Since 2012, OrganoWood-modified wood has been manufactured and marketed in Sweden.
In the Finnish market, the products have been available since 2014.
And now, following a distribution agreement in the UK, the products are available here.
The modified timber, available both as a decking and cladding, is billed as having both flame and rot protection as well as a water repellent technology.
It is marketing itself as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional “green” pressure treated decking timber, with its emphasis on a clear natural finish and environmentally friendly credentials.
In 2014 OrganoWood-modified wood won the Nordbygg gold medal for “the hottest building material” and the company’s wood protection systems were the first wood products in Sweden to be awarded the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation environmental labelling “Good Environmental Choice”.
The company says it has grown significantly in Finland, with 2016 being a record year with even greater volumes than before. The highest growth area currently is facade cladding.
As well as distribution agreements in the UK, Sweden and Finland, it also covers the Benelux countries as it embarks on expansion strategy.
Its three products are OrganoWood 01 Protection: Rot & Flame protection; OrganoWood 02 Super hydrophobic Dirt & Water repellent protection; and OrganoWood 03 Organic Wood Cleaner.
Fossilization process
OrganoWood’s patented technology has been developed and inspired by the natural fossilization process whereby organic materials such as wood are being transformed into fossils. During fossilization natural substances such as calcium or silicon compounds are penetrating into the wood fibres and transform them into stone.
The technology for modification of bio-fibres sees natural plant substances used as organic catalysts, with silicon compounds attached to the wood fibres, which mimic and accelerate the natural process of fossilization.
The fossilization occurs primarily on the surface of the wood encapsulating the wood fibres and making them, OrganoWood says, inaccessible for rot fungus.
“Hence, the fungi do not die as in the case of using traditional wood preservatives containing biocides,” it said.
“Instead, a new physical barrier is created rendering it impossible for fungi to eat the fibres. As fossils (silicon) are also noncombustible, effective flame retardant properties are also achieved with this treatment.”
The company says timber and wood which have been treated with OrganoWood will show no major change in colour but may show a slightly deeper shade and a certain glow. However, some types of wood may show an alteration of colour more than others resulting in a slightly darker shade.
OrganoWood cites test results including EN 113 carried out by SP – Technical Research Institute of Sweden in Borås on OrganoWood-modified pine wood to give natural durability class 1 according to EN 350-1.
UK expansion
“After developing a strong reputation in the Nordic countries, OrganoWood is the latest name to hit the wood treatment market in the UK,” said Michael Nicholls, sales manager at OrganoWood UK.
He said after launching here in autumn last year, OrganoWood had quickly made a name for itself.
“OrganoWood is already supported by many timber merchants across the country, including Millworks Ltd, and continues to see its support expanding.
“It is for use on all exterior wood, including decking, cladding, fences and garden furniture. OrganoWood products are a low cost, sustainable alternative to chemical treatment.”
OrganoWood UK has uploaded several videos to YouTube showing tests of the product against fire and water.
