Primary goal

Preservative treated timber is an increasingly important segment of the timber industry. There are over 115 Australian treating plants registered with the Timber Preservers Association of Australia plus many international plants supplying the building market. While AS/NZS1604 specifies a quality assurance program, there is no system for ensuring that material meets these standards.

A limited survey of H3 treated LOSP Azole timber in the Brisbane area found that 40% of the product was not properly treated suggesting the need for developing some simple systems to ensure that treated timber is fit for purpose regardless of its origins.

This problem will not be solved overnight, but UniSC would work collaboratively with the Timber Preservers' Association Australia Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, Australian Forest Products Association and other industrial partners under the direction of DAF scientists to identify pathways for treaters with limited resources to institute some quality assurance program. It would build upon the xrf work as well as explore modified sampling procedures such as increment coring that would allow for less destructive assessments.

Key benefit

• System would ensure a level playing field for all treated products and help maintain consumer confidence in the products.

Progress

This project commenced in 2022 and will conclude in 2026.

Sustainable Development Goals

This project works towards these UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production