Information About MicroPro® Micronized Copper Treated Wood
MicroPro Product Information
What are micronized copper wood preservatives?
Micronized copper wood preservatives are the latest generation wood preservative systems in which very small (sub-micron) particles of solid copper are suspended in a liquid carrier and pressure injected into wood, thereby eliminating the need to dissolve the copper as is done in traditional copper-based preservatives. The use of solid copper particles, rather than dissolved copper, results in a number of improved characteristics of the treated wood. These wood preservatives are designed for long-term performance in both indoor and outdoor applications. Comprehensive laboratory and extended field testing have confirmed the effectiveness of micronized copper preservatives in protecting wood against fungal decay and termite attack. The Osmose micronized copper preservative technology, marketed under the MicroPro® brand, is used extensively to treat wood for decks, fences, landscaping, and general construction uses. More than 5 billion board feet of MicroPro treated wood have been sold since the product was introduced in 2006. This is enough lumber to build more than 3 million household decks.
How is MicroPro different from other treated wood on the market?
Among other things, wood treated with micronized copper systems, such as MicroPro, has been shown to leach less copper and improves corrosion resistant properties to metal fasteners and hardware when compared to “soluble” copper wood preservatives. MicroPro treated wood is safe, grounded in sound science, and has an uncompromising track record of proven performance in the marketplace when used as recommended. According to the Forest Products Journal, the industry’s leading independent scientific publication, micronized copper preservatives perform as well as or better than soluble copper-based wood preservatives such as ACQ and copper azole in protecting wood from fungal decay and termite attack.
Is MicroPro durable and long lasting?
Yes. Comprehensive field testing and international wood science experts have confirmed the durability of MicroPro treated wood. Over six years of research, more than 1,000 test stakes reviewed, and 17 independent field tests all point to the same conclusion: micronized preservative technology protects wood against fungal decay and termite attack in both above-ground and ground-contact applications.
How much MicroPro-treated wood has been sold in the market?
Since the introduction of MicroPro treated wood, over 5 billion board feet of the product has been sold. This is enough wood to build more than 3 million decks or build a wood privacy fence that is 150,000 miles long. There are currently more than 10 million 4x4 MicroPro treated posts in service and performing. MicroPro treated wood is sold in over 4,000 U.S. home centers and lumberyards. Today, micronized copper treated wood products represent over 50 percent of the U.S. treated lumber market.
Does Osmose stand behind its products?
Since 1934, Osmose has produced quality, tested, reliable wood preservatives such as MicroPro. We stand behind our products and back them with industry-leading warranties. Osmose provides a Residential and Agricultural Limited Warranty on MicroPro treated wood products. A copy of the Osmose MicroPro Warranty is available at www.osmosewood.com.
MicroPro Technology Testing
What testing has been conducted on MicroPro treated wood products?
MicroPro treated wood products have been independently tested and evaluated in accordance with American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), the International Code Council (ICC), and other internationally recognized laboratory and field test procedures. In addition, the MicroPro wood preservative is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What do other wood science experts have to say about micronized copper preservatives?
Seventeen independent field tests have been conducted on micronized copper-treated test stakes, and they all point to the same conclusion: micronized copper preservative technology provides excellent protection against fungal decay and termite attack. Additionally, a comprehensive scientific study published in 2008 Forest Products Journal, our industry’s leading scientific publication, confirmed that micronized copper treated wood products excel in performance while minimizing environmental impact. More details on these studies are available at www.treatedwoodtruth.com.
Does MicroPro treated wood meet the U.S. Building Code requirements?
Yes. MicroPro treated wood products have received national evaluation service reports (ESR) from the International Code Council (ICC). This confirms that MicroPro treated wood products are building code compliant. MicroPro treated wood products are covered under ESR-1980 and ESR-2240 reports. These reports are available on the International Code Council website, www.icc-es.org.
MicroPro Treated Wood Process Environmental Benefits
Does Osmose have a certification that MicroPro is an environmentally preferable product?
MicroPro is the first treated wood process of its kind to receive the Environmentally Preferable Product Certification (EPP) from Scientific Certification Systems based on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA).
What have environmental experts said about MicroPro?
Chet Chaffee, a Vice President of Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) said, “SCS believes the two products we have assessed for Osmose (MicroPro MCQ and MicroPro MCA) are remarkable in that they represent some of the most significant impact reductions against a baseline product (ACQ) we have seen in over 20 years of conducting life cycle studies. SCS is able to document the fact that your new products provide an 85% reduction in environmental impacts across all life cycle environmental reporting categories.”
Specifically, what are the benefits of the MicroPro treated wood process on the environment?
MicroPro is the first treated wood process of its kind to receive the Environmentally Preferable Product Certification (EPP) from Scientific Certification Systems based on Life-Cycle Assessment. Scientific Certification Systems is an internationally recognized third-party certification company which develops environmental certification programs that allow producers to define a clear path for minimizing impacts on human health and the environment from their operations. The Osmose MicroPro technology Environmentally Preferable Product benefits include:
- The MicroPro treated wood process reduces total energy use by more than 80 percent and also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 20,000 tons.
- Wood products treated with the MicroPro process result in the release of 90 to 99 percent less copper in aquatic and terrestrial environments when compared to standard treated wood products. The very small amount released bonds readily to organic matter in the soil and becomes biologically inactive, thus effectively eliminating eco-toxic impacts.
- The MicroPro preservative formula and product transport reduces air emissions such as soot, volatile organic compound (VOC’s), and reduces impacts of acid rain, smog, and oceanic acidification.
