“KCMT's rebar substitute will solve the three major challenges of the construction industry.”  

KEco, a premium composite new material that enhances eco-friendliness and stability, is being used to replace steel rebar in construction. Photo by KCMT  

KCMT, a company that produces eco-friendly rebar substitutes, is playing a pivotal role in strengthening the eco-friendliness and safety of the construction industry.

KCMT's eco-friendly construction material brand 'KEco' is expected to solve the construction industry's challenges of reducing carbon emissions, preventing industrial accidents, and reducing maintenance costs through the registration of the National Design Standard (KDS 14 20 68) in December last year. 

KEco is a premium GFRP reinforcing bar (a polymer-based composite material in the form of a rod steel reinforced with glass fiber) developed by KCMT with its own technology, and is an eco-friendly composite new material that can solve the problems of existing rebars by enhancing eco-friendliness, safety, and quality.

An official from KCMT said, “Korea ranks sixth in greenhouse gas emissions per capita among OECD countries, and 24% of annual occupational fatalities occur at construction sites. “KEco GFRP reinforcement is an innovative solution that can simultaneously address both of these challenges,” said a KCMT representative, ”as maintenance costs are skyrocketing due to aging infrastructure.

KEco has a CO2 savings of 1.79 tCO2 per ton compared to rebar, and KCMT estimates that a 20% replacement of the domestic rebar market would be enough to meet the 10% industrial sector reduction target of the 2030 NDC.  

KCMT officials explained that KEco is one-fourth the weight of rebar, making it easy to handle, and its non-conductivity prevents the risk of electric shock. They added that its excellent corrosion resistance can reduce maintenance costs by 52.2%. 

Due to these advantages, major public organizations are already actively promoting the introduction of KEco, and the KDS listing is expected to expand demand in the public and private construction markets. 

Korea Expressway Corporation is promoting the mandatory application of GFRP in bridge slabs and plans to expand to tunnel linings and drainage structures. Other companies such as the Korea National Railroad Corporation and Korea Electric Power Corporation have also reportedly adopted the eco-friendly material in their construction projects.

“The era of eco-friendly construction is now a necessity, not an option,” said a KCMT official, emphasizing that ”KEco will lead to the improvement of the construction industry beyond simple product innovation.”

KEco is currently recognized for its excellence through certifications such as innovative product designation, green technology, and environmental performance label.