New Yorkshire plant will reduce the need to cut down Amazon rain forests

The technology will decrease the global reliance on Amazon rain forests and will create durable window frames, cladding and decks from fast growing soft wood.

The firm will use a proprietary process to create a wood that is guaranteed to last outside for 50 years and for 25 years underwater.

Accsys said the process reduces the need to cut down established, tropical hard wood forests. Instead it will focus on fast growing soft wood, which will trap carbon dioxide.

Young trees, which capture more carbon dioxide than older trees, can then be replanted, creating a carbon neutral and durable product which is comparable with metals and plastics.

Construction of the Hull plant is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.

The firm said: "The world is moving away from plastics, concrete and chopping down areas such as the Amazon and Accsys offers an alternative."

Rob Harris, chief executive of Accsys, said: "Construction of the world’s first Tricoya production plant, in Hull, remains on track and has accelerated after the initial more severe lockdown.

"The erection of the acetylation tower structure was completed in October.

“Sustainability is not just a trend, it is a global imperative. Accsys – our people, our technology, and the products we create – has always had this at heart. We offer a more sustainable option for developing the built environment, with products grown from renewable sources that sequester carbon and lock it into a useful, recyclable and non-toxic building material."

Mr Harris said the group will grow the business in a sustainable way. He was speaking as the firm announced a strong rebound and rapid recovery following the significant impact from Covid-19 in April.

Improved profitability was driven by higher average selling prices. Underlying earnings rose 72 per cent to £4m in the six months to September 30.

Mr Harris said: “Accsys has delivered an excellent first half year, underpinned by continued strong demand for our products and supported by our operational agility which allowed us to adapt quickly in the face of the pandemic.

"Sales of our sustainable, high-performance Accoya and Tricoya wood products bounced back rapidly as the initial disruptions from lockdown measures eased, and as we adapted to better manage these challenges. We have built on this with continued good progression in our profitability."

He said that whilst Covid-19 continues to cause uncertainty more generally and there remains a consequent risk of further disruption, the second half of the financial year has started well without the disruption experienced during the first lockdown.

"Strong demand has continued, with record sales levels in October whilst production is being maintained at capacity levels," he added.

“Execution of our strategic growth plans progressed well during the period as we work to expand our production capacity to meet untapped global demand.

“Our IP and processes ensure that our products benefit from strong competitive advantages and are aligned to the global shift in consciousness towards sustainability. Looking ahead, we continue to see significant growth potential and opportunity for expansion."