A UK timber merchant has invented the world’s first fully fire-retardant and water-resistant plywood – and is claiming that the new product will be a game-changer for the global timber supply chain.
“We are incredibly proud to launch this world-exclusive product that I am confident will be revolutionary in the timber industry,” according to James Pickford, Commercial Director (Panel Products) at Premier Forest Products, who said the new DryGuard FR product “will provide customers with peace of mind over fire retardancy in buildings, (whilst) increasing productivity and efficiency on site with the all-weather product.”
Wood Central understands the new product builds on the success of Premier Forest’s first DryGuard water-resistant plywood product, launched in 2021, with the new product – durable and safe – having a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate.
To be used in roofs, floors, and walls, the plywood is treated with a REACH-compliant hydrophobic coating, reducing rainwater absorption and allowing the building to break, preventing dampness and mould, and creating safer conditions: “By repelling water, DryGuard FR retains its structural integrity so the risk of remedial work is reduced, saving contractors time, money and effort,” Premier Forest Products said in a media release. “In addition, there is no need to cover the plywood during build, again increasing efficiency on site.”
Focusing on bulk importation and distribution, Premier Forests has an extensive product range, ranging from panel products – including plywood, OSB, fireboard and chipboard – to softwoods, hardwoods, fencing materials, and sources of FSC-certified timber from within the United Kingdom, China, and Brazil.
