80 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS Let the Spruce Loose D
ata shows that timber and timber-based panels have become the fastest-growing categories in contemporary construction,
particularly in the offsite and modular niche. Whether it’s walls, floors or ceilings, recent, proprietary research we conducted showed these products are predicted to make up a massive proportion of the materials used in a market forecast to grow to £1.2bn by 2028. European-sourced plywood is particularly
popular, and demand is only set to increase as the use of MMC for commercial, residential, and public buildings becomes more prolific. However, as the last two years have shown, not all plywood is manufactured equal, with counterfeit, poor-quality or embargoed panel products flooding the market in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Indeed, accusations of sub-standard units have also been a recent sore point within the modular sector with a number of high-profile developments called out over their structural integrity. Both situations have seriously dented investor, trade, and customer confidence. Fortunately, these twin issues can be
addressed by working with responsible, ethical supply chain partners dedicated to the combined values of safety, security, and sustainability. UPM WISA is one such brand, and its WISA-Spruce Special, a catalyst for a global renaissance in plywood is set to support another for offsite construction. Sourced and made from responsibly managed, sustainable forests in Finland, WISA-Spruce Special is on a mission to set a new standard within the timber panels market. Its reputation as a high-spec, yet competitively priced product, is an instant mark of quality in any build in which it’s used. It’s looking to develop this further for the
Offsite sector, working in collaboration with James Latham to showcase its unique attributes and why we’re one of their key distributors in the UK and Ireland. So what makes WISA-Spruce Special so well-
suited to offsite construction? Let’s take a look… • Structurally robust, suitable for load- bearing applications
• Dimensionally consistent, providing all-important repeatability in an offsite
manufacturing process
• Possesses up-to-date EPDs and certification from globally recognised sustainable and responsible forest management certification schemes, supporting developers looking to achieve much-coveted certifications like LEED and BREEAM for projects.
•
Ultra-sustainable through use of WISA® BioBond adhesive; replacing 50% of standard glue’s fossil-based phenol with lignin, timber’s inherent bonding agent reduces the overall carbon footprint by approximately 10%, without compromising technical performance or visual appeal.
Offsite developers also need to know they can rely on there being healthy stock levels, especially for large-scale developments. Well, we’ve got you covered, with WISA-Spruce Special available nationwide throughout our 12 strategically-located depot, plus a direct-from-port option for bulk loads, and dedicated technical experts to advise on almost any requirement, regardless of scale and scope. And, with the ability to call off large
quantities at short notice, you’ll achieve the all-important peace of mind you can keep your lines running to deliver on short-lead demand increases. That’s not all, it’s also available from James
Latham in a Euroclass B FR variant, Wisa Spruce FR. As you can see, when you order WISA-Spruce Special through James Latham, you get the full package, from great product through to great customer service, wherever, whenever. At a time when the modular sector is facing
scrutiny regarding quality control issues, knowing you’re working with a panel that ticks all the compliance boxes provides essential peace of mind. Not only that, it will give clients, investors, shareholders, and occupants assurance you are dedicated to delivering safe, secure, and sustainable buildings. Ultimately, WISA-Spruce Special is a product
that adds value at every level, setting a new standard for sustainable plywood and supporting a new golden age of MMC.
marketing@lathams.co.uk www.lathamtimber.co.uk/products/panels/ plywood/softwood-plywood/wisa-spruce-special
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