8 February 2012

Tenon Limited has appointed The Empire Company, a wholly-owned US-based subsidiary, as exclusive distribution partner for the Eastman Chemical Company’s new Perennial Wood decking product into Lowe’s stores.

Perennial Wood is real wood that has been modified to resist changes from moisture, such as shrinking, swelling and movement. This involves the use of a patented process that provides a physical barrier throughout the wood. 

Eastman claims Perennial Wood has all the beauty of real wood, but is three times more stable. This means less of the shrinking and swelling that causes cracking, cupping and warping.  Perennial Wood is warranted for 25 years to protect against rot, decay and movement.

Perennial Wood decking is the first commercial application of the technology. Tony Johnston, Tenon’s Chief Operating Officer, believes the decking will be well-received by the $4 billion North American decking and railing market. He predicts that other outdoor applications will be equally well received in the future.

"We are very excited to be associated with the introduction of this new product platform, and we will be doing our part to ensure its success in the marketplace.”

Eastman is a Fortune 500 company with more than 80 years of history in acetylating wood pulp. In 2010, 13 percent of Eastman’s total revenues were derived from sales of raw materials to the building and construction industry.

Source: Tenon media release