'Green' wood technology could revolutionise use of MDF

Louise Bateman

8th March 2010

A low carbon technology that waterproofs, strengthens and extends the life of softwood by up to 50 years has been shown in trials to be able to turn MDF into a product for outdoor use that could revolutionise the use of the wood composite.

The technology is called acetylation and has been developed by UK company Accsys Technology PLC, which is now being headed up by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg’s elder brother Paul.

Acetylation works in a similar way to soaking conkers in vinegar and oven-baking them to make them go extra hard. The patented process changes softwoods at a molecular level making them stronger and more durable than hardwoods, such as teak.

Accsys says the technology, which is non-toxic, helps protect the world’s hardwood resources and locks up carbon for far longer than unacetylated wood.

Trading under the name Accoya wood, the high tech product is 100 per cent recyclable and is already being used for doors, windows and cladding – and has even been used in infrastructure projects, such as bridges.

Accoya wood wins Cradle to Cradle Gold standard

A recent independent cradle to gate report by environmental consultancy Camco demonstrated that Accoya wood’s carbon footprint is lower than many traditional building materials such as PVC, aluminium and unsustainably sourced tropical hardwood. It also boasts the green credential of having been recently recognised as a ‘Gold’ standard product under the eco certification scheme Cradle to Cradle.

Now, Accsys has found a way to successfully adapt the acetylation technology for use in wood ‘elements’, such as chip, fibre and particles, which it claims will revolutionise the wood composites industry.

Last week, Accsys joined forces with Medite Europe Ltd, Europe’s leading manufacturer of MDF (medium-density fibreboard) to launch Medite Tricoya, an MDF panel made from acetylated wood fibres. The two companies first signed a joint development agreement last year.

Medite Tricoya suitable for use in cladding and bathrooms

Accsys said the extensive testing of Medite Tricoya against conventional MDF at a laboratory in Germany demonstrated its superior performance in terms of swelling and durability in wet conditions. The company believes the testing shows it is suitable for use in everything from cladding to bathrooms and outdoor play frames.

Michel Maes, global manager Panel Products, Accsys, said Medite Tricoya had the scope to “revolutionise” the way board panels could be used and created an opportunity for manufacturers to develop products that were “stable, durable and environmentally sound”.

Accsys, which initially raised £24 million through a listing on AIM in October 2005, which helped fund an acetylation plant in the Netherlands, is now looking to open a second commercial scale factory in China. It is also looking to license its patented technology to other manufacturers all over the world. However, the company, which was listed on Euronext in September 2007, has seen its share price hit by deteriorating trading conditions during the recession and a drop in hardwood prices.

Clegg, who joined the company last year, said the Medite joint venture offered an “exciting” new opportunity for the company. “This innovative product is based on the same acetylation process that creates Accoya wood, the world's leading high technology solid wood product,” he said. “We are very excited to unveil the first Medite Tricoya panel."