Traders have been encouraged to become involved in the supply of flexible and rigid wood fibre insulation boards to meet demand for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly construction.
Steico UK managing director Andy Moore told traders at a Plywood Club of London meeting that there was massive potential for the UK to follow the explosion of wood fibre product sales in Europe.
Mr Moore said the urgent need for new housing stock and refurbishment of existing properties, as well as incentives available and legislation/support given to all forms of insulation by the government meant there was a big opportunity for the products.
“There is a big opportunity for wood-based panel distributors to get involved in a new developing market,” he said. “Wood products should be sold by wood people, not just eco-specialists.”
“Distributors can think in terms of system sales and partner existing wood-based products sales. Creative thinking will develop even more areas of use.”
He emphasised the need for quality distribution channels to the construction and refurbishment markets.
Steico’s range of wood fibre products can be used between studs and rafters, rendered directly on exteriors, as roof sarking and on interior walls to improve the energy efficiency of existing properties. It also makes I-joists.
