Accsys' cutting-edge acetylation technology reinforces wood's strengths.
PUBLISHED : Monday, 16 June, 2014
geplaatst in de South China Morning Post !!!!!
As environmental awareness increases worldwide, the market for green technologies and products, including sustainable building materials, has also seen significant growth. World-leading wood modification company Accsys Technologies has taken a key role in advancing the green movement in construction with the commercialisation of Accoya, a revolutionary wood solution.
"Accoya is the result of our commitment to provide the global architectural community a sustainable yet high-performing and cost-competitive alternative to traditionally used construction materials," says CEO Paul Clegg. "With its remarkable performance attributes and aesthetic qualities, Accoya is fast becoming the industry standard."
Accoya is manufactured using a proprietary, acetylated wood modification technology pioneered and patented by Accsys. This results in a durable, dimensionally stable, non-toxic and rot-resistant wood product that can be used for exterior applications such as window frames, decking, cladding, doors, façades, and structural and architectural bridges.
Accoya's outstanding level of performance is backed by several independent research organisations, including the Building Research Establishment and the Timber Research and Development Association. Produced by Accsys' subsidiary production facility in Arnhem, the Netherlands, this wood product comes with a 50-year above-ground and 25-year below-ground warranty against rot and decay.
Accoya's environmental performance is showcased by its Cradle to Cradle Gold certification from consultancy firm McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry and numerous ecological accolades. Made from sustainably grown timber, Accoya has been rated carbon negative and is recognised under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation system.
"We are seeing increasing adoption of Accoya, showing that it offers added benefits," Clegg says. Accoya has been the material of choice in a range of commercial, civil engineering and private projects in differing environmental settings in 58 countries around the world.
Its performance credentials have led to inspiring applications such as in velodromes, water sculptures and sundials.
Accsys has expanded the use of its proprietary acetylation technology to the production of Tricoya wood elements, including chips, fibres and particles. Touted as the first major innovation in wood composites in more than 30 years, Tricoya enables fabrication of reliable and dimensionally strong panel products for challenging indoor and outdoor applications. Tricoya Technologies, an equal joint venture between Accsys and chemical major INEOS, is overseeing the further development and global commercialisation of the Tricoya technology.
"Being manufactured for several years, Tricoya is an evolution of Accoya," Clegg says. "Tricoya opens up new possibilities for composite manufacturers, designers and the building industry in general."
Striving to maintain its sustainability position, Accsys has unveiled Accoya Alder. Made from sustainably sourced North American red alder, this Accoya variant has improved durability, stability and hardness, and is ideal for making cabinetry, flooring and outdoor furniture.
With 50 distribution or agency agreements in place, Accsys' wood solutions are available in most of Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, India, Israel, Morocco, and parts of East and Southeast Asia. The company remains open to signing additional distributors, especially in Asia, as it seeks more partners to advance its objective of building more environmentally responsible and efficient structures.
Accsys is keen on solidifying its presence in Asia, as the region is forecast to become the world's fastest-growing construction market by 2020. "We see enormous opportunities in Asia, especially China, with the concept of sustainability already well-grasped in the region," Clegg says.
The Accoya technology and processes are available for licensing to interested parties intending to establish their own production sites and markets. For Tricoya, licensees will have the opportunity to supply long-lasting, eco-friendly acetylated wood elements to new and existing customers.
"We are a full partner to our licensees and distributors," Clegg says. "We will share with them our journey - from a research and development firm focused on technology into a full-fledged producer with manufacturing expertise and marketing know-how."