The timber and wood treatment industries need to work together to meet the challenges of increasing regulation, the president of the British Wood Preserving & Damp-Proofing Association (BWPDA) says.
Mike Connell, speaking at the BWPDA annual convention in Derby on June 25, warned that if the industries fail to work together, then alternative material suppliers will “rub their hands with glee”.
He said: “There are voices within the timber industry who are using the current issues to question the need even for wood treatment at all. I totally refute this suggestion.”
Traditional methods of treating, including the use of CCA and creosote, he added, were being subjected to severe restrictions and in some cases total bans.
But Mr Connell said the industry should embrace new processes and technologies to ensure timber remains competitive with alternative materials, such as concrete.
He also used the convention to announce an organisational change, which will see the BWPDA split into two divisions – covering the remedial and pre-treatment sectors.
The move, intended to give the organisation more focus, is still being finalised but is likely to see ‘property care’ (remedial) and ‘timber protection’ (pre-treatment and coatings) divisions unveiled on January 1, 2003.
Members were also updated on the progress of alternatives to traditional treatments by Arch Timber Protection Ltd’s Simon Forster, including acetylation (chemical reaction), wood polymer impregnation and thermal processes.
Dr Alan Knight, head of social responsibility at B&Q‘s parent company Kingfisher plc, gave a DIY retailer’s view of handling the toxic chemicals debate, while Steve Young of S2 Communications Ltd gave members tips for handling the media.
