Introduction

Plastic Wood Description

Wood plastic is a material that is composed of recycled polymeric materials, which are melted and cast in metal moulds to generate a variety of parts that are suitable for civil construction.

Wood-plastic composites were first seen in the USA during the 1960s, mainly in window and door frame applications. The industry’s idea at the time was to incorporate cheaper materials. The product gradually found its way into outdoor decking, fencing, railings, banisters, handrails and façade elements.

Waste that previously accumulated, causing environmental damage, is now recycled by companies that generate greater employment opportunities with this practice and guarantee new processes to “increase the utility of petroleum-derived polymers and create a 100% sustainable and durable product.

Plastic Wood – Substitute for Natural Wood

Sustainable material

Plastic wood is a material that contributes to environmental sustainability through the recycling of thousands of tons of plastics and other waste that were usually disposed of in areas that affect the ecosystem of living beings, however with the introduction of this technique in which waste and natural wood fibres are combined, what was previously considered waste has taken on a new value and has become a great ally of sustainable development, it is a 100% ecological and recyclable product.

The alternative to traditional wood

The pollution of plastics and other waste represents a problem for the environment, as well as the use of natural wood because the process used to obtain the final product involves a series of activities that are harmful to the environment such as the indiscriminate felling of trees, the process of converting wood from trees into functional wood, involves subjecting it to different types of toxic substances. This is why plastic wood is considered an alternative to natural wood because it uses tons of waste in its manufacturing process and contributes to environmental sustainability.

In terms of durability, versatility and flexibility, wood plastic not only mimics the physical properties of natural wood but also offers more advantages in that it is more durable, stronger and requires less maintenance compared to natural wood.

Manufacture of furniture with plastic wood

Applications in different construction projects

From furniture to civil construction projects are some of the applications in which the use of plastic wood stands out, that is, with the passage of time and the emergence of new trends both designers and consumers of this product have focused much of the use of this material in fence posts, flooring, pallets and dock boards taking into account its durability factor. In coastal areas, plastic wood is very popular because it does not corrode from sea salt and sun exposure, which is why it is often used in the manufacture of furniture so that it can be exposed to seawater, UV rays and retain its original shape.

Other applications in which the use of wood plastic has evolved are: Stakes for rural areas, prefabricated houses, footpaths, manhole covers, storage pallets and real estate elements as they can also be made from plastic wood and offer greater benefits.

Growing demand for recycled plastic furniture

The sustainability factor of wood-plastic

The trend for the care and protection of the environment has caused the sustainability factor of wood plastic to boost the visibility of this material in many environments, whether civil or governmental. In this way, governmental institutions offer subsidies for projects whose main material is wood plastic, as it is a 100% ecological and recyclable material.

In this case, plastic wood is not only presented as a substitute for natural wood, but also as an ally against climate change, as thousands of tons of plastics are used in its production process.

Long-term usage trends and projections

New designs, high demand

The factors that make wood plastic a special material both for its application in construction projects and its role in contributing to environmental sustainability have caused this material to remain in a constant upward trend among designers and manufacturers of this product, in this way it is currently possible to find wood plastic in a variety of colors, sizes and with great flexibility to be used in different projects.

A growing market

The USA currently consumes about 85% of the world’s wood-plastic production, the application of this material is mainly focused on interior design and cladding. Wood plastic has also been very successful in several European Union countries and Asia being used mainly in urbanization projects, fences, posts, etc. By way of a market overview The global wood-plastic composites market is expected to grow by 5% during the forecast period. One of the main factors driving the market is the growing demand from the building and construction sector.

FAQ

• What materials does wood plastic consist of?

Wood plastic is composed of recycled polymeric materials, which are melted and cast in metal molds to generate a variety of parts that are suitable for civil construction.

• Where did wood plastic start to be used?

Wood-plastic composites were first seen in the United States during the 1960s, mainly in window and door frame applications.

• What is the most common method used in the manufacture of wood plastic?

The most commonly used method in the manufacture of wood plastic is the Extrusion process.

• What are the main applications of wood plastic?

One of the main applications of this type of material is in the coating of surfaces that are outdoors, being widely used in docks, terraces, and other surfaces near swimming pools or in recreation centers.

Conclusion

As society becomes more aware of the care and protection of the environment, the use of wood-plastic will continue to boom as it is a material that offers many benefits compared to other materials that are sometimes used in the same applications as wood-plastic. The sustainability factor is perhaps the main driver of the upward trend in wood-plastic, but its durable and weather-immune nature also plays a key role and makes wood-plastic the main choice for many people.