The novel, patented net technology  Storanet®   has  received  registration for commercialization in Germany. BASF can now provide the first non- liquid  technology  to  prevent  pest  problems  in  harvested  timber. Since it does not need to be applied with conventional spraying systems,  it  can  significantly  reduce  the  risk  of  exposure  for operators, as well as the environment, making the net a significant
improvement towards more sustainable forest protection.

Storanet®   is a high  performance  net  coated  with  an  insecticide, specifically  designed  for  covering  or  wrapping  timber  piles.  The fibers in the net are treated with an exclusive coating technology developed by BASF that controls the amount of insecticide available on the surface of the net. Due to this process, Storanet® uses eight times less active ingredient than conventional treatments, still achieving the same level of control. Furthermore, BASF’s solution can be used in some conservation areas, where spraying is highly restricted.

The Storanet® technology also offers economic benefits. It is quicker to apply and when reused as recommended, can reduce treatment costs by up to 70% compared to liquid insecticides. “With this pioneering approach, we are certainly changing the face of wood protection. The only products on the market to combat bark beetles are liquids and have to be sprayed. With Storanet®, we will help our customers save precious application time and achieve consistent, quality performance,” said Thomas Zühlke, Forestry Manager Europe BASF Crop Protection. The nets can be used at any level of pest pressure, weather conditions and type of forest situation  all  season  long.  Furthermore,  safe  and  easy  handling allows  application  without  special  training.  “The  nets  retain  their efficacy for six months, can be reused up to five times and can be disposed  of  in  an  environmentally  compatible  way,”  explained Zühlke.

BASF combines global expertise in impregnated net technology with decades of experience in the forestry business.  Storanet® is part of an innovative, new forest protection system to prevent damage from bark and wood nesting insects. In 2010, this net technology system won  an  innovation  award  from  the  Curatorium  for  Forestry  and Forest  Technology  in  Germany.  Since  then,  BASF  has  further developed its solution into  a  solid  and  innovative  technology for foresters. Storanet® is also registered in Switzerland and further registrations in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia and Sweden are expected later in the year. For more information about     the     product,     please     visit     our     forestry     website www.forestry.basf.eu