a.b.e. Construction Chemicals has launched 'abe CEM-blanc', a new economical white cement which is being made available to the South African retail market. 

Elrene Smuts, communications manager for the Chryso Group, says abe CEM-blanc is a general-purpose white Portland cement that provides superior early-strength with added aesthetic and decorative opportunities offered by its colour tone, high strength and durability.

Smuts says a.b.e.'s new imported product is compatible with a wide range of quality admixtures, such as those produced by a.b.e.'s holding company, Chryso SA. CEM-blanc can be blended with fly ash, condensed silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and limestone.

"The cost-efficiency of abe CEM-blanc will be welcomed by architects and designers who have in the past faced cost restraints in specifying white cement structures. White cement has also not been generally available on the retail market before which means its potential will now be accessible to experienced home improvers as well," said Ms Smuts.

Ms Smuts says by using the best available technical grade limestone/clinker, abe CEM-blanc is milled to a carefully controlled fineness to ensure high early-strength and late age-strength gain. CEM-blanc complies with South African quality standards as specified in SANS 50197-1 for type CEM II 42.5N cement.