i4F enters into exclusive licensing partnership with Hesse-Lignal for its POREGUARD technology

• i4F becomes exclusive licensor of patented POREGUARD technology worldwide
• POREGUARD delivers advanced deep-pore protection for all wood surfaces while retaining wood’s natural pore pattern
• Suitable for use on existing lacquering lines with little or no investment

TURNHOUT, BELGIUM – i4F®, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, today announced that it has signed a technology licensing partnership agreement with Hesse-Lignal for its POREGUARD technology. As a result of the agreement, and with immediate effect, i4F becomes the sole licensor of POREGUARD worldwide.

POREGUARD is a patented technology delivering advanced deep-pore coating suitable for all wood surfaces, including parquet, engineered wood, furniture, etc., and becomes the latest addition to i4F’s surface finishing technologies portfolio. POREGUARD’s uniqueness lies in its ability to reach and coat the pores of deep pored and brushed structured wood while keeping pores open. This provides deep pore protection while preserving the natural look and feel of wood structures. Moisture and dirt resistant, POREGUARD enables easy cleaning and upkeep as well as avoids discoloration and shiny, lacquered surfaces. The end result is beautiful, yet robust, natural looking wood surfaces at an attractive price.  Suitable for use with existing lacquering lines, the introduction of the technology into production incurs little, or no, investment. 

Founded in 1910, Hesse-Lignal develops and produces sustainable lacquers and stains for innovative interior surfaces worldwide. The company is based in Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and has 450 employees.  The company has a daily production capacity of up to 200 tons.

Jens Hesse, CEO of Hesse said, “Our company knows all about wood protection. We do this in the most sustainable way possible while keeping our eye firmly placed on the importance of maintaining a natural looking pore pattern. On the other hand, i4F knows all about patent protection and licensing so it’s the perfect match! Thanks to our agreement, our POREGUARD technology can be used by wood and engineered wood panel manufacturers all over the world.”

John Rietveldt, i4F’s CEO, adds “The natural beauty of wood remains a firm favourite with designers and consumers. This new partnership with Hesse Lignal, a pioneer in wood protection, means natural wood once again rises to the surface as a robust and beautiful option for flooring and furniture towards the mass market.”