Accsys Tech Regulatory News (AXS)

3 Nov 2005 07:00

Accsys Technologies PLC03 November 2005 3 November 2005 AIM: AXS Ground-breaking research sets new standard for wood maintenance as Accoya gets the thumbs up from Akzo Nobel. Accsys Technologies PLC ("Accsys" or "the Company") reports that Akzo NobelDecorative Coatings' subsidiary, Sikkens Joinery (Netherlands), has announcedground-breaking results of a 10 year collaborative research programme whichshows that Accoya, the 'new wood species' developed by Accsys' wholly ownedsubsidiary, Titan Wood, can last ten years or longer without the need forrepainting. The development of extended maintenance-free periods willcontribute significantly to the protection of rainforests by offering a highlydurable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to tropicalhardwoods. The joint initiative between Titan Wood BV (www.titanwood.com) and SikkensJoinery, a leading provider of high quality paint systems, shows that Accoyacould set new standards for the wood industry by significantly reducing the costand therefore the environmental impact of maintaining products such as windows,doors and cladding. Accoya is made using a process which effectively converts softwoods andnon-durable hardwoods into an environmentally compatible 'new wood species'.Accoya's exceptional performance is achieved solely by increasing the presenceof 'acetyl' in the wood - this molecule is naturally present in every woodspecies, meaning that Accoya is completely non-toxic. Accoya is distinguishedby its durability, stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, itsreliability. With performance attributes similar to or better than the besttropical hardwoods and superior to many artificial material alternatives, Accoyais particularly suitable for outdoor use. Commenting on the research Edward Pratt, CEO of Accsys, said: "Accoya(TM) ispoised to fill a gap in a market that's looking for a high performance, reliablealternative to tropical hardwoods and other materials. The combination ofAccoya and Sikkens' quality coatings makes Accoya(TM) even more attractive andwe're extremely encouraged by these results." Franck van Hooff, General Manager Sikkens Joinery Benelux, added: "Accoya'sdevelopment fits well with Sikkens' LongLifeTM concept of Joinery. In fact,customers are now asking us for maintenance-free periods of up to 10 years andthe combination of Accoya and our coatings systems will make that possible forthe first time. A further great advantage is that Accoya is produced from fastgrowing timbers from plantations, available in large quantities in Europe andother parts of the world. The felling of tropical timbers in rainforests toproduce items such as highly durable window sills will become redundant asenvironmentally friendly alternatives like these become available. This fitsvery well into our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy." Accsys' Directors believe that wood acetylation will form the Company's focus inthe short to medium term with the business plan forecasting strong growth in thenext few years. Accsys operates a large-scale pilot plant in Arnhem, theNetherlands. This plant is presently being used to supply test material tocustomers and potential licensees across the world. A full scale plantcurrently under construction is scheduled to go into production in Summer 2006. ENDS For further information, please contact: Accsys Technologies PLC William Paterson-Brown, +44 (0) 20 7598 4040 Executive Chairmanwww.accsysplc.comCollins Stewart Limited Andrew Smith / Martin Eales +44 (0) 20 7523 8000Parkgreen Communications Justine Howarth / Ana Ribeiro +44 (0) 20 7493 3713 Notes to Editors Accsys Technologies - Accsys owns the rights to a number of processes, includinghigh temperature cracking and cellulose modification. These other proprietarytechnologies are the responsibility of its International Chemical Company (ICC)subsidiary. Accsys' core technologies have either existing patent protection orpending patent applications. Accsys is focusing its energies on the launch ofits Titan Wood business: once this business has been established, the Directorsintend to pursue other technologies within its portfolio. Sikkens Joinery (Netherlands) - Sikkens Joinery (Netherlands) is a subsidiary ofAkzo Nobel and provides coating systems for the professional painter which bringinnovation, technical excellence, premium quality and high performance toarchitects, specifiers and interior designers for new and maintenanceapplications. Wood Acetylation - Wood acetylation is a process which increases the amount of 'acetyl' molecules in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. Theprocess protects wood from rot by making it "inedible" to most micro-organismsand insects, without - unlike conventional treatments - making it toxic. Italso greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it lessprone to cracking and ensuring that when painted it requires dramaticallyreduced maintenance. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange