The WPA appoints new Flame Retardant Consultant and Chair of FR Committee

12 October 2023

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The Wood Protection Association (WPA) is pleased to announce that Dr Matthew Powell has been appointed to take responsibility for the Flame Retardant (FR) related activities conducted by the organisation

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Matthew will be taking the reins from Gordon Ewbank – who gave notice at the July WPA board meeting, of his intention to retire at the end of 2023. Gordon has served the WPA and the timber treatment industry for many years and we’d like to wish him all the best for his future retirement.

Over the next few weeks Gordon and Matthew will be working together for a smooth transition. Matthew is highly experienced in wood protection technology and his WPA management team colleagues are looking forward to working with him.

Matthew’s role will include the following:

• to act as Chair of the WPA FR Committee; 

• to prepare summary reports on FR matters for delivery to the WPA board of directors; 

• to keep Members of the WPA up to date with standards, regulations and any other matters that could affect the market for FR treated wood, products, and processes;

• to act as the spokesperson on FR treated wood and wood-based materials in internal and external communications and at WPA events;

• to continue to be part of the WPA Benchmark audit team.

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A brief CV 
In 2019, after 21 years as a formulation chemist at a leading timber treatment company, Matthew started his own consulting business (Prenwell Consulting). Over those years, his work included: EU Biocidal Products Regulation; extensive FR testing projects; and microemulsion and emulsion product developments. 

Matthew’s expertise lies in getting products to market – which involves intensive research and data collection - particularly fire test data, which stands him in good stead for his roles at the WPA.