Wood Plastic Composites

Wood and Plastic Replacement Technology from Recycled Materials

A Brief History of Wood Plastic Composite products

Wood Plastic Composite products are a unique blend of specific virgin or recycled polymers combined with recycled or reclaimed wood flour (which is fine sawdust) these two components are then compounded together under controlled temperatures and conditions without the use of bonding agents and are then extruded into high quality boards for use in numerous industries.

In 2001 the total market in the USA & Canada for WPC products was estimated to be in excess of $350 million. Today it is estimated to be in excess of $2 billion, with worldwide estimations fast approaching $3 billion. Japan and Canada being the second and third largest markets respectively.

Current usage of waste feed stocks in the USA are estimated at 5 million cubic metres which equates to approx 2.5 million Tonnes of waste polymer and wood being removed from the waste stream and being recycled into high grade consumer and industrial products. In these markets the driving industry in WPC has been Decking and associated products.

This industry in Europe has been estimated by WRAP the UK Waste and Resources Action Programme to have the capability to surpass that of the USA within 10 years. This means that with the proper infrastructure and impetus from major players in industry this market could consume in excess of 5 million tonnes of Europe’s waste annually within 10 years.

These are not hypothetical volumes. These are based on a very real model of a thriving industry in the USA. Europe is following with the evolvement of more environmentally sound alternatives to manage a growing waste problem. The noose is constantly tightening on the issue of Recycle, Reclaim and Reuse of our waste material. This is no longer a potential outcome but an inevitable one.
The Applications most likely to emerge and achieve significant growth in the short to medium term are outdoor products (decking, fencing and garden/outdoor furniture) and doorframe and window profiles.