An innovative line of sustainable and environmentally-friendly wood products
is the basis of a new joint venture, EverTech
L.L.C., launched this month by MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals and Chemco
Inc. EverTech will manufacture and market Alowood, a new line of wood products
based on the company's proprietary process for wood hardening. The new products
will offer a consistent appearance, milling performance and hardness competitive
with rain forest hardwoods, without the associated environmental impact.
EverTech offers customers an attractive, cost-effective, environmentally-sound
alternative to domestic and exotic hardwoods like walnut, rosewood and ebony.
The Alowood product line, featuring EverTech’s Everdex technology, is made
from plantation-grown sustainable softwoods, which are hardened to achieve the
physical and aesthetic characteristics of traditional and tropical hardwoods.
This combination of attributes provides a naturally-enhanced wood option for
consumers, building contractors and architectural designers. Initial markets
include wood flooring and other interior applications, such as furniture, cabinetry,
molding and doors. Exterior applications, including decking, are under development.
EverTech is a 50/50 venture between Chemco of Ferndale, Washington (which developed
the patented Everdex technology in 2005 and has already launched the initial
marketing phase of the Alowood line), and established global market leader MeadWestvaco
Specialty Chemicals, headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.
"We are excited about the future of EverTech," said Chemco President
John Gibb. "MeadWestvaco’s partnership strengthens our position with
a product we believe is poised to revolutionize the way the world looks at hard
wood. Our global market reach is broadened, our wood technology expanded and
our manufacturing capabilities enhanced. Our innovative approach to the market
vertically aligns natural and sustainable raw materials, and our environmentally-friendly
technology, with key distribution and manufacturing partners worldwide."
"This partnership introduces an exciting new dimension to the wood products
marketplace," said MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals President Ben Ward.
"EverTech’s two parent companies bring a distinctive set of strengths
to this business. MeadWestvaco offers depth of knowledge and experience in wood
chemistry and the forest products industry while Chemco has proven success with
its established wood treatment business and its innovative all-natural Everdex
additive technology."
Posted 11th September 2006
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