Protection technology helps make more of timber

"Make more from wood" is the rallying call that unifies the timber industry. However, realising its full potential also depends on realising the benefits of wood protection technology.

For many applications timber lacks the natural durability to perform. Fortunately, resistance to decay, insects and fire can be conferred by an appropriate industrial process. Selecting the appropriate process, however, can be complicated and the WPA is increasingly turned to for guidance. A 2012 edition of the WPA Manual of Industrial Wood Preservation now complements the Specification Manuals for Flame Retardants and Modified Wood published in 2011. These manuals set the standard for wood protection specification and practice and the information they contain is called up by a wide range of organisations such as NBS, NHBC and Highways Agency. A new publication for specifiers is to be launched next week.

Last autumn, the WPA Benchmark quality scheme was introduced to UK timber treaters. The scheme provides third-party verification that a product is fit for purpose in line with British Standard specifications. There are now 12 treaters with products certificated under this scheme and more in the pipeline. Products are typically pine, Douglas fir or larch but posts made from incised spruce have recently achieved certification - a landmark development. Feedback from treaters is encouraging. All say assessment by an independent expert has helped refine treatment effectiveness. Promotion of the scheme is seen as a real opportunity to restore buyer confidence. In the timber frame sector, the quality scheme for the application of flame retardants approved by UKTFA, WPA Benchmark FR Build is also operational.

Next year the Industrial Emissions Directive extends emissions compliance to include water-based treatment processes. The WPA is working with Defra to ensure that until a European Best Practice document is introduced, UK regulators follow WPA Code of Practice guidance.

A major supply chain project led by WPA is under way to develop the data that will ustify approval of creosote beyond 2018 when the current approval expires.