NEW STRAWBOARD PANELLING TO SOLVE PLASTERBOARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM

Over 2000 people within the industry will have received a very unusual package in the post leading up to this year's Surface Design Show. Its not often you get an invite to a stand that looks like the envelope was carelessly stuffed in a farm yard but Invotek, the Poole based partitioning manufacturers, were immediately able to gain interest in their new straw based product. Branded as Invotek Strawboard, the new product is now being taken very seriously as it will offer a viable alternative to traditional plasterboard at a time when the industry faces an expensive, major problem with the disposal of gypsum-based waste due to its high sulphate content. Simon Coleman, Commercial Director at Invotek, says that the eco-friendly Strawboard will not only comply to the long term waste acceptance criteria, but provides a very adaptable alternative for plaster surfaces and partitioning: "Don't be fooled by the name - Strawboard is extremely tough through the use of natural resins yet has excellent insulating and acoustic qualities. It possesses much better fixing qualities for the attachment of fixtures and fittings such as shelving and radiators and can be coated with any surface to meet the requirements of the most inspired interior designers." Due to the manufacturing processes involved, Invotek admit that Strawboard will only be around £1.50 per square metre more expensive than the less versatile, weaker plasterboard that now faces disposal problems. "Strawboard offers a viable solution to what will be a long term problem that everyone in the industry will pay for in the end," said Simon. "Reaction to our initial marketing has been very positive and although it is early days, architects are considering strawboard for inclusion in a number of new build school projects where environmental sensitivities are a key concern within tough environments." Strawboard will be displayed at the Surface Design Show (Stand 35) alongside Invotek's wide range of partitioning that has advanced beyond recognition since the manufacturer, formerly Pooleline Systems, launched its first partitioning product in 1973. This will include Elements, a monoblock, fully relocatable timber frame system launched in November that offers a variety of finishes including Oak, Ash, Maple and Beech. More information available from www.invotek.co.uk