Akzo Nobel Endorsement

Accsys Technologies PLC 03 November 2005 3 November 2005 AIM: AXS Ground-breaking research sets new standard for wood maintenance as Accoya gets the thumbs up from Akzo Nobel. Accsys Technologies PLC ('Accsys' or 'the Company') reports that Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings' subsidiary, Sikkens Joinery (Netherlands), has announced ground-breaking results of a 10 year collaborative research programme which shows that Accoya, the 'new wood species' developed by Accsys' wholly owned subsidiary, Titan Wood, can last ten years or longer without the need for repainting. The development of extended maintenance-free periods will contribute significantly to the protection of rainforests by offering a highly durable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to tropical hardwoods. The joint initiative between Titan Wood BV (www.titanwood.com) and Sikkens Joinery, a leading provider of high quality paint systems, shows that Accoya could set new standards for the wood industry by significantly reducing the cost and therefore the environmental impact of maintaining products such as windows, doors and cladding. Accoya is made using a process which effectively converts softwoods and non-durable hardwoods into an environmentally compatible 'new wood species'. Accoya's exceptional performance is achieved solely by increasing the presence of 'acetyl' in the wood - this molecule is naturally present in every wood species, meaning that Accoya is completely non-toxic. Accoya is distinguished by its durability, stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, its reliability. With performance attributes similar to or better than the best tropical hardwoods and superior to many artificial material alternatives, Accoya is particularly suitable for outdoor use. Commenting on the research Edward Pratt, CEO of Accsys, said: 'Accoya(TM) is poised to fill a gap in a market that's looking for a high performance, reliable alternative to tropical hardwoods and other materials. The combination of Accoya and Sikkens' quality coatings makes Accoya(TM) even more attractive and we're extremely encouraged by these results.' Franck van Hooff, General Manager Sikkens Joinery Benelux, added: 'Accoya's development fits well with Sikkens' LongLifeTM concept of Joinery. In fact, customers are now asking us for maintenance-free periods of up to 10 years and the combination of Accoya and our coatings systems will make that possible for the first time. A further great advantage is that Accoya is produced from fast growing timbers from plantations, available in large quantities in Europe and other parts of the world. The felling of tropical timbers in rainforests to produce items such as highly durable window sills will become redundant as environmentally friendly alternatives like these become available. This fits very well into our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.' Accsys' Directors believe that wood acetylation will form the Company's focus in the short to medium term with the business plan forecasting strong growth in the next few years. Accsys operates a large-scale pilot plant in Arnhem, the Netherlands. This plant is presently being used to supply test material to customers and potential licensees across the world. A full scale plant currently under construction is scheduled to go into production in Summer 2006. ENDS For further information, please contact: Accsys Technologies PLC William Paterson-Brown, +44 (0) 20 7598 4040 Executive Chairman www.accsysplc.com Collins Stewart Limited Andrew Smith / Martin Eales +44 (0) 20 7523 8000 Parkgreen Communications Justine Howarth / Ana Ribeiro +44 (0) 20 7493 3713 Notes to Editors Accsys Technologies - Accsys owns the rights to a number of processes, including high temperature cracking and cellulose modification. These other proprietary technologies are the responsibility of its International Chemical Company (ICC) subsidiary. Accsys' core technologies have either existing patent protection or pending patent applications. Accsys is focusing its energies on the launch of its Titan Wood business: once this business has been established, the Directors intend to pursue other technologies within its portfolio. Sikkens Joinery (Netherlands) - Sikkens Joinery (Netherlands) is a subsidiary of Akzo Nobel and provides coating systems for the professional painter which bring innovation, technical excellence, premium quality and high performance to architects, specifiers and interior designers for new and maintenance applications. Wood Acetylation - Wood acetylation is a process which increases the amount of ' acetyl' molecules in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. The process protects wood from rot by making it 'inedible' to most micro-organisms and insects, without - unlike conventional treatments - making it toxic. It also greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking and ensuring that when painted it requires dramatically reduced maintenance. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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