Rhodia to produce and sell Accoya across Europe

ACCSYS Technologies, the producer of high technology wood Accoya, has entered into a licence agreement with Rhodia Acetow, a unit of Solvay-Rhodia, the multinational chemicals and plastics conglomerate, for the production and sale of Accoya across Europe.

The licence grants Rhodia the exclusive right, for a 15-year period, to produce and sell Accoya to over 40 European countries, except the UK, Ireland and Benelux.

The agreement also allows the construction of multiple Accoya production plants in various locations. Accoya is a high performance acetylated wood product and the result of over 80 years of research and development, said a statement from Accsys Technologies.

It is distinguished by its exceptional stability, improved coatings life and Class 1 durability which means it’s guaranteed for 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground contact.

This non-toxic, environmentally friendly material, sourced from sustainable and FSC, PEFC or other regionally certified forests, is becoming a popular choice for architects, engineers and developers across the world, the statement added.

Paul Clegg, Accsys CEO, said: “It is a pleasure to be able to disclose the identity of our prospective licensee, Rhodia Acetow, with whom we have been working closely for some time. The outstanding qualities and benefits of Accoya wood have already been proven through its use in award-winning and unique projects.”

Gérard Collette, president of Rhodia Acetow, said: “The agreement will allow the company to build on its acetylation know-how in the field of cellulose acetate.

“While we will continue to develop our core businesses, cellulose acetate Rhodia Filter Tow and Acetol flakes, the Accoya technology fits perfectly with our strategy of product portfolio diversification,” he added.