I4F Introduces AquaProtect, Water-Resistance for Laminate

Hamont, Belgium, October 11, 2022-I4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, announced the introduction of AquaProtect, a patented technology developed by its IP partner Classen.

AquaProtect is a high-precision, resource-saving impregnation technology that protects laminate-core HDF boards from water surface swell by up to 75%, thus increasing dramatically their overall water-resistance. Laminate treated with AquaProtect meets all recognized international laminate water-resistance standards and tests, including NALFA and ISO 4760. AquaProtect is exclusively available via an I4F license and is the company’s latest addition to its highly advanced process technologies for flooring manufacturers.

AquaProtect is a unique proposition as for a relatively low investment enables laminate manufacturers to significantly upgrade their offering by transforming standard laminate-core HDF boards into highly water-resistant products. AquaProtect also saves on core materials as it allows for the use of standard HDF boards to obtain the same moisture-resistance performance as HDF with a 20% higher resin content.

The AquaProtect technology is fully compatible with existing laminate manufacturing lines, therefore, requiring relatively low investments to introduce it into production. Unlike other impregnation systems, AquaProtect technology uses a high-precision spray system that applies the hydrophobic impregnation agent exactly where it’s needed, avoiding unnecessary overspray. AquaProtect seals the joint edges of both V-grooved and non-V-Grooved laminate panels.

The impregnation agent’s unique formula is supplied by Riepe, a company that delivers spraying solutions for the woodworking industry, and is exclusively available for AquaProtect licensees.

Listen to our latest FloorDaily interview with I4F CEO John Rietveldt.