Innovative concrete finish

New Generation Construction Materials (NGCM) has developed a number of unique products, including for a durable and innovative concrete finish. It is not only better for the environment, but extends the life of concrete and is "foolproof. 

"It is really distressing to see how much plastic is used in construction, which then all ends up in the trash and is burned. An eternal waste and actually unnecessary," thinks Henkjan Gilbers, director and initiator of NGCM. "After all, in many cases there is an environmentally friendly alternative available. Based on plant and natural ingredients, such as clay, a seaweed extract and water, we have developed extremely environmentally friendly products that offer a worthy - if not, better - alternative to products made of expensive fossil raw materials for sustainable concrete finishing and aftertreatment. To this end, we have created our own label: 'Delft Green'."

Delft Green Curing Compound

The Delft Green range includes about four products. Gilbers explains. "The post-treatment of concrete is a part that is quite often 'forgotten'. It takes time and would not yield much because concrete cracks anyway, is the general thought. Nothing could be further from the truth. Post-treatment is already described in the NEN 13670 2009 and since last year the consumption must be recorded according to the NEN 8670. Our Delft Green Curing Compound lends itself perfectly to high-quality post-treatment and is an environmentally friendly alternative to a foil or other type of curing compound."

Delft Green Intermezzo

"Speaking of cracking, with Delft Green Intermezzo we are focusing on the most critical stage in the process, that between pouring and finishing. This is where most cracks form, because moisture wants to escape from the concrete. By spraying Intermezzo immediately after screeding, the moisture cannot escape. Furthermore, it does not affect the finishing (floating) of the floor. The floor can simply be treated after levelling. Again, a win-win."

Delft Green Secure & Improve

Applying Delft Green Secure & Improve creates a harder and denser top layer, according to Gilbers. "It is used partly as a curing and causes the free lime in the concrete to react with the alginate, leading to a denser and harder top layer. Another advantage is that you no longer need to grit the floor with quartz."

Delft Green Protector

Finally, Delft Green Protector is a product that protects surrounding structures from concrete splashes in a sustainable way. "Often walls or columns are now covered with a foil, with the Protector we offer a sustainable alternative for this as well. It is applied by atomization, adheres directly to the surface, regardless of the type of material, and forms a thin protective layer, as it were. It is not only light and quick to apply, but also quick and easy to remove again."

Methodology NGCM

NGCM has developed a special tool for applying these products so that the right amount is always applied for a perfect end result. "We offer the possibility of renting the application, but can also perform the work ourselves. As part of the new standard, we provide a certificate per project if the material has been applied correctly and in the correct quantity. Personal protective equipment is no longer required. Working with our sustainable products is therefore not only better for the environment, but is also much more interesting from an Arbo-technical point of view and significantly extends the life of the concrete." 

NGCM supplies the Delft Green products in plastic jerry cans. Gilbers commented, "Unfortunately, there is no good alternative to the plastic jerry can yet, but after use, we take them back (through a deposit system) and refill them."