The greenest supermarket yet!

Accoya wood, which uses Accys Technologies' patented acetylation technology, was used in the construction of the Waitrose flagship store in Bracknell. The store, which opened late last year, is the greenest Waitrose store to date. The 2322 m² store incorporates unique new sustainability features that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80%. The store also features natural refrigeration and is the first to trial innovative biodiversity features such as a living wall and a terrarium. 



Accoya wood was chosen for the timber cladding because the project is seeking to achieve BREEAM (British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification at the “outstanding” level. As a high-performance FSC-certified timber cladding product, Accoya wood will contribute to a higher BREEAM rating and will soften the design aesthetically. The tenant also required a 50-year warranty for the timber cladding; and Accoya wood, with its exceptional Class 1 durability, was the only wood that could deliver this.



The storefront was clad with vertical Accoya wood planks of varying widths, supplied by International Timber. A two-coat anthracite gray stain was applied with a 2-year coating warranty, another tenant requirement.



Accoya® wood manufactured by Accsys Technologies is the perfect choice for any demanding outdoor application, such as wood cladding. Accoya is a market-leading solution; its properties match or exceed those of the finest tropical hardwoods. It has been thoroughly tested for dimensional stability, durability, UV resistance, paint retention, and in-ground durability to ensure optimal performance.



Tom Robinson, the project architect for the Waitrose design, said: "The new store will make a significant contribution to the regeneration of the town centre, providing a state-of-the-art building and new jobs for local people. Waitrose remains committed to promoting a green agenda, whether through sustainable farming or sustainable construction. Our new store in Bracknell fully embraces this ethos; we're really proud of it."



Justin Peckham, UK Relationship Manager at Accsys Technologies, said, "We are proud to have partnered with Waitrose to promote the benefits of sustainable, environmentally friendly construction. Our sustainability philosophy is based on the belief that protecting the environment can lead to significant cost savings." Affordability goes beyond initial costs; lower maintenance costs and better performance must be considered. This stunning Accoya wood-clad store will last for many years and be an incredible resource for the people of Bracknell.”



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For press releases, high-resolution images or interview opportunities, contact Charlotte Fougères or Tom Niblett at Fuel PR on +44 (0) 20 7498 8211 / charlotte@fuelrefuel.com / tom@fuelrefuel.com



To access the Accsys Technologies Plc newsletter archive, log in to www.accsysplc.com/news.asp



Notes to Editors:



 Accsys Technologies PLC (www.accsysplc.comAccsys Technologies PLC is a company whose business focuses primarily on the production of Accoya® wood and the licensing of its technology through its subsidiary, Titan Wood Limited, whose production facility is located in Arnhem, the Netherlands, with its European office in London and its US office in Dallas, Texas. Accsys Technologies PLC is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange by Euronext NYSE, under the ticker symbol 'AXS'. Accsys's activities comprise three main units: (i) the Accoya® wood production facility; (ii) the technology development division, which focuses on a program of continuous improvements to process engineering and operational protocols for wood acetylation, currently under development, as well as the development of technology for the acetylation of wood components; and (iii) the licensing of the technology for the production of Accoya® wood and Tricoya® wood components worldwide.



Acetylation of wood is a process that increases the amount of 'acetyl' molecules in wood, thus changing its physical properties. The process protects the wood from rot by making it inedible to most microorganisms and fungi, without making it toxic—unlike conventional treatments. This process significantly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking, and dramatically reducing maintenance after staining.



Wood Accoya® (www.accoya.comAccoya® is produced using a patented process that efficiently converts sustainably sourced softwood and non-sustainable hardwood into what is aptly described as "high-tech wood." Distinguished by its wear resistance, dimensional stability, and perhaps most importantly, its reliability (in terms of both consistent supply and quality), Accoya® is particularly well-suited for outdoor applications where performance and appearance are valued. Unlike most tropical and European hardwoods, its color does not fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the Accoya® production process does not compromise the wood's rigidity or its workability. The combination of UV resistance, dimensional stability, wear resistance, and retained rigidity means that Accoya® wood offers a wealth of new opportunities for architects, designers, and engineers who set the standards. For shipbuilding applications, where weight is also critical, Accoya® wood provides shipbuilders, for the first time, with a wood that is strong, lightweight, and retains its natural beauty for much longer. To access the complete Accoya® news archive, log in to www.accoya.com/news.asp.