Saint-Gobain's futuRE Range: built for Africa's future, backed by purpose
"We're building to last. In the face of climate change, Africa faces disproportionate challenges. We recognise the importance of making a collective shift; a shift to produce locally, to reduce our environmental impact, whilst providing solutions that are better for people and the planet."
Step into the futuRE of sustainable construction
Saint-Gobain Africa has revolutionised the construction materials landscape with the launch of their futuRE Range – a carefully curated range of locally manufactured, best-in-class products that adheres to strict sustainability, health, and wellbeing criteria. We’re taking steps towards building cities in Africa with a lower environmental footprint, without compromising on performance.
Moving towards sustainable construction in Africa
We're building better in Africa by building better for people and the planet. We recognise the interconnectedness of the community and the environment. In alignment with our MABA (Make it in Africa to Build Africa) commitment, we strive towards sustainable construction for all.
The futuRE Range operates on a universal charter with strict criteria that every product must meet:
The four futuRE range charters:
· Improved energy efficiency
· Resources and circularity
· Health and wellbeing indoors
· Health and safety on jobsites
Requirements for a product to be part of the futuRE Range:
· Third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for complete transparency
· Local manufacturing to reduce supply chain emissions and support MABA
· ISO-certified facilities ensuring world-class environmental management
· Positive contribution to building better for people and the planet
Discover the futuRE range
Step into the future of sustainable construction with our futuRE Range – a selection of locally made, high-performance products designed to meet the growing needs of Africa's built environment. Each product in this range has been carefully selected for its contribution to energy efficiency, circularity, indoor wellbeing, and safety on site.
As part of the futuRE Range, Isover has committed to upholding strict criteria to be better for people and better for the planet:
Sustainability achievements:
· 70% recycled content from post-consumer glass – better for the planet through improved resource circularity
· Carbon footprint: 3.59 kg CO2-eq/m² (cradle-to-gate)
· 100% recyclable packaging with no unnecessary colour additives
· Biosoluble and non-carcinogenic certified for worker safety
· Fire reaction (SANS 53501-1) certified as non-combustible (minimum A2 rating)
Performance benefits:
· Exceeds SANS 10400-XA thermal requirements for energy efficiency
· Non-combustible A1 fire rating – will not aid fire spread or contribute to smoke
· Superior acoustic performance for indoor comfort
· Easy installation without heavy machinery – better for installers
Gyproc has been at the forefront of lightweight construction solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, offering high-performance systems that deliver durability, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal. In alignment with our commitment to Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA), our focus remains on innovation that supports both people and the planet.
Products available in the futuRE Range:
· RhinoBoard 9mm
· RhinoBoard 12.5mm
· RhinoBoard FireStop 12.5mm
· RhinoBoard FireStop 15mm
Environmental excellence through MABA principles:
· Low emissions improving indoor air quality for better health and wellbeing
· Locally manufactured reducing transport emissions by up to 40%
· 100% recyclable packaging supporting circular economy
· Inert, non-hazardous waste generation for safer handling
· Third-party verified EPDs for transparency
Performance specifications built for Africa:
· Acoustic performance: RhinoBoard 12.5mm ≥30 dB | FireStop 12.5mm ≥39 dB
· Fire rating: Non-combustible A2 minimum for safety
· Faster installation reducing labour costs
· High-density gypsum core for durability in African conditions
"Weber has a longstanding reputation for its reliability and accessibility for all. Born from the needs of our builders, built to rise with them. Part of catering for local needs is preserving our environment for generations to come."
Weber Tylon WB11 supports builders in Africa, delivering world-class performance and a reduced environmental footprint in every bag.
How Weber Tylon WB11 adheres to futuRE Range criteria:
· Locally manufactured in an ISO 14001 and 9001 certified facility
· Externally verified EPD for complete transparency
· More than 10% reduction in CO2 compared to the previous version
· Minimum 25% alternative raw materials, preserving local resources
· 100% recyclable packaging system
Application excellence for African builders:
· Very low VOC emissions for improved indoor air quality
· A1 fire reaction rating (SANS 52004)
· 100% easy to use – no special heavy or noisy tools required
· Enhanced bond strength and durability for ceramic tiles
Why this matters for Africa's AEC professionals
The futuRE Range is designed to preserve resources, ensure energy efficiency, and last for generations to come – addressing Africa's unique challenges whilst building for the continent's growing needs.
For architects:
· Green building certification support: Products contribute to GBCSA points and sustainable design goals
· EPD integration: Simplified LCA calculations for climate-conscious design
· Climate resilience: Products designed for African conditions and climate challenges
For engineers:
· Code compliance: Exceeds SANS requirements for energy efficiency and safety
· Risk mitigation: ISO-certified manufacturing ensures consistency and quality
· Future-ready solutions: Anticipates upcoming environmental regulations
For contractors and builders:
· Faster installation: Easier handling reduces labour costs and project timelines
· Worker safety: Non-hazardous, biosoluble materials protect African builders
· Quality assurance: Locally manufactured with immediate technical support
The competitive edge: why futuRE range leads Africa's construction future
Industry first achievements:
· Only comprehensive sustainable range with universal charter in Africa
· Complete transparency through third-party verified EPDs
· Local manufacturing ensuring supply security and reduced emissions
· Performance without compromise – sustainability AND superior technical properties
Specification process:
1. Identify application requirements (thermal, acoustic, fire, adhesion) specific to African conditions
2. Select appropriate futuRE Range product based on performance needs and climate considerations
3. Access EPD data for LCA integration and green building certification
4. Specify local procurement to maximise carbon reduction and support MABA
5. Include sustainability metrics in project documentation for future compliance
Green building integration for Africa:
· GBCSA credits: Materials contribute to multiple credit categories
· Energy modelling: Use verified thermal performance data for SANS compliance
· Indoor air quality: Low-VOC products support healthy building criteria in African climates
· Lifecycle assessment: Comprehensive EPD data simplifies environmental calculations
Building Africa's sustainable future: what's next
Saint-Gobain's commitment extends beyond the current futuRE Range, supporting Africa's long-term development goals:
· Continuous improvement: Annual product carbon footprint reduction targets aligned with climate goals
· Innovation pipeline: Next-generation bio-based materials developed for African conditions
· Digital integration: EPD data available through SpecifileAI for instant access by African professionals
· Industry transformation: Working with African supply chain partners to elevate continental standards
· Skills development: Training programmes supporting the MABA commitment and local capacity building.
Expert support network:
· Technical consultations: Product-specific application guidance across Africa
· Local representatives: Immediate support across South Africa and expanding African markets
· A commitment to Make it in Africa to Build Africa: Local manufacturing and supply chain optimisation.
"The futuRE Range represents more than products – it's a commitment to the next generation. We're building to last, building better for Africa, and building better for people and the planet."
By choosing Saint-Gobain's futuRE Range, African AEC professionals aren't just building for today; they're creating the sustainable infrastructure that will define Africa's future. Built for Africa's future, backed by purpose, and designed to preserve resources and ensure energy efficiency to last for generations.
Ready to step into the futuRE? Explore the complete futuRE Range through SpecifileAI's integrated product discovery platform and join Africa's sustainable construction revolution.
