World's first Tricoya panel unveiled

A large throng assembled to see the world’s first modified wood panel unveiled on the stand of Accoya modified wood brand owner Accsys Technologies plc.

The Medite Tricoya panel was produced at Medite’s Clonmel plant in Ireland and is the result of a partnership between Accsys and Coillte Panel Products.

The first trial panels, produced during the fourth quarter of 2009, have been tested against conventional MDF at the WKI-Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, resulting in Tricoya demonstrating superior performance in terms of swelling, dimensional stability and wet strength, according to the partners.

“The first indications are that the material could have a service life of many decades in a variety of exterior applications,” they said.

Target applications include cladding, fascias and soffits, counter tops, moulded door skins, wall linings, exterior furniture, signage and noise barriers.

Accsys CEO said further testing and evaluation work would continue, with Tricoya possibly becoming commercially available in two to two-and-a-half years’ time.

Accoya has also achieved the Gold standard in the Cradle to Grave Certification scheme.