In partnership with UK panel products distributor Altripan UK Ltd, plywood manufacturer LUMIN has announced that its LUMIN TRP is now available in more than 40 B&Q stores throughout the UK.
The TRP Tropical Replacement Panel (Plywood), is manufactured at LUMIN’s production facilities in Uruguay.
Under development for over a decade, LUMIN TRP is designed to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional tropical hardwood species.
LUMIN said Altripan UK was one of its valued distribution partners and had been part of the research and development journey that brought the TRP product to market.
Manufactured from 100% Eucalyptus Grandis grown on FSC-certified (FSC-C162602) plantations in Uruguay, the tropical replacement panel has enabled B&Q to expand its sustainable plywood sources.
B&Q is holding stock of 18mm LUMIN TRP (BB/CC) in 2440mm x 1220mm panels.
John Guerin, managing Director – Europe – for Lumin Forest Products Ltd, told TTJ that the TRP product had hit a sweet spot in the market and B&Q’s stocking of the product in 40 of its 300+ outlets was a big accolade and milestone in its development.
LUMIN announced plans to build a third plywood mill in February 2023, which would expand its group capacity to nearly 500,000m3. At the time of its announcement, LUMIN said capacity at the existing two mills was 304,000m3.
The US$136m development is expected to make Uruguay the second largest plywood producer in South America.
The third industrial plant in Uruguay, which is expected to create more than 300 jobs, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
