The use of wood-plastic composites is growing rapidly, as consumers experience their advantages over wood including low or no routine maintenance and no cracking, warping or splintering. Additive use is growing as wood-plastic composites penetrate new markets with more stringent performance requirements and as interest in long-term stability of composite products increases. While profile extrusion is used for the biggest portion of the market, in decking boards, injection moulding is finding a place as well. Foaming of both extruded and injection moulded parts is of growing interest.
Wood-plastic composites are formed from polymers and either wood fibres or natural materials, such as kenaf, hemp, jute, sisal, flax and rice hulls. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are the primary resins used in this market, although PVC use is growing due to its good weatherability, note industry experts. Wood-plastic composites are used primarily in building products such as decking, fencing, siding and decorative trim.