The"natural"appeal of WPC

In recent years, thanks to the growing interest in circular economy and the emphasis on recycling, wood-plastic composites and other natural fiber plastic composites have become more widely used.

Wood plastic composites have been a drop-in replacement for wood in outdoor living and industrial spaces for some time, and are growing in popularity. Composite decking and cladding products offer the beauty of natural materials while simultaneously delivering significantly enhanced weather resistance and other properties. In recent years, with the increasing preference for materials with “natural” content, the use of wood or natural fiber composites is expanding from the construction field to many other applications.

This applies especially to products based on recycled materials. According to Austrian research institute WoodKPlus, the current market for wood-plastic composites, or to use the more general term natural fiber composites, shows great potential. Most research into the “natural” appeal of wood-plastic composites predicts a compound annual growth rate of over 10% in the next few years. "Main reasons for the growth include greater awareness of these materials and the use of more recyclable materials, as well as numerous bioeconomy strategies around the world," said the head of the Biobased Composites and Processes division.

In addition to their mechanical properties and durability, wood-plastic composites often require effective fire protection in indoor and public buildings. A company has developed a new environmentally friendly wood-plastic composite flame retardant. It is described as a halogen-free flame retardant system specifically designed for natural fiber reinforced plastics and is said to meet high requirements in terms of fire performance.