Toxic Legacy of the Vines: Why Australia's Wine Industry is Rethinking CCA

As the global wine market increasingly favours sustainability, Australia’s wine industry faces a growing environmental and regulatory dilemma: what to do about CCA-treated vineyard posts.

For decades, CCA (Copper Chrome Arsenate) treated timber has been the default choice for vineyard trellising thanks to its resistance to decay and pests. But that durability comes at a hidden cost — one that's proving incompatible with the future of clean, green viticulture.

A Hidden Hazard in Vineyards

Across Australia, thousands of tonnes of CCA-treated posts are nearing end-of-life, sparking a waste crisis in wine regions from the Barossa to Hunter Valley. Once removed, these chemically treated posts are classified as hazardous waste. They cannot be mulched, reused, or safely incinerated — and must be disposed of under costly, tightly regulated conditions.

More troubling still, research shows CCA chemicals can leach into soil and groundwater over time, posing ecological risks and undermining the organic certification of nearby operations. With organic wine production on the rise, many growers are now urgently seeking safer alternatives.

Postsaver +PLUS: A Chemical-Free, Cost-Smart Solution

Addressing this challenge head-on, Postsaver +PLUS Rot Protectors are emerging as the sustainable trellising solution for the next generation of growers. Engineered in the UK and now available to Australian vineyards, these patented barrier sleeves maximise the life of untreated posts, offering a guaranteed service life of 20 years — all without a drop of toxic preservative.

“We're seeing a real shift,” says Tony Young, Head of Sales for Postsaver. “Organic and sustainable growers are looking for ways to future-proof their operations. Postsaver +PLUS not only eliminates the environmental burden of CCA, it’s also a smart financial investment.”

Postsaver +PLUS uses a dual-layer sleeve — a tough polythene outer bonded to a bituminous inner liner — that protects the post at the ground line, where posts typically fail. This allows growers to use untreated or naturally durable wood without sacrificing lifespan, performance, or compliance.

Why It Matters for Australia’s Wine Industry

• No Hazardous Waste – Posts can be safely mulched or repurposed at end-of-life
• Perfect for Organic Certification – No arsenic, chromium, or restricted chemicals
• Substantial Guarantee – Even on untreated timber. Posts last longer, less waste, & higher ROI
• Easy Installation – No special equipment or training required

Driving a Cleaner Future in Viticulture

With consumers demanding transparency, and regulators tightening restrictions around chemical use and waste, the wine industry is at a turning point. Solutions like Postsaver +PLUS represent a critical step forward — allowing vineyards to uphold environmental integrity without compromising durability or cost-efficiency.

As pressure mounts to modernise vineyard infrastructure, the message is clear, sustainable alternatives like Postsaver +PLUS are not only viable — they’re vital.