WPC & Plastic Lumber

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Wood-Plastic Composite

This study examines the US market for two types of materials serving as alternatives to wood in construction: composites of cellulose fiber and plastic – referred to in the study as “wood-plastic composite (WPC) lumber” – and plastic resins – referred to as “plastic lumber”. Both materials are manufactured using techniques – primarily extrusion but also injection moulding – common to the plastics industry.

Historical data are provided for 2009, 2014, and 2019 with forecasts for 2024 and 2029. Data are provided in dollar value, linear feet, and pounds, and are segmented by material (cellulose, PVC, polyethylene, polyurethane, and other resins), region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West), market (new and improvement and repair residential, commercial, and nonbuilding construction, and agriculture), and application. Applications encompass:

  • decking
  • moulding and trim
  • fencing
  • landscaping and outdoor products
  • windows and doors
  • other applications such as railroad ties; seawalls, pilings, and other marine uses; hot tubs and spa cabinets; backings for luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring; and miscellaneous uses such as roofing and structural lumber

This study does not address applications for plastic lumber in which plastics (primarily vinyl) are not in competition with wood or in which they have already attained substantial market share. Applications falling under these categories include plastic siding, extruded plastic windows and doors, plastic playground equipment not competing with traditional lumber, vinyl patio furniture, and vinyl flooring. Cellulose-resin products, such as plywood, strawboard, and oriented strand board, are also excluded from demand considerations for WPC lumber.

Demand for WPC and plastic lumber is also segmented by the following US geographic regions:

  • Northeast
  • Midwest
  • South
  • West

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