Medite Tricoya, hailed as the first major innovation in the wood composites industry for more than 30 years, was officially launched at Timber Expo, two years ahead of schedule.
The MDF is made from acetylated fibre, producing a dimensionally stable and biologically durable board with an expected 60-year service life in exterior applications. It is the result of a joint development agreement signed two years ago between Accsys Technologies and Medite Europe Ltd.
Over the next 17 months, Accsys will supply Coillte Panel Products’ Medite plant in Clonmel, Ireland, with 7,500m³ of acetylated fibre.
Accsys said the product will “herald a revolution in wood-based panel products for outdoor use”.
“We thought it would take a few years longer to get Tricoya out into the market but we’ve made some great strides,” Accsys CEO Paul Clegg told the crowd that had gathered for the launch.
Coillte Panel Products managing director Gerry Britchfield told TTJ that Tricoya offered building professionals design freedom.
Potential markets were high quality joinery, soffits, external facades and cladding, he said. It can be painted or left bare and, as the molecular structure of the fibre has been changed, Tricoya can be drilled without affecting its performance.
“It’s bringing wood to a place that it hasn’t been before,” he said.
The long-term plan is to install an acetylation plant at Clonmel.
“We will bring Tricoya to market in sizeable quantities but there will be no large-scale investment perhaps until next year,” said Mr Britchfield.
