MAPEI, a leading global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, says it has set aside 70 per cent of its annual research and development (R&D) budget – which translates to $105.5 million – for the development of eco-friendly construction products and materials.

The move is intended to support new government policies on sustainability and environmental protection, a company spokesman said.
“The construction industry is a leading contributor to growing waste levels in the GCC, producing 66 million tonnes a year or around 55 per cent of the 120 million tonnes of waste generated within the region,” he says. “The use of non-toxic building materials and furnishings is essential to constructing or renovating ‘green buildings’, ensuring that they have minimal environmental impact.
“Mapei’s concrete admixture product line, for example, can produce ‘greener’ concrete, which minimises energy use during mixing, application and finishing and reduces cement and water content, resulting in lower carbon footprint. The company has also been including anti-microbial agents in its ECO line of floor covering installation systems.”