Low Carbon Cement
Hardworking Concrete
AVAILABLE IN BULK TANKERS ONLY
Eco-Cem is made using, Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS). Commonly used overseas, GBFS is a by-product of steel production that we re-purpose into a low carbon cement substitution material with superior durability to traditional cement. It’s the first of its type available in New Zealand and it’s made in Mount Maunganui.
LOCALLY MADE
Eco-Cem is a low-carbon cement substitute which has been thoroughly tested and years in the making.
Eco-Cem is used together with our GP cement Xtra-Cem in different measures depending on your application, making a bespoke, more durable concrete product with better resistance to wear and tear that reduces your carbon footprint by up to 70%.
Eco-Cem FAQS
Where is it made?
Eco-Cem is made locally in our purpose-built mill in Mount Maunganui.
What is BFS?
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are a family of minerals that include fly ash, silica fume, BFS and natural pozzolans.
BFS is a by-product of steel production. Commonly used overseas in concrete, we are the first to re-purpose it into a low carbon cement substitute product locally. Eco-Cem is a ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS).
How does BFS work in concrete?
BFS is finely ground to produce a reactive ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) such as Eco-Cem. GGBFS is an effective cementitious material and can be used as a replacement for cement.
GGBFS is a reactive cementitious material because of its high glass content which is critical to the performance of GGBFS in concrete.
The chemistry of GGBFS is dominated by calcium from the limestone added during smelting and silica from the ore minerals. Calcium and silica contents are quite consistent (about 40% as CaO and 33-37% as SiO2 respectively), but there are also more variable alumina and magnesia contents (8-18% as Al2O3 and 5-14% as MgO respectively).
Silica and alumina compounds in the GGBFS react with lime present in concrete to form calcium silicate and calcium aluminate hydrates - products like the primary cementitious materials produced by the cement hydration reaction. The calcium silicate and calcium aluminate hydrates formed add to concrete strength and to the refinement of the pore structure of the concrete paste.
GGBFS hydration is activated by alkalis and sulphates dissolved from the cement, however the initial rate of hydration is slower as the lime needs to initially break down the glassy GGBFS material.
The main physical factor affecting the performance of GGBFS in concrete is fineness. We typically measure fineness as the percentage of the GGBFS passing a 45-micron sieve. The lower the percentage retained on a 45 micron sieve the higher the reactivity of a GGBFS.
Why does Eco-Cement have to be used with another cement?
The benefits of Eco-Cem must be balanced with Xtra-Cem due to the chemical reactions involved. The more Eco-Cem is used the slower the chemical reaction with the cement.
Our ready-mix concrete customers can help you find a balance between performance and maximising the low-carbon and durability benefits.
Is it available in bags?
At this stage Eco-Cem is only available in bulk tanker. There are no immediate plans to sell it in either bulk or paper bags.
Environmental Product Declaration
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an independently produced report of the effects across a wide variety of criteria. The EPD for our GGBFS Eco-cem was produced by Thinkstep, a well known and very reputable New Zealand based company, and published in August 2024.
Eco-Cem Certifications & Data Sheets
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Fill out the form below as well as your requirements, and our team will be in touch with a solid solution.
Voices of our valued Clients
Our readymix plant in Whanganui has been using HRCL cement for the past 4 years now. Since switching to HRCL we haven't looked back as we've been stoked with their cement products and willingness to go the extra mile for us. As a family business we're also committed to keeping it local whenever we can, so it's a real bonus to be able to source high-quality cement that's manufactured right here in New Zealand.
- Willy Morrell, Managing Director / Bullocks Group
Eco-Max RMC is happy to recommend HR Cement for their commitment to innovation and sustainability, all whilst delivering the very best customer service and support. HR Cement stands out for their dedication to our business with their Eco-Cem giving us a concrete producing high performance , low carbon that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. HR Cements flagship product, Xtra-Cem GP Cement, is a testament to their superior chemistry and innovation, designed specifically to deliver durable concrete while adhering to NZS3122.
Eco-Max RMC is proud partnering with HR Cement to bring the Waikato new opportunities in construction regarding Eco-friendly, low carbon ready mixed concrete.
- Managing Director / Eco-Max RMC
Bowers & Son Limited has been a customer since the early days of HR Cement, supplying both our busy Te Awamutu and Otorohanga plants. With any business relationship, communication is key to success, and this is a strength of HR Cement operations team. HR Cement's team take the time to understand our business requirements and ensure we have reliable and consistent supply of product. Always professional as well as willing to find ways to add value to our business, we would recommend HR Cement to anyone looking for a cement supplier with a difference.
- Managing Director / Bowers & Sons Ltd
We switched to HR Cement's Xtra-Cem a few years ago and we've had absolutely no issues with it. Consistent product, industry leading logistics, and customer service from Adrian, great sales back up from Cam.
We know we are not a large user of Xtra-Cem, but we are treated as if we are.
- Rod Crawford / DGL
Mix Up Concrete Ltd have used HR Cements Xtra-Cem exclusively since 2017 with great results around setting times and strengths. A huge plus for our team, is the lack of cracking we have seen over this time.
In 2023 Mix Up started using HR Cements Eco-Cem to produce our Eco-Max earth friendly concrete. We are very excited with the carbon savings and durability benefits Eco-Cem provides our plant and customers. It is also great to have HR Cement producing these high end products right here in Mount Maunganui.
- Steve Hall / Mix Up Concrete
CONNECT WITH US
For expert technical and sales guidance, get in touch.
0508 CEMENT
info@hrcl.co.nz
HEAD OFFICE
60 Aerodrome Road,
Mount Maunganui 3116, NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 2035, Stortford Lodge, Hastings 4153, NZ
CEMENT ORDERS
0508 CEMENT
orders@hrcl.co.nz
