A South African manufacturer is challenging the dominance of traditional steel reinforcement in construction with the launch of a revolutionary glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar product. GFRP Tech, operating from its new facility in Linbro Park, Johannesburg, has unveiled “EnviraBar,” a product touted as a sustainable and superior alternative to conventional steel.
EnviraBar, composed of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres, offers a compelling proposition: it’s corrosion-proof, boasts higher tensile strength, and is significantly lighter than steel. This combination of attributes promises to transform construction practices, reducing maintenance costs, enhancing structural integrity, and minimising environmental impact.
“We believe EnviraBar represents a significant leap forward in construction technology,” says GFRP Tech CEO Allen Fiford. “Its lighter weight alone, a reduction of almost 75%, translates to substantial savings in transportation and simplifies on-site handling.”
The product’s impressive tensile strength, exceeding 1,500 MPa, makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from airport runways and marine infrastructure to roads and buildings. EnviraBar is available in diameters ranging from 6 mm to 30 mm, catering to diverse construction requirements.
Beyond its performance advantages, EnviraBar offers significant environmental benefits. The manufacturing and transportation of this lightweight rebar result in a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to steel, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable construction practices.
The launch of EnviraBar comes at a time when the construction industry is increasingly focused on durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. By offering a corrosion-proof, high-strength, and lightweight alternative to steel, GFRP Tech is poised to disrupt the market and usher in a new era of sustainable construction in South Africa and beyond.