In today’s construction landscape, durability and sustainability are no longer optional — they’re expected. Whether it’s a warehouse slab, a community gym, or a water infrastructure project, owners and designers are under increasing pressure to deliver concrete that not only performs but also reduces environmental impact.

But what happens when these two goals seem at odds?

The Durability Challenge: Abrasion Meets Exposure

Many of today’s high-demand structures — such as manufacturing facilities, logistics centers, mines, and spillways — face significant abrasion and erosion. In these settings, surface wear isn’t just cosmetic; it leads to performance loss, safety risks, and premature exposure of steel reinforcement. That exposure accelerates corrosion and triggers costly repairs and downtime.

For years, surface-applied hardeners have been the go-to solution. But they come with limitations: inconsistent quality, added labor, and limited impact depth. These drawbacks are magnified in structures where durability needs to go far deeper.

Hard-Cem: An Integral Solution for Surface Wear and Sustainability

Hard-Cem® by Kryton offers a new way forward. This integral hardening admixture — made from a finely processed mineral-metal blend — is added directly at the batching stage. It becomes part of the concrete matrix, significantly increasing its resistance to abrasion and erosion.

And here’s the key: it does so while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

According to Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) data from the Environdec EPD Library, Hard-Cem has a minimal global warming potential (GWP). That means specifiers don’t have to sacrifice sustainability to meet demanding durability standards.

Proven in the Field: Three Projects That Push Performance

Hard-Cem has been used in over 80 million ft² (7.4 million m²) of concrete across a wide range of sectors. Here are just a few examples from across British Columbia:

1. SAY Health and Community Centre – Chilliwack, BC

To support health and recreation services for the Skowkale, Aitchelitz, and Yakweakwioose First Nations, this multipurpose facility included a gymnasium where standard concrete could wear down quickly. Hard-Cem was specified to enhance abrasion resistance and reduce long-term maintenance risks.

2. Brandt Tractor Warehouse – Fort St. John, BC

In 2018, Canada’s largest John Deere dealer built a new warehouse to withstand heavy machinery, equipment customization, and cold climate exposure. The flooring required not only durability but air entrainment — a combination that made Hard-Cem a practical and reliable solution.

3. New Afton Mine – Kamloops, BC

Within two years of operation, the original concrete in this underground mine’s haulage areas wore out due to extreme abrasion from trucks and rock chutes. Hard-Cem was used to rebuild the floor in high-wear zones and extend its service life dramatically.

Sustainability Through Longevity

One of the most effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete is to make it last longer. Hard-Cem reduces wear, minimizes the need for replacement, and cuts down on maintenance-related emissions. It eliminates the extra steps and material waste of surface-applied treatments and helps deliver more consistent quality by integrating durability into every mix.

As the concrete industry pushes toward performance-based specs and low-carbon solutions, technologies like Hard-Cem offer a practical bridge between two formerly competing priorities: strength and sustainability.

Want to learn more about Hard-Cem or get EPD documentation?
Explore Hard-Cem at kryton.com/products/hardcem