Tanasote®

Tanasote® is an oil-based copper wood preservative that has been developed for high performance, industrial timbers, such as railway sleepers and utility poles. A modern alternative to Creosote, Tanasote® has been specifically designed to minimise early failures whilst providing a long service life.

Based upon an innovative combination of organic biocides and copper in a mobile oil formulation, Tanasote® S40 has Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) authorisation across Europe. The oil-based wood preservative achieves a high penetration depth into the timbers, with excellent water repellent properties for improved stability in service.

A New Choice for High Performance Timbers

To demonstrate efficacy for extended service life in heavy duty applications we have invested in durability testing which goes beyond those required by EN standards. We have also engaged in a number of commercial trials across fencing, railway sleepers and utility poles.

Track TimbersTrack Timbers
Utility Poles Utility Poles
Agriculture FencingAgriculture Fencing

Why Tanasote®?

Performance Testing

To prove real world performance in the most demanding of environments, Tanasote® has been subject to additional testing in aggressive high humidity field test sites as well as laboratory fungal studies. Testing of water-repellent properties has also been undertaken.

More about testing

Assessing Environmental Impact

Investment in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of a product from cradle to grave is crucial when comparing wood products with alternatives. Looking specifically at utility poles, independent LCA results show that  Tanasote® treated wooden poles were the lowest impact pole type when compared against other materials. 

Find out more

BPR Authorised

Tanasote® S40 wood preservative is authorised for use across Europe. Across 22 countries, it has been granted the maximum 10 year authorisation (before re-authorisation) under Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), passing all necessary environmental, human and animal health risk assessments. It is the only oil-based wood preservative that has this authorisation.

The Key Features of Tanasote®

  • Depending on timber species treated, and end-use application, Tanasote® has been designed to deliver a service life of 40+ years.*   

  • Long-term performance is enhanced by mobility of oil within the timber.

  • The oil-based product achieves a high penetration depth into the timbers.

  • Tanasote® has a in-built water repellent which minimises splitting and checking.

  • It incorporates an innovative organic co-biocide that protects against a wide spectrum of aggressive decay fungi.

  • Tanasote® is BPR authorised for a minimum of 10 years before re-authorisation in 22 countries.

  • It is both NWPC NTR and FCBA CTB P+ approved.

  • The efficacy data for Tanasote® has been undertaken by BM TRADA, a reputable independent third-party assessor. To find out more, click here.

  • It is award winning – Tanasote® won the Innovation Award at the Wood Protection Association (WPA) Awards, 2021.

For more information on the above key fetaures, please contact our Technical team - timberprotectionadvice.ukca@arxada.com

*Depending on commodity, desired service life, timber species and application, service life requirements can vary. 

A Modern Alternative to Creosote

Creosote has a long history in successfully protecting high performance heavy duty timbers, such as railway track timbers and utility poles, against the threat of decay or insect attack. However, from a regulatory point of view, its safety and environmental credentials have been under severe review for quite some time, especially across Europe.

Tanasote® Timber Technology

Tanasote® Real World Performance

Agricultural Fencing Trial

Tim Bennett Farm Fencing contractors installed Tanasote® treated fencing in 2018. The case study page details the contractors’ thoughts on ease of installation, colour and performance to date.

View case study

Equestrian Fencing Trial

Tanasote® treated fencing has been installed in four UK locations as fencing for equestrian use, to determine whether horses would crib on the treated timber. Visit the case study page to read more.

View case study