Following feedback from Premier Forest customers, the unique plywood has been developed using groundbreaking technology pioneered by leading European manufacturer, Paged. DryGuard FR is the world’s only plywood that combines advanced water and fire protection, and it’s exclusive to Premier Forest.

Building on the success of Premier Forest’s first DryGuard water resistant plywood product launch in 2021, this fire-retardant upgrade is durable and safe, with low formaldehyde and VOC emissions; it has a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

For use in roofs, floors and walls, the plywood is treated with a REACH compliant hydrophobic coating to reduce rainwater absorption, while still allowing the building to breathe, preventing damp and mould and creating safer health conditions. By repelling water, DryGuard FR retains its structural integrity so the risk of remedial work is reduced, saving contractors time, money and effort. In addition, there is no need to cover the plywood during build, again increasing efficiency on site.

Robust and versatile, the applications for DryGuard FR in the built environment are broad and varied, including commercial, residential, education, leisure and public sector buildings, airports, train stations and even server rooms.

DryGuard FR has been rigorously tested and is compliant with the relevant EN standards, is CE2+ certified and FSC® certified (FSC®-C020012).

James Pickford, Commercial Director (Panel Products) at Premier Forest Products, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch this world-exclusive product that I am confident will be revolutionary in the timber industry. DryGuard FR will provide customers with the peace of mind of fire retardancy for their building, while increasing productivity and efficiency on site with an all-weather product.

“We’ve listened to our customers and together with Paged, we’ve been able to create something one-of-a-kind to address their needs.”