Demand for biocidal copper-based compounds is expected to rise 8.8 percent annually to $610 million in 2020, faster than the overall gains for other metal-based biocides.  The wood preservation market is the dominant outlet for copper-based compounds, expanding as a result of the continued growth in construction activity, which in turn will promote higher demand for treated wood products.  Growth will be additionally spurred by new rules regarding the use of biocides for ground-contact treated wood, requiring higher levels of preservatives overall.  Although growth is expected to be significantly faster than during the 2005 to 2015 period, further advances will be limited by competition from non-copper-based preservatives like borates. These and other trends are presented in Biocides Markets in the US, 12th Edition, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

As the wood preservation market accounts for nearly all of the demand for copper-based biocide compounds, trends in wood protection are the primary factors that influence product mix among copper compounds.  According to analyst Dan Debelius, “Until 2004, CCA accounted for the vast majority of copper compounds used in wood preservation.  However, consumer concerns pushed the wood treatment industry to withdraw it from residential applications.” 

ACQ became the most popular substitute for CCA immediately following the voluntary withdrawal.  However, demand for copper azole quickly surpassed that for ACQ and now dominates the wood preservation market due to its availability in a micronizable formulation.  Despite the scrutiny, CCA has maintained an appreciable share of the nonresidential market and is expected to experience moderate growth through the forecast period.