Accoya modified wood developer Accsys Technologies plc has entered into a licence option agreement with a leading MDF and particleboard manufacturer in Latin America for the production of Tricoya modified wood panels.
Accsys is not naming the panels manufacturer until a licence is formally signed, but the two-year agreement grants the option holder production and distribution rights for an initial volume of approximately 60,000 tonnes of Tricoya per year.
This equates to around 90,000m³ of Tricoya-branded MDF exclusively for the Latin American market (excluding Brazil, for which rights are non-exclusive).
During the next two years the option holder will carry out extensive evaluation of Tricoya, including market testing and development of end-products. If successful, a full licence agreement may be entered into.
Accsys chief executive Paul Clegg described the agreement as a milestone for Accsys, opening up new opportunities to further penetrate the worldwide panel products market, estimated to be worth €60bn annually.
“This agreement represents a further important step forward for our company, confirming the significant growth potential that the Tricoya technology adds to our existing wood modification technology platform,” he said.
“It is already clear that Tricoya-based MDF will compete with many higher costs, non-renewable construction materials currently used for exterior and wet environment applications.”
Elsewhere, a distribution and marketing agreement, together with a tripartite evaluation and supply deal, with Medite Europe Ltd has also been concluded.
Medite Europe, part of Coillte Panel Products, said 100,000m² of Medite Tricoya panels had been produced and sold in the Irish, UK, and Dutch markets.
Applications have included façade cladding, exterior trim (fascias and soffits), interior wet areas, exterior door skins, garden furniture and even a safari park animal pen.
