Sika has started producing high-performance concrete reinforcing fibres for clients in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region at its manufacturing facility in Troisdorf, Germany, where a new production line has been commissioned.

Made of a thermoplastic material (polypropylene), the fibres are used to increase the structural strength of concrete in highly demanding applications. With this new production line, Sika says it is continuing to expand its range of concrete additives and positioning itself as an innovative single-source supplier to the construction industry.

“With our latest innovation, synthetic macro fibres, we want to offer customers new technologies in the area of structural reinforcement. We are carrying out a targeted investment in the build-up of production in the EMEA region, and are confident that these high-performance products have significant growth potential,” commented Sika CEO Paul Schuler.

The global market volume of steel and synthetic fibres used in concrete applications is estimated at around CHF 800 million, with synthetic fibres recording the biggest growth. Macro fibres, such as Sika's newly developed product line SikaFiber Force-60, are mainly used instead of steel reinforcements for strengthening concrete or shotcreted structures with demanding performance requirements.

Typical areas of use include tunnelling, mining, precast concrete elements and industrial floors, as well as foundations and ground slabs. The new fibres not only improve the safety, durability and serviceability of concrete and enhance its performance, but also increase the efficiency of the construction process as they are added to the ready-mixed concrete during mixing, the company reports.

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