MEDITE SMARTPLY in profile

MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state commercial forestry and forest products company. Based in Clonmel and Slieverue, near Waterford, MEDITE SMARTPLY produces a versatile and innovative range of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) building products.

Both the products that MEDITE SMARTPLY offers are made from sustainable timber grown in the forest of Ireland. MDF comprises 40% virgin pulpwood logs and 60% wood chips that are a by-product from the Irish sawmill sector, whilst OSB is produced from FSC-certified pine and spruce pulpwood logs. These products are among the lowest embodied carbon of any mainstream building materials available, supported by an independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

Quality and trust are at the heart of MEDITE SMARTPLY, exemplified by the fully CE-marked product range. All products manufactured are CE-marked before they leave the factories, which gives customers the clearest and simplest route to compliance. Product-specific characteristics covered by the CE Mark are found in the mandatory DOP for each product, which is available to download on the company’s website.

Sustainability and innovation

MEDITE SMARTPLY has an unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The timber used in its products is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Coillte forests are certified to both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC^®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC^®) standards of sustainable forest management, ensuring responsible forestry practices. 

For every tree Coillte harvests, three new trees are planted in its place, ensuring a continuous sustainable supply. Actively managed and certified forests can generate a triple ­benefit for climate by acting as a carbon sink, store and substitute. Coniferous trees, such as Sitka spruce, are excellent at combating climate change as they sink carbon dioxide from the atmosphere very quickly as they grow. 

The trees used to make MEDITE MDF and SMARTPLY OSB are fast-growing, small diameter, low-value pulpwood trees that are taken out of the forest as part of the thinning process which enables the forest to thrive. This significantly contributes to the reduction of the construction industry’s carbon footprint.

In addition to its sustainability credentials, MEDITE SMARTPLY is at the forefront of innovation, continually developing advanced wood panel solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Irish market. This combination of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology sets MEDITE SMARTPLY apart as a leader in the industry.

Ask for MEDITE – MDF Products

From its production and research plant in Clonmel, MEDITE offers a comprehensive range of MDF products designed to meet the diverse needs of users, specifiers, and designers. With a strong focus on research and development, MEDITE provides a variety of high-quality products and customer-led innovations. These advancements have improved key attributes such as finish quality, moisture resistance, and reaction to fire.

The production process at MEDITE ensures excellent machinability, providing splinter-free edges that are ideal for precise joinery, fitout and furniture applications. MEDITE MDF’s consistent, smooth surface allows easy paint and finish application, reducing imperfections and saving time and money.

MEDITE MDF is also known for its market-leading position on low formaldehyde emissions. Since 2010, all MEDITE products have been fully CARB2 compliant, as well as meeting the stringent European E1 standard for formaldehyde emissions, which is critical for environmentally sensitive applications. The forthcoming change to new European formaldehyde regulation E05 (half the emissions of E1), is already planned for and will be implemented prior to the commencement date.

Moisture-resistant MDF

Modern moisture-resistant MDF offers enhanced durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for various furniture and joinery applications.

Moisture-resistant MDF outlasts regular fibreboards in areas prone to ambient moisture, offering a longer lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. These panels allow for smooth, precise cuts, ensuring high-quality finishes. They also simplify the process, with one primed MDF option eliminating the need for sanding and priming, thereby streamlining projects and saving time.

MEDITE MR LITE is a lightweight, moisture-resistant MDF suitable for non-stressed applications like kitchen and bathroom furniture, skirting boards, and general interior joinery. MEDITE MR LITE can be used as a substitute for softwood in non-stressed applications and can be used in applications where light routing is adequate. For more demanding applications, the options below are recommended.

MEDITE MR PLUS is primed MDF designed for humid conditions and is perfect for furniture and general joinery. It features a UV-cured coating system, reducing the need for additional priming and sanding, and offers superior end-product quality.

Primed on both surfaces with an opaque UV-cured coating system, it provides a matt low gloss topcoat that is the perfect smooth base for further application of water or solvent-borne paint products by brush, roller or spraying equipment. This enables savings and reductions in the finished coating systems while maintaining superior end-product quality.

Top of the range is MEDITE OPTIMA which is a high-density MDF with an extra smooth surface, requiring less paint and offering significantly enhanced machinability and cost savings. It is ideal for creating high-quality, moisture-resistant furniture and joinery.

Designed for humid conditions, it is used as a substitute for softwoods and hardwoods in non-stressed applications such as kitchen furniture, bathroom furniture, architectural mouldings, window boards, flooring, and general interior joinery.

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME

MEDITE SMARTPLY continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, making it easier for customers to choose sustainable and responsible building materials. For example, the company’s flagship exterior wood panel, MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, offers a compelling alternative to traditional materials for non-structural durable applications, both indoors and outdoors. The combination of acetylated wood fibre with MEDITE’s advanced manufacturing technology enables its use in situations where standard MDF panels would not suffice, while still retaining the design, fixing, and machining flexibility of traditional MDF.

With the added benefits of sustainability, lightweight, and design flexibility, MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME opens up a whole new world of possibilities for designers and furniture makers.

A luxurious London home recently underwent a complete bathroom remodel using MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME and MEDITE MR MDF due to their exceptional water and moisture-resistant properties and versatile machinability. MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME was chosen for areas likely to come into contact with water, ensuring the longevity of the installation with its 50-year guarantee, even in humid or wet conditions.

David Murray, Head of Technical Affairs & Ireland Sales

Service support

MEDITE SMARTPLY has a team in Ireland dedicated to supporting users with expert product and technical assistance. Headed up by David Murray (087 248 3794), along with Devin Fallon, Technical Sales Manager – Southern Region (086 170 1188) and Jason McMullan, Technical Sales Manager – Northern Region (086 170 1195), the team are on hand to offer practical guidance and support.

MEDITE SMARTPLY is proud to be a founding member of IWIN, and wishes all businesses within the Irish Furniture, Joinery and Interiors industry continued success in the years to come. Many challenges lie ahead, nonetheless it’s a very exciting time for the industry!

Competition Time! Running until the end of April, MEDITE SMARTPLY is running a special promotion with a chance to win two tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, along with a luxury two-night stay in London. With additional weekly prizes, entrants simply need to submit their proof of MEDITE purchase via https://mdfosb.com/rewards.

www.mdfosb.com