier Guise, Executive Director – Ecocem
EnviroMix® 3150 ACT designed for low-carbon concrete
When used in combination with Ecocem ACT cement, EnviroMix® 3150 ACT allows concrete mix designs to achieve a reported carbon footprint reduction of more than 50%, corresponding to GWP5 classification and beyond.
The low-carbon concrete solution is designed to provide high durability together with high flowability and low viscosity, including at low water-to-cement ratios.
According to Chryso and Ecocem, the formulation also provides robustness against variations in water content and offers more than 90 minutes of workability retention. This can be extended further while maintaining resistance to segregation.
These characteristics are intended to help concrete producers incorporate lower-carbon cement technologies into existing production and construction processes without compromising the practical requirements of concrete placement.
Ecocem ACT technology used on UK construction project
The technology is already being applied on a construction project in the United Kingdom.
Ecocem ACT is being used in the refurbishment of the former John Lewis headquarters in London, where nearly 1,300m³ of low-carbon concrete is expected to have been poured by the end of 2026.
For the project, C20/25 and C30/37 concrete mixes incorporating Ecocem ACT have been developed.
The use of EnviroMix® 3150 ACT on the project provided 90-minute workability retention and pumpability, according to the companies.
The application provides an opportunity to assess the low-carbon concrete technology under real construction-site conditions and gather practical feedback on its production, transportation and placement.
Supporting the wider adoption of low-carbon concrete
The collaboration between Chryso and Ecocem reflects the wider development of technologies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of cement and concrete while maintaining the performance required by the construction industry.
Rather than focusing solely on cement composition, the companies are combining low-carbon cement technology with advanced admixture solutions to address the complete concrete mix.
Further areas of cooperation between Chryso and Ecocem are already being explored, with the companies aiming to support the continued development and implementation of low-carbon cement and concrete technologies across the construction industry.
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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
