Creosote is a well-established product used within the construction and agricultural industries. Used as a wood preservative and treatment to protect the material against mites, termites, fungi and other pests, it has been around for over 100 years.
However, new regulations have been introduced in Ireland from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). From the start of May 2023, the sale of timber treated with creosote will be banned, except for railway sleepers and telecommunication poles. Creosote-treated timber not sold by this date may be subject to destruction as hazardous waste or export outside of the EU.
Also, the DAFM specification for fencing was updated to reflect this; timber fencing posts must be treated and certified in accordance with IS436. What does this mean for agricultural fencing?
Is There A Replacement for Creosote?
Since the ban has come into place, the demand for agricultural fencing has significantly increased but with no replacement product lined up. Although new treatments are being created and tested, there is not enough to satisfy the market demands.
With Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) grants being distributed for horse fencing, a creosote replacement is essential. Horses will eat the timber as well as other pests, so a replacement for creosote is needed for this influx of equine fencing requirements.
What is the Best Creosote Replacement?
New treatments and oils are being processed, but it is taking time to understand how the manufacture of these and the chemicals will impact industrial emissions standards. This isn’t a quick turnaround and it could take over 6 months for the Environmental Protection Agency to approve them. Also, with new treatments comes new technologies which means wood treatment producers will have to adapt and possibly invest in new technologies.
Introducing De Sutter Naturally Densiforce® & Dura2
At Norton’s Fencing, we already supply the best creosote replacement in the form of Densiforce® and Dura2.
Densiforce® is an eco-friendly alternative to creosote posts, protecting softwood against wood rot while respecting the environment. The wood originates from a slower growing source which ultimately results in firmer wood. The controlled drying process and the impregnation to saturation development leads to 100% quality and over 20 years life expectancy for your softwood fence.
Dura2 has been a very popular alternative for creosote since the ban in France in 2019. It matches the look, ageing naturally over time, and performance of creosote-treated posts but is more sustainable. This is because of its long lifespan of over 20 years which means less replacements and a better carbon footprint. By using Tanalith® E wood preservative, it passes all relevant environmental, human health and animal health risk assessments, plus doesn’t have the strong odour that creosote has.
Are you interested in our replacements for creosote-treated posts for your equine fencing? Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.
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