MBT presents tech-driven, sustainable, low-clinker construction chemicals

This interaction explores MBT’s innovative construction chemicals portfolio and sustainable, high-performing offerings customised for the Indian market.

Can you walk us through your products under the “construction chemicals” portfolio?
Our product portfolio for buildings and tunnels includes cement additives, concrete repair and protection systems, waterproofing solutions, grouting systems, flooring systems, sealants and adhesives, concrete durability enhancers, and specialised solutions. With several polycarboxylate ether (PCE)-based concrete admixtures to our credit, Master2Core is our latest innovation, which leaves a much lower carbon footprint in concrete works compared to concrete with conventional superplasticizers.

What are the key challenges faced by the construction chemicals market in India?  
Limited awareness among small-scale contractors and builders about the benefits of construction chemicals, coupled with resistance to change, hampers market adoption. Cost sensitivity and the perception of high prices often lead to prioritising short-term savings over long-term benefits. The fragmented market, with varying quality standards and intense competition further complicates the landscape. Supply chain inefficiencies, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and the shortage of skilled labour also hinder the effective application and distribution of these products. Economic volatility, evolving sustainability norms, and environmental challenges are pushing manufacturers to innovate cost-effectively. Additionally, limited investment in R&D and slow adoption of digital solutions restrict the industry’s growth potential. We address these issues through affordable product development, enhanced logistics, skilled workforce training, education campaigns, and a focus on sustainability and innovation.

How are your admixtures tailored to increase concrete strength, workability, and durability across construction projects?
Our advanced admixtures, including superplasticizers like the MB GLEN and MB GLEN SKY series, improve compressive and flexural strength by optimising hydration and reducing porosity. Silica fume-based products such as MB Life SF enhance density by filling microvoids, while strength-enhancing additives like MB X-Seed accelerate strength gain. For workability, the MB Pozz series and high-range superplasticizers ensure ease of placement, even in dense reinforcement conditions. Our durability solutions include air-entraining agents like MB Air and waterproofing admixtures like the MB Life series, which protect concrete from environmental and chemical stresses.

Can you describe the range of superplasticizers you offer and the technologies you have leveraged in the manufacture of low-clinker concrete?
Our solution to reducing clinker content includes advanced cement additives like grinding aids and cement strength enhancers and for low-cement-content concrete, include MasterCO₂RE. The Master CO₂RE range of superplasticizers is a breakthrough in sustainable and low-carbon construction. Using advanced PCE chemistry, this innovative range addresses the challenges of low-clinker concrete production. These third-generation PCE polymers offer superior dispersing capabilities and enhance the distribution of fine particles in mixes, reducing clinker content. They enable controlled water reduction, which helps achieve high strength without additional water demand, and provide tailored flow characteristics to maintain the workability of concrete rich in SCMs.

Can you elaborate on the eco-friendly and sustainable practices your company has undertaken to manufacture your products?
We are dedicated to providing sustainable solutions for the construction industry under our theme, “Inspire to Build Better.”By focusing on low-carbon and eco-friendly formulations, we have developed carbon-neutral products, such as concrete admixtures and cement additives, which significantly lower CO₂ emissions during production and mixing. We promote using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and slag, reducing reliance on traditional Portland cement. Our commitment extends to incorporating recycled materials and industrial by-products to minimise waste. Our manufacturing processes are optimised for energy efficiency through renewable energy adoption, advanced analytics, and IoT-based monitoring systems. Waste reduction initiatives include zero-waste practices, recyclable packaging, and circular economy models repurposing leftover construction materials.

For more details, visit: https://master-builders-solutions.com/en-us/