Wood-Plastic Composites: Technologies and Global Markets

This BCC Research report gives a comprehensive study of all cellulosic-plastic combinations as well as plastics that are direct competitors in the drive to replace lumber in building and construction markets. These segments include wood-plastic composites, plastic lumber, cellulosic plastics and natural fiber composites.

Use this report to:

– Learn about the history, current status and forecast scenario for four major products: wood-plastic composites (WPCs), plastic lumber, cellulosic plastics and natural fiber composites.

– Receive market analysis by key resins such as polyethylene, PVC and polypropylene.

– Learn about the technical challenges inherent in producing WPCs.

– Receive profiles of key players in the industry.

Highlights

– The global market for wood-plastic composites (WPCs), cellulosic plastics, plastic lumber and natural fiber composites was valued at 2.8 million metric tons in 2013. This market is expected to increase from nearly 3.1 million metric tons in 2014 to 5.6 million metric tons in 2019, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% for the five-year period, 2014 to 2019.

– The building products segment is expected to grow from about 2.2 million metric tons in 2014 to nearly 3.8 million metric tons in 2019, at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2014 to 2019.

– Applications in automotive markets are expected to increase from 0.5 million metric tons in 2014 to about 1.1 million metric tons in 2019, at a CAGR of 15% from 2014 to 2019.

Introduction

Reasons for doing the study

This report is an update of what was to our knowledge the first comprehensive global report that examined all cellulosic-plastic combinations as well as plastics that are direct competitors in the drive to replace lumber in building and construction markets. These segments include wood-plastic composites, plastic lumber, cellulosic plastics and natural fiber composites. The update of that report is timely because of environmental pressures to reduce use of timber and eliminate use of toxic chemicals that preserve timber. It’s also timely because of a separate environmental initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased use of renewable resources as replacements for plastics based on petrochemicals. This is a particularly important factor in the automotive market in Europe, Japan and the United States. A third reason for doing the study is the enormous impact that infrastructure improvements in China will have on demand for innovative materials, such as wood-plastic composites.

Scope of the study

This study covers the history, current status and forecast scenario for four major products: wood-plastic composites (WPCs), plastic lumber, cellulosic plastics and natural fiber composites. Their four major applications are: building products, automotive, infrastructure and other consumer/industrial products. The building products segment is further analyzed by its major components, as related to these products, namely decking; fencing/windows and doors; and other. In addition, the study further segments these markets by key resins such as polyethylene, PVC and polypropylene within each application and whether these resins are being used as plastic lumber or WPCs.

Other critical issues included in detail are technologies, production (e.g., compounding, injection molding, extrusion), use of additives (colorants, lubricants, coupling agents and UV stabilizers), requisite properties required for each application, costs and pricing, marketing, competitive company strategies, distribution, product standards and testing, and the claims and counter-claims of companies producing these products.

Methodology and information sources

Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this study. Extensive searches were made of the literature, including most of the leading trade publications, as well as technical and government documents and information from trade associations. Additional information was gleaned from interviews with many of the leading participants in these four market areas.