2010 a year of innovation for Arch

A move into supplying modified timber and the launch of a metal-free preservative are among the developments lined up in a busy year of new departures for Arch Timber Protection.

Keywood, which was first shown at the Ecobuild show in March as cladding and decking, is a response by Arch to growing demand for modified wood.

“It’s a niche product, but it’s an evolving market that suits our ethos,” said marketing manager Janet Brown.“We’re now looking for distributors in the trade.”

The imminent launch of the metal-free Tanalith M, she added, will give the choice of a clear preservative to combat staining fungi on external timber.

“You’ve only been able to preserve outdoor timber in green or brown colour options,” she said.

Arch’s other new products are Vacsol FR, a fire retardant specifically developed for the timber frame sector, and Aqualine, an inline treatment for I-joist studs, particularly those used in external walls which the NHBC has now ruled require treating.

Ms Brown said all four products “extend the scope of treated timber and present new opportunities for customers”.