CLEVELAND, OH -- 10/22/07 --
Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic
lumber is projected to advance 10 percent per year through 2011 to $5.5
billion. These alternative lumber materials are expected to continue to
penetrate the building materials market at a rapid pace, particularly in
decking applications. Both composite and plastic lumber benefit from their
performance characteristics, such as durability, weatherability, low
maintenance requirements and low life cycle cost. Demand for these
products will also be driven by increasing consumer and contractor
familiarity, a widening distribution network and product improvements that
enhance appearance. Ongoing interest in "green" building products will
bolster use of composite and plastic lumber made with recycled content.
These and other trends are presented in "Composite & Plastic Lumber," a new
study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market
research firm.
With respect to materials, wood-plastic composites will fare better than
pure plastics. Demand for wood-plastic composite lumber will grow 14
percent per year compared to a seven percent growth rate for plastic
lumber. Composite lumber growth will be fueled primarily by strong demand
for the material in decking, which is by far the largest application for
composite lumber. Rapid expansion in window and door applications, as well
as in smaller niche applications (e.g., porches, site and leisure
furniture, etc.), will also boost demand. Growth in demand for plastic
lumber will decelerate from the rate posted in the 2001 to 2006 period, a
result of direct competition from wood-plastic lumber. Significant
applications for plastic lumber include molding and trim, as well as
fencing and decking.
Among the major applications, windows and doors are anticipated to post the
fastest gains through 2011 (albeit from a small base). Decking applications
are projected to see strong gains, continuing to increase their relative
share of the composite and plastic lumber industry. By 2011, decking will
be the largest end use for these alternative building materials, accounting
for 43 percent of total demand. Molding and trim will remain a key market
for composite and plastic lumber, but will see below-average growth through
2011. Increasing market maturity in the plastic lumber segment will limit
growth, as will a weak new housing environment. Fencing applications will
see strong, although below-average, gains due to increasing maturity in the
plastic lumber segment.
Contact:
Corinne Gangloff
Email Contact
440-684-9600
