Concrete goals for Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals

Posted on 9 December 2025 at 13:33

Concrete goals for Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals

From tunnels to towers, Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals (SGCC) is helping reshape construction with better concrete and bold innovation.

Concrete is everywhere – from bridges and tunnels to homes and hospitals.
But it comes with a heavy environmental cost: it’s responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions. That’s why SGCC is on a mission to change how the world builds – starting with the very material we rely on most.

“We have to find ways to make concrete more sustainable,” says James Mills, Senior Marketing Manager, SGCC UK & Ireland.

SGCC tackles this challenge through two primary chemical solutions. Cement additives are used during production to reduce the carbon footprint of cement itself, while concrete admixtures are applied on-site to adjust performance. These admixtures enable the use of lower-carbon cement blends and alternative materials like recycled aggregates and locally sourced sands.

“They also allow precise adjustment of concrete’s properties to achieve the performance characteristics needed for each specific application and scenario,” James told Skyline.

SGCC’s approach is already making a difference. A standout example is Fosroc UK’s work on the A19 Tees Viaduct, which earned the Environment and Sustainability Award at Construct Day 2025. The project highlights SGCC’s commitment to delivering durable, high-performance infrastructure that meets today’s challenges.

Building for the future
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon – it’s about making structures last. SGCC’s products help extend the life of buildings and infrastructure, reducing the need for costly and carbon-heavy replacements.

Fosroc’s technologies, for example, are designed to repair and protect concrete, making it more durable and resilient. “Durability is a big part of how we contribute to sustainability,” adds James.

The focus now is on large-scale infrastructure projects – bridges, tunnels, highways – where concrete is irreplaceable. This pivot is both strategic and stabilising. “Infrastructure is dramatically different,” James explains, “this diversification ensures financial resilience. We've been growing rapidly in construction chemicals because we're focused more on infrastructure.”

Over the past four years, SGCC has expanded its global presence through a series of strategic acquisitions, including Chryso, GCP Applied Technologies, and Fosroc. The division now operates in 76 countries with 54 additional production sites, reinforcing its leadership in construction chemicals. This combined strength allows SGCC to support the entire life cycle of a structure, from groundworks to long-term protection, and from repair to recycle – an essential contribution to sustainable building.

Digital innovation
SGCC is also modernising quality assurance with digital tools. Verifi (internet-connected sensors) monitors concrete properties during transit, while Maturix uses embedded sensors to track curing, temperature, and strength on-site. These technologies provide clients and contractors with real-time data, improving accountability and reducing waste. SGCC’s early involvement in project specifications – especially in waterproofing and groundworks – positions it as a vital partner within the wider Saint-Gobain group.

“Ultimately, SGCC's extensive portfolio proves its fundamental alignment with Saint-Gobain’s vision of making the world a better home and leading in light and sustainable construction,” says James. “The SGCC division is a very smart move by Saint-Gobain, creating a diverse, high-performance platform.”

In just a few years, through a series of strategic acquisitions, SGCC has positioned itself as a global leader – championing innovation, resilience, and long-term value in the construction industry.

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