UNITED KINGDOM – Premier Forest Products has launched DryGuard FR, the world’s first plywood that combines both fire-retardant and water-resistant properties.

Developed in partnership with European manufacturer Paged, this innovative product offers unparalleled protection and is exclusive to Premier Forest.

Building on the success of Premier Forest’s 2021 DryGuard water-resistant plywood, the new fire-retardant version is durable, with low formaldehyde and VOC emissions, and holds a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

Ideal for roofs, floors, and walls, DryGuard FR features a REACH-compliant hydrophobic coating that reduces rainwater absorption while allowing buildings to breathe, preventing damp and mould. Its water-repellent qualities preserve structural integrity, reducing the need for remedial work and increasing on-site efficiency by eliminating the need for plywood covers during construction.

DryGuard FR is suitable for a variety of sectors, including commercial, residential, educational, leisure, and public buildings, as well as airports, train stations, and server rooms.

The product is CE2+ certified, FSC® certified (FSC®-C020012), and meets all relevant EN standards.

James Pickford, Commercial Director (Panel Products) at Premier Forest Products, commented, “We’re proud to launch this world-exclusive product. DryGuard FR provides fire safety and increases on-site productivity with an all-weather solution, meeting our customers’ needs.”