In September 2022, EU member states voted to restrict the authorised use of creosote further, with only railway sleepers and utility poles eligible for treatment.
This effectively bans its use with fence posts, a decision made in part due to the fact that suitable alternatives are now available. One that was referenced by the timber industry was Tanasote.
Designed to protect timber in harsh conditions, Tanasote is a modern hot oil-based copper preservative, said to protect all manner of timber for more than 40 years depending on conditions.
Since its launch in 2021, it has passed Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) authorisation in UC3 and UC4 for at least ten years and has passed all necessary environmental, human and animal health risk assessments.
Tanasote has been subjected to additional testing in high humidity and accelerated agricultural trials, as well as laboratory fungal studies and testing of its water-repellent properties.
Dr Stephen Uphill, technical lead for wood protection – Americas and Industrial at Arxada commented: “If wood is to be kept as a primary material of choice in important agriculture applications, the industry needs to be bold and adopt modern and innovative BPR-authorised alternatives.
“Future wood protection technologies should confidently deliver both high performance and a lower environmental impact than other materials, such as steel and concrete.
“Tanasote is an exciting and proven alternative that will meet these criteria. An innovative preservative system from our experienced development team, it is designed to meet the future needs of high-performance timber applications, such as those used in agriculture.”