HANOVER MD, Jan., 24, 2008– In an exclusive partnership, Amorim Flooring, the world’s largest producer of Wicanders cork oak floors and BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, are proud to present the next generation in flooring products that unite both companies’ reputations for superior quality and innovation. Acrodur® is a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly binder that combines the latest engineering technology with natural materials. Wicanders flooring with Acrodur® is environmentally sustainable, healthy, and exceptionally well crafted.

Acrodur® is purely water based and contains no solvents such as the often-used phenol-formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde resins that give off emissions. The binder eliminates emissions without changing the superior technical performance of Wicanders’ product. It’s an innovative alternative to the usual reactive resins like formaldehyde and polyurethane.

IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) recently reclassified formaldehyde into the list of Group #1 Carcinogens; it was found that exposure for humans may lead to tumors in the upper respiratory tract. In keeping with their commitments to creating a healthy and prosperous environment for all those involved with their products, Amorim and BASF immediately began extensive research and development towards the creation of Wicanders’ flooring with Acrodur®.

For over a century, Amorim’s cork oak industry represents a unique balance between socioeconomic development and environmental protection. In their quest for perfection, the R&D team at Amorim is careful to utilize each and every piece of valuable cork oak– even cork dust– to its ultimate potential. Acrodur®, is created in keeping with the health, warmth, and sustainability of Wicanders classic cork oak flooring and is now available on all Wicanders products.

Wicanders cork oak flooring, now with Acrodur®, is created and sustained just as nature intended. For more information visit www.wicanders.com, or www.WicandersCorkOakBlog.com to discuss ideas, ask questions, and exchange information.