Accsys Tech Regulatory News (AXS)

3 Mar 2009 07:00



03 March 2009 AIM: AXS

NYSE Euronext Amsterdam: AXS

Accsys Technologies PLC

Accsys Develops Acetylation Technology to Target Wood Based Composites Markets

Accsys Technologies PLC ("Accsys" or "the Company"), the company behind the successful Accoya® acetylated solid wood brand, announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Titan Wood Limited ("Titan Wood"), is poised to launch new technology that will target the substantial wood-based composites market.

The technology, branded Tricoya™, significantly improves the durability and dimensional stability of materials such as wood chips, fibres and particles which are the main ingredients in wood-based board and panel end-products, including medium-density fibreboard (MDF), Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and particleboards. Such products are widely used in a range of applications in the construction, furniture, and other industries but are generally not suited to exterior applications due to lack of dimensional stability (swelling and shrinkage) and poor durability. Research conducted by Titan Wood has shown that the inclusion of Tricoya™ wood-based composite materials significantly improves dimensional stability and durability, allowing wood-based composites to be used in new and challenging applications, including those used outdoors, for the first time. Tricoya™ wood composite materials are also, like Accoya® wood, sustainably sourced, non-toxic and recyclable.

Accsys will license Tricoya™ technology to end-product manufacturers around the world who will develop new, high performance wood-based composite products with "Tricoya™ inside" for use in new markets and applications. Tricoya™-based products will be used for façade cladding/siding, fascias and soffit panels, window components, wet interiors (steam/wet rooms, saunas, bathrooms, swimming pools, etc.), counter tops, moulded door skins, play equipment frames, exterior composite materials, signage, shades, shutters and more.

Finlay Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Accsys, said,"Tricoya™ marks the first major technological breakthrough in the wood composites industry in more than three decades. It is a logical development of Titan Wood's proprietary solid wood acetylation technology and will enable the Company to expand its licence base; the combined global MDF, Particleboard, and OSB market is estimated to be well over 150 million m3 and there is great potential for Tricoya™ technology in other markets. Early indications from manufacturers are that high performance wood-based composites will revolutionise the ways and situations in which boards and panels can be used. It is finally possible for manufacturers to develop products which are stable, durable and environmentally sound. The scope for innovation, now possible using Tricoya™ acetylated materials, is considerable."

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Notes to Editors:

Accsys Technologies PLC (www.accsysplc.com) is an environmental science and technology company whose primary focus is on the production of Accoya® wood and technology licensing via its 100% owned subsidiary, Titan Wood (www.titanwood.com), which has manufacturing operations in Arnhem, the Netherlands, a European office in London, and an Americas office in Dallas, Texas. Accsys' operations comprise three principal business units: (i) the Accoya® wood production facility located in Arnhem, The Netherlands; (ii) technology development, focused on a programme of continuous improvements to the process engineering and operating protocols for the acetylation of wood which are currently under development and the development of technology for the acetylation of wood fibre; and (iii) the licensing of technology for the production of Accoya® wood and Tricoya™ across the globe.

Wood Acetylation is a process, which increases the amount of 'acetyl' molecules naturally present in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. The environmentally responsible process protects wood from rot by making it "inedible" to most micro-organisms and insects, without - unlike conventional treatments - making it toxic. It also greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking and ensuring that when painted it requires dramatically reduced maintenance. Acetylated wood's increased durability offers major carbon sequestration advantages, compared to others woods and especially typical man-made building materials.

Wood Composite Products have many advantages over solid wood. They can utilize smaller wood elements than the raw material, but can be manufactured to create large dimension composite beams and sheets, etc. Less timber overall is required to make products which are lighter and stronger than timber. Lower quantities and smaller sizes of timber means less pressure on native forest timber. The pricing of composites often makes them a more attractive proposition for builders and designers.

Accoya® Wood (www.accoya.info) is produced by using a patents-pending non-toxic process that effectively converts sustainably grown softwoods and non-durable hardwoods into what is best described as a "new wood species" via acetylation. Distinguished by its durability, dimensional stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, its reliability (in terms of consistency of both supply and quality), Accoya® wood is particularly suited to exterior applications where performance and appearance are valued. Unlike most woods, its colour does not degrade when exposed to sunlight. Moreover, the Accoya® wood production process does not compromise the wood's strength or machinability. The combination of UV resistance, dimensional stability, increased coatings life, durability and retained strength means that Accoya® wood offers a wealth of new opportunities to architects, designers and specifiers. Leading applications include external doors and windows, shutters/shading, siding and cladding, decking, outdoor furniture/equipment and glulam beams for structural use. 

Tricoya™ (www.tricoya.com) is Titan Wood's proprietary technology which allows the acetylation of wood fibers, chips, and particles for use in the fabrication of wood based composites including panel products such as MDF, OSB, and particle board. These composites demonstrate enhanced durability, dimensional stability, and UV resistance which allow them to be used in a variety of applications which were once limited to solid wood and man-made products. Tricoya™ is lauded as the first major innovation in the wood composites industry in more than 30 years.

ACCOYA®, TRICOYA™ and the Trimarque Device are trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited and 

may not be used or reproduced without written permission