mcx The ULTIM8 Comparison Preparation + Opportunity = Success innov8 + crea8

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1 innov8 + crea8 The ULTIM8 Comparison

2 The ULTIM8 Offer! MCX International offers more than just another Composite Decking product. MCX has spent eight years studying the global Composite Decking market and it s major players, along with the history of composite decking globally. In addition we have spent more than six months travelling around the U.S.A. and Europe, visiting the major decking importers and distributors. MCX has also spent considerable time on the ground in many European countries and in the U.S.A. visiting their major retail stores, and talking with staff as well as customers in those stores, collecting data and discussing the main strengths and weaknesses of the leading decking brands. We believe doing this first before launching our product has enabled MCX to do away with many of the weaknesses and failures that wholesalers and retailers have unfortunately experienced using many leading composite decking brands, whether made in China or the U.S.A. Sylvio Hennequin has spent the last eight years developing and testing composite decking with the help of Chinese and Australian engineers, and university materials scientists and academics, all the while gaining further valuable experience in this field along the way. The MCX International methodology is one of looking at what is working successfully in the global and Australian market for market leaders such as Modwood, Ekodeck, Trex and Azek along with many other brands, what is not working, and ask ourselves what is missing, that if it were present would make the difference between an ordinary composite deck and having the ULTIM8 DECK? Our findings! Exterior wood-fibre composite decks and rails haven't lived up to some of the early claims of long, maintenance-free life. In fact, composite decks with high wood loadings can shrink, expand, stain, warp, split, and fade much like natural wood. Some can also grow mould and sprout mushrooms, be eroded by water, and eaten by termites. The level of lawsuits and bad publicity due to non-performance and over-exaggerated claims on issues such as Stain Resistance and Scratch Resistance along with products underperforming structurally in the long-term as advertised were important issues we felt we needed to address. In the U.S.A., all manufacturers and suppliers of decking have chosen to continue with the same method to try and fix the problems encountered, by using the same approach and technology that created the problems they face in the first place. MCX has developed a new and exciting formula to recreate the look and feel of natural hardwoods and also the repairable properties of natural hardwoods as well. We call it the ULTIM8 Bamboo Composite Deck.

3 There are some main companies that seem to have risen to the top of the pack and all offer very similar products, with the exception being the first generation product Ekodeck, which has a different look and formula. All have a product that shows good promise in a low maintenance and long lasting deck material. These newer products are called cap stock PVC composite decking. It is very similar to the older style composite with an additional layer of encapsulating plastic material. The core is still very similar to the old style decking and still very porous and ugly looking. This additional layer is a PVC like material that helps to seal the board and help to reduce wear and protects the surface from scratches and damage that can grow mould or otherwise be hard to clean. Each manufacturer offers different attributes, warranties and options in the product line. The real issue is that since these main ones are only capped on three sides, will the cap stock eventually tear away from the core? The capped stock sold in Australia is capped all four sides, but is a very thinly skinned cap. Once this skin is damaged, repair options can be very limited, as well as unsightly and undesirable. These products tend to fall between traditional composite lumber and PVC decking when it comes to price. Being a superior decking product to most products on the market, ULTIM8 Decks is priced to sit comfortably in the mid-price range to appeal to all aspects of the market, and to create the opportunity greater profit margin. ULTIM8 Bamboo Composite Deck (ULTIM8 Deck) has been carefully designed and engineered with all the following points in mind. Drawing on Sylvio s experience and knowledge gained as the person who created and successfully launched the Ekodeck brand and product through Bunnings, MCX has created a superior product, resolving all the issues he learnt from researching, creating, and selling composites throughout Australia. A completely new approach to formulation and finish has been undertaken to resolve the existing issues he discovered in composites, through direct co-operation with Monash University in Australia, and leading Chinese Universities. We have avoided using the same technology that caused the problems with composite decking in the global market, to solve the problem. Instead, we have started from a clean and fresh perspective to present a new and innovative approach, resulting in a deck that looks and feels very much like a tropical hardwood deck. ULTIM8 Deck is a result of keeping everything that is working and solving everthing that is not working in the composite decking industry. Giving natural timber deck lovers the very look and feel that they prefer, rather than a plastic, wood look-a-like surface. By creating a fully repairable surface rather than a surface that is harder to scratch but is in the end genuinely non-repairable, which the leading brands have chosen to do, MCX has provided a genuine solution to repairing scratches for the composite deck buyer. MCX has also solved the issue of mould and retention of structural integrity by creating a core that is homogenous and incredibly dense much like tropical and Australian hardwoods. Because it is almost impossible for moisture to penetrate the core, the likelihood of mould growth is negligible. This ensures the long-term structural integrity of the deck and therefore there is no need to use a cap stock as a bandaid to prevent mould growth. Our experience in Australia over the last 8 years has been that despite brands being sold into the market, like Trex and Timbertech as well as an Australian companies using the same technology as those in the U.S., the arrival of my first generation Ekodeck sold through Bunnings nationally has swept these aside, and still continues to grow every year in sales because of its natural look and feel, along with the structural durability of the product. I have sold that company, and now ULTIM8 is the new vehicle that will bring the next wave of natural looking and feeling composite decking to the world stage.

4 Composite Decks sold globally versus ULTIM8 Deck 1. Colour fade: Many leading regular composite decks are still facing class actions in U.S. courts because of the claim that their decks are fade resistant. After a few years many composites simply don't look like they did when they were installed. Colour fading and the necessity to clean with the harsh chemicals leaving the decking chalky and porous are amongst just some of the issues. ULTIM8 Decks are made using a very different formula to most composite decks. Because of it s UV resistant technology and uniform and very high density it does not suffer from the same issues that PVC capped decking is currently facing. 2. Mould: Numerous class action lawsuits have been initiated against several leading brands due to mould growth, some are now settled, whilst others are ongoing. Some brands have since come out with a version of their decking which is wrapped with a PVC coating (PVC Cap Stock) to address the mold issue, though, being new, time will tell if it is truly a viable solution. ULTIM8 Deck comes with a 20 year warranty, and is designed to deal with the mould problems in a very different way to most decking brands, by addressing the density of the core of the deck and ensuring that it is completely non-porous. This means even if it is partly buried in-ground or in a heavy moisture area, mould will not grow under the surface of the deck. Mould will grow on any surface given the right conditions. Any mould growth on the ULTIM8 Deck surface can simply be scrubbed off using a stiff bristle brush and Bi-Carbonate Soda and them simply washed off. Even if green algae has been growing on the surface for many years, ULTIM8 Deck can simply be renewed back to its original look and feel, through this simple method. The specialised formula and high density of ULTIM8 Deck means that mould cannot penetrate into the core and therefore will not grow and possibly cause structural failure. ULTIM8 Deck does not need a PVC cap-stock to solve the issue of mould because of its unique formula and design. The purpose of the PVC cap-stock is to protect the composite core from mould effects but if and once moisture enters the composite core of the PVC cap-stock products the results will be the same as before and more lawsuits will follow. ULTIM8 Deck has not followed this way as we believe using the same core that caused the problem in the first place and then wrapping it with PVC will not solve the issue long term.

5 3. Structural: Is Composite a Structural Material? Most are not and require special shorter spans for the joist, when building a frame. Many composite manufacturers advise to create a frame that has the joists about inches ( mm) apart, rather than the standard 17.5 inches (450mm), since the materials will tend to sag under their own weight. Also, when it comes to designing walls and screening, because most composites can t span more than a couple of feet without deflection, designing these elements has become very difficult. ULTIM8 Deck is tested by Monash University in Australia to structurally span up to 17.5 inches (450mm) from centre to centre without any problems. This means that old timber decks can be pulled up and replaced directly onto the existing frame using ULTIM8 Deck without any need for further additions of joists. Using less joists means less time and materials resulting in greater savings for customers. Less hassles for the installer means that he will more than likely recommend the use of the product. Deflection no longer needs to be the problem that it can be when using the ULTIM8 Deck. 4. High Temperature Performance: It is a little known fact that the structural strength of bamboo or wood plastic composite decking can be severely affected by temperatures over 40 Celsius. Such conditions can cause a reduction in the normal strength of composite decking by up to 50%, or greater if temperatures rise even higher. This should be a genuine cause for concern to any one with a deck, even they only experience such temperatures during summer. The summertime, where the deck typically sees the most use, is also the time where these thermal issues have the greatest adverse effect, possibly resulting in failure of the deck and injury. Currently in Australia there is no widespread awareness of the potential risks amongst engineers and deck designers. In the U.S.A. however, testing for thermal effect (the effect of heat and cold) on composite decking is required by the U.S. standards. This is why almost all composite decking sold in the U.S.A. is specified at shorter spans of around 12 inches (300mm) rather than the normal 16 inches (400mm). In Australia, the normal span is 17.5 inches (450mm). All spans recommended by a manufacturer must perform effectively at all temperatures for that location, (not just average room temperature), otherwise the span must be adjusted to suit the worst possible scenario. ULTIM8 Deck is designed to maintain its structural integrity and performance in high temperatures up to 52 Celsius over extended periods of time. ULTIM8 Deck has been tested to perform to standards as required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) for flooring. Compliance to the normal timber decking standards is not sufficient to ensure the safety of users, as timber decking is not affected by temperature variations in the way that composite decking is. The BCA, which is building code law, requires that thermal effects (temperature effects) must be accounted for when designing a deck span. Compliance with regulations for you and your family s long-term safety is foremost in our thinking.

6 5. Look and feel: PVC Capped decking and other composites are great products but many still have that slight glossy plastic look. Whilst the printed grain pattern looks very much like wood, many customers and reviews comment that the actual surface still looks very much like plastic. ULTIM8 Deck is designed to have not only the look of tropical hardwood decks but also have a natural feel and texture of a tropical hardwood. ULTIM8 Deck feels great underfoot and just like natural wood to touch. No plastic looking gloss or shine but a natural wood-like look and feel. 6. Fixing: General Composite decking requires specialised clips and screw systems which add to the total cost, making the fixing more costly than regular timber decks. ULTIM8 Deck is designed to be easily used with any top fixing timber deck screw, or a Camo type of hidden screw fixing system which means it cost no more than a regular timber deck to fix down. No special tools or clips required means further savings means a more attractive offer to the customer and installer. 7. Moisture: Composite decking does not absorb water*. Moisture that gets trapped under the decking and on top of the wood joists would tend to stay there and keep the joist from drying properly. Wood that is not allowed to dry properly will be more susceptible to rot and decay. ULTIM8 Deck is designed to be easily used with standard pressure treated timber joists and bearers. The grooved underside is designed to allow the timber joists to air dry if moisture builds up under wet conditions. *Less than 1% after 24 hours immersion

7 8. Scratching: The surface of general composite deck boards can be scratched rather easily. Composite decking cannot generally be resurfaced. Some recommend the use a heat gun and a wire brush, but this is not a really good recommendation, as it is more likely to further damage the material and cause melted and uneven areas. Claims of superior scratch resistance by many leading brands are currently the subject of another class action being launched against these manufacturers. Whilst some may be harder to scratch, all decking will eventually be scratched and the real question is then what can be done after it is scratched? ULTIM8 Deck is designed to be hard wearing, but can be scratched just like regular hardwood timber decks. ULTIM8 Deck, unlike regular composite decks, can easily be repaired and restored by simply sanding in the direction of the grain with some rough sandpaper. The deck is quickly restored back to its original state. No need for oils, heat guns or wire brushes etc. 9. Stains: One of the most common complaints about composite decking is mould. Regular composite decking can grow mould, mildew and algae. Composite decking requires using special cleaning chemicals that will kill the mould and remove some of the finish. This will leave the decking more porous and susceptible to further mould growth. Virgin PVC products have been the focus of a class action suit in recent history. PVC materials may have a tendency to be stained by cooking oils, and tanning butter and can be affected by tanning lotion. Although PVC is harder to stain, once stained is very hard to remedy the situation. ULTIM8 Deck, much like wood and composites, will stain if oils, fats and wine, etc., are spilt onto it. This is where the comparison ends, because unlike wood, ULTIM8 Deck is not porous, therefore the stain will not penetrate, and any visible stains are merely sitting on the surface of the textured finish. ULTIM8 Deck requires only a scrub and wash with Bi-Carbonate Soda. Heavy and hard to remove stains can easily be sanded away if regular cleaning methods are not effective.

8 10. Cutting and Machining: PVC Cap Stock and general composite decks cannot be cut, drilled and routered like natural timber decks. Cut edges or ends can not generally be left exposed and edging or fascia is required to cover unsightly ends. This adds to the cost of the overall deck. ULTIM8 Deck can be cut, drilled, sawn, routered and shaped just like regular hardwood timber decking. Curves and cut out shapes are now possible, because of the wood-like appearance of the core. No ugly composite looking core, just a natural timber looking cut or shape, giving the deck the appearance of a natural hardwood timber deck. ULTIM8 Deck boards can be cut into thinner pieces whenever needed to fit a gap just like regular hardwood timber. 11. Warranty: ULTIM8 Deck comes with a standard manufacturers 20 year warranty, which covers manufacturing faults and defects. The fade warranty is a conditional warranty as all products will fade slightly after a few years. In some areas ULTIM8 Deck may fade up to 20 percent after 5 years depending on the climate and location. In the unlikely case of extreme fading, ULTIM8 Deck surfaces can be renewed by sanding and the original color can be restored just like regular hardwood timber decks. 12. Hot surface: Probably the top complaint about composite decking is that it tends to get very hot in direct sunlight. Some surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight all day may be too warm to walk on with bare feet. This will depend partly on the color of the material. Lighter colored decking will tend to reflex more of the heat, where darker colors will absorb the heat and tend to get hotter faster, reaching higher temperatures. PVC capstock will get much hotter than a timber deck due to it s pure plastic surface and slightly gloss finish. Like regular composite and hardwood timber decks, ULTIM8 Decks will get hot in the direct sunlight. The textured surface means it is less likely to be as hot as other PVC composite decks.

9 13. Maintenance Free: Due to over-exaggerated claims on the deck boards being Maintenance Free, several leading composite decking brands are in the middle of class action suits against them, or have had in the past 10 years. One cause is the deterioration and failure of boards, and the other is mould and fading. ULTIM8 Decks clearly makes realistic statements about it s deck boards. All outdoor decks will require a minimum level of maintenance regardless of how brilliant the deck performs. Dirt, stains, grime and mud, etc., will have to be cleaned off the product to maintain it s good looks. ULTIM8 Deck does not require any harsh chemicals or extensive cleaning regimes but rather a simple clean as you go routine as per our instructions. 14. Expansion & Contraction: Expansion had caused some boards to shear screws, and cause misalignment of joints. Plastics expand when you heat them, and contract when you cool them. Unless the temperature is the same as the date of installation there will be gaps and/or pressure distortion. ULTIM8 Deck does not suffer from excessive expansion and contraction of boards. Under normal situations, the maximum expansion or contraction is about 5mm over a 5.4 meter length. It can be installed using a 5mm gap in between boards, which is a similar gap to what an installer would use in a hardwood timber deck. 15. Termite and Insect Resistance: ULTIM8 Deck like most composites is termite resistant due to its extremely dense core and the high level of plastic and bamboo in it s composition. Insects naturally avoid it. 16. Testing: All testing is performed by certified third party testing labs and Monash University, Australia. All test results are supplied to and reviewed by Monash University for further consultation on how to continuously improve the overall product and maintain ongoing quality controls. 17. Composition: Some composites were made of recycled plastic/vinyl mixed with wood. In many cases the Pulp wood they use is made from high sugar species of wood, which are not known for outdoor durability such as pine, spruce and bark from these trees. Since wood absorbs moisture, then dispels it this creates a pocket within the vinyl that soaks up moisture every time it gets wet. Over time this produces black mould, like in an un-vented shower stall and it will never subside. Cleaners may make resolve the issue for a while, but it may come back and can be worse with each treatment. PVC composite decking that contain wood or pulp, may not always be sustainably sourced, which is another important aspect to consider. ULTIM8 Deck does not use any wood or wood by-products, and only uses highly sustainable FSC certified bamboo in it s manufacturing processes. Bamboo is universally known for its superior strength and properties. Bamboo is also one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, in some places growing up to one foot per day. We believe that ULTIM8 Deck s unique formula using only bamboo and HDPE, which is extremely safe compared to PVC, is a more safe and sustainable approach to solving the problems commonly associated with composite decking.

10 The ULTIM8 Checklist Overall ease of doing business Long term commitment to customers Willingness to meet needs Focus on product innovation Access to the company s management Commitment to environment Commitment to improving quality Informative product literature Extensive experience in the composite industry Information on product/industry trends Reliability of supply Company s ability to provide design/specification support services High level of product quality High level of quality service Competitive pricing Overall value received Attractive products Offer styles that fit with customers targeted market High product quality Product availability Has range of products to meet customers needs Products are easy to use Products are durable Environmentally-responsible Products are easy to maintain/repair Installation/technical support Informative and useful product literature Stand behind our products

11 MCX International: At a glance 30 Years experience in building and decorative materials From the creator of Ekodeck, Australia s Number 1 selling Composite deck Western understanding, business culture and efficiency Full private label and OEM program and services to meet all your needs Award-winning management and services Highly experienced in supplying and servicing global market leaders China based Australian management in co-operation with Chinese partners and shareholders China office staffed by MCX employees and management Western-trained staff that are fluent in English and Mandarin Mature global knowledge, understanding and experience Advanced, creative and innovative team of designers and developers Australian Design, Research, Development and Testing 3rd Party testing and certification by Australian Universities and Testing Labs Full control of all our factories Western Quality Control Systems, performed by western-trained and managed quality control staff Wish List design and development service. Give us your wish list and we will make it happen for you, from end to end No more Happy Surprises from buying or manufacturing in China!

12 Make your deck the ULTIM8 Deck MCX International Pty Ltd Ph: Australia: Suite 166/66 Kingsway Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia, 3150 China: Xiang Zhou Li., Jing Chang Blv, Wet Land, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, China