Wood Preservation 2009

Wood Preservation 2009 provided a unique two-three yearly update on new technologies, research, changing standards and key developments from Australasia, North America and Europe.

This technology update was long overdue. The Wood Preservation technology series was last held in September 2006. Developments, internationally and nationally, since the 2006 series have been substantial. Around 200 delegates attended the New Zealand and Australian events in 2006 and again in this latest series, in April 2009.

Wood Preservation 2009 was the fifth in a series of wood preservation programmes run for the industry in the past ten years. A series of practical workshops, focus group discussions and managed exhibitions maximized the opportunity delegates had to learn from key presenters, major product and service suppliers to the industry and other producers.

What did the 2009 series cover?

The two-day programme, Wood Preservation 2009, outlined developments in new preservative formulations and processes, advances in alternative products and the industry's response to increasing environmental issues and changes that are occurring now in production, distribution and retailing from North America, Europe and Asia.

As a consequence of new legislation and the growing “green consumerism”, the market for wood preservatives has changed dramatically. A wide range of new treatment formulations, application systems and alternative wood treatment technologies were profiled as part of the 2009 series.

As outlined by the technology providers, these are now being adopted by some of the more innovative wood treatment operations in both countries. Some of the trends and issues highlighted outside of Australasia were also thought to have a major bearing on the future operation of local companies in the next few years.

The more astute wood treatment operations are already working with researchers and wood preservative suppliers to be the “first cab off the rank”. Early adoption of new technology provides product and processing diversification, it in most cases compliments existing operations and provides the company with an early competitive advantage.

Who attended Wood Preservation 2009?

All major suppliers of treatment chemicals to Australasian treatment operations, the main product and service suppliers to the industry and key researchers from across the industry were involved in the 2009 series.

Wood Preservation 2009 was run at venues specifically selected to remove delegates from their day-to-day operational issues. As with previous technology updates, it provided delegates with a unique opportunity to meet with all those involved in timber treatment throughout Australasia.

Comments from the 2009 series

• Extremely well organised and punctual. Very professional feel about the whole event

• Well run by FIEA. Good selection of topics in particular new developments in the industry

• Very concise overview of all aspects of wood preservation

• The managed exhibitions were a great way to transfer information and knowledge - in both directions

• Excellent neutral venue/forum for industry to converge, present and network