Research & Innovation

Our research interests are closely based on the needs and specificities of the markets where the Group operates. A better understanding of our customers' needs and of the way they use our products enables us to develop truly innovative products, systems and solutions. Research works closely with marketing to build close relationships with the construction industry and design products and solutions which generate real added value.

The Group chose to focus on innovation several years ago. Lafarge has the world's leading research center for building materials and a presence in markets across 70 countries, as well as a strong competitive advantage derived from its scale and expertise as a major group.

This expertise is based on:

• an interdisciplinary approach which combines physics, chemistry and building material mechanics,
• state-of-the-art observation and digital modeling for nanometric analyses.

• decrease CO2 emissions in the production process,
• conserve natural resources, for example by increasing the proportion of recycled raw materials in the production process,
• create value-added products for sustainable construction, for example by improving the thermal inertia of buildings,
• improve health and safety conditions for employees and subcontractors,
• optimize the performance and use of products. For example:
  • the dust-free technology of Sensium® cement helps improve working conditions for craftsmen in the building trades.
  • Agilia® self-placing concrete does not require vibration, reducing physical effort and noise on building sites.