Osmose UK has been tracking developments surrounding the future of CCA (chromated copper arsenic) timber treatment, which faces a ban in many sectors, with a view to helping its customers make informed decisions.

Most recently the European Commission proposed an extension to the list of permitted uses for arsenic treated wood – but it still says it may not be used for any purpose in residential areas, nor in marine situations or for agricultural purposes.

However, Osmose says the agricultural sector is likely to be the subject of some debate in the next round of consultations and the company will be working hard to get it moved to the permitted list in the final document.

In a bid to help timber treaters make informed decisions about CCA and the proposed changes, the company has developed a CD Rom presentation – ‘Timber Treatment at the Crossroads’ which is now available.

Osmose UK general manager Gordon Ewbank said: ‘Any major transition of this kind is a management challenge.’

&#8220Any major transition of this kind is a management challenge.”

Osmose UK general manager Gordon Ewbank

He says the company gained valuable experience with its Protim Clearchoice product range in the 1990s. Legislative changes then meant Osmose had to present the options and discuss business needs with customers to help them decide if they wished to switch from solvent to water based treatment products.

And, says Mr Ewbank, the current situation presents similar challenges.

‘We have had many face to face meetings with our customers’ senior management to discuss the issues raised by the pending European legislation and the parallel influence of shifting end user preferences.’