WOOD PRESERVATION 2009 provides a unique three-yearly update on new wood treatment technologies, research, changing standards and key developments from Australasia, North America, Europe and South Africa. This year it will run in Brisbane on 21-22 April after a similar program has been run for New Zealand companies in Rotorua on 15-16 April.
“The industry has been telling us that this update is long overdue,” said Brent Apthorp, Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) director.
“The last independent technology program like this ran in New Zealand and Australia back in September 2006. Developments, internationally and nationally, since then of course have been substantial.
“Feedback from the 2006 series and discussions with wood treatment producers has also highlighted the need to address key issues that will impact directly on local companies,” said Apthorp.
“Issues like product innovations with wood plastic substitutes in some of the more traditional markets for treated wood products, recycling options for treated timber, opportunities of using treated wood wastes for biofuel, replacement of chemical treatment processes with heat treatments and carbon sequestration through wood products will all be covered as part of the 2009 series.
“As well as local companies being bought up to speed with some of these new technologies, a unique opportunity exists for New Zealand and Australian wood treatment companies to look at diversifying their manufacturing and product mix – at a very early stage,” Apthorp said.