COVER STORY LONZA WOOD PROTECTION
Education and Evolution – the key focus for timber treatment
Vacsol™ 6118 can be used to treat timbers in Use Class 1, 2 and 3 (coated)
Andy Hodge from Lonza Wood Protection explores how innovation in timber protection technology, coupled with a deep rooted commitment to quality, is key to protecting the long-term reputation of timber.
T
hrough independent studies,
time we are embarking on our own education
known on the market as Vacsol™ 6118, the
parliamentary positioning and
programme, focusing upon the need for the
wood preservative has been designed to treat
fantastic industry campaigns,
timber treatment market to evolve and work
timbers in Use Class 1, 2 and 3 (coated). It
there is a growing awareness
with specifiers to help ensure that correctly
provides an effective ‘envelope’ of long-term
that using timber sourced
treated timber is the ‘go to’ construction
protection against fungal and insect attack
material of the future.
around general building timbers and joinery
from sustainable sources is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions across the construction sector. However, with a spotlight firmly on timber, education
components. A focus on whole-life carbon impact In the design of new products we invest in
With Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) authorisation, timber treated with Vacsol™
about timber protection technologies has
assessing the whole-life carbon impact of the
6118 is non-hazardous to human health,
never been so crucial.
timber treatment being developed, looking
animal health and to the environment, and
First and foremost the timber used in
beyond its performance characteristics to also
at end of life can be re-used or recycled. In
construction needs to be properly protected
consider how it is manufactured, transported
addition, whilst other low pressure wood
from the threat of decay and insect attack.
and industrially applied and whether it can be
preservatives are often transported as diluted
Without this, timber structures would be
reused or recycled at end of life.
solutions, Vacsol™ 6118 has been designed
replaced more frequently owing to decay. This means that everyone in the industry has a role to play, from the companies supplying the timber protection technology, through to specifiers correctly selecting timbers treated to the appropriate Use Class. Currently the Wood Protection Association (WPA) and the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) are engaging in a supply
With designing for the future in mind, it is key to evidence how treated timber can perform as well, if not better, as substitute materials and also how it has a lower environmental impact in end-use applications.
chain education programme that shines a spotlight on the specification and supply of treated timber products to the correct Use Class. At Lonza Wood Protection we fully
A good example of this approach is the
as an easy-to-use concentrate that can be
support this campaign as awareness of Use
launch of Vacsol™ Aqua 6118, a water-based
diluted on-site to meet individual business
Classes is crucial to protecting the long-term
low pressure wood preservative that is both
requirements, thus cutting the carbon
reputation of timber. However, at the same
metal free and VOC free. More commonly
footprint of transportation.
Timber Trader UK Magazine
Summer 2021
20
www.timbermedia.co.uk
@Timber_Media